Amid rising concerns over growing rates of COVID-19 nationwide, a return to fully online learning may once again be a not-so-distant reality for many students. As we all remember from March, schooling in a completely virtual environment poses a number of unique challenges for students of all ages. From technical difficulties to increased distractions, engaging students in meaningful learning can quickly become a complex feat for both educators and parents. Luckily, the fundamental components of student achievement remain the same. No matter your student’s current level of performance, the 3 R’s, Retention, Relationships, and Responsibility, work to strengthen the core of what makes students successful learners, whether in the classroom or online.
Retention. Achieving top performance in any class boils down to an ability to recall and apply the most critical pieces of information. Yet, how can your student know which chunks of knowledge are most essential? Understanding how to filter information, analyze those key data points, and cultivate habits of building one’s retention of these core concepts is fundamental to improving not only grades, but comprehension. Online, students can bolster their retention efforts with free virtual learning tools like Khan Academy and Quizlet that work to supplement traditional classroom learning.
Relationships. Though uniquely challenging in an online environment, cultivating strong relationships with teachers, advisors, and other relevant school employees is essential to creating accountability for learning goals. Communicating one’s academic and personal aspirations proactively and regularly through emails, video conferencing, or phone calls can ensure your student’s learning and performance is aligned with their unique objectives. Don’t be afraid to encourage your child to reach out in this virtual environment to the key players in their success to work collaboratively in building a strong team to support their learning and future goals.
Responsibility. Encouraging students to understand themselves as responsible for what is taught can further develop their ability to succeed, no matter the means of instruction. Place the focus on students as learners, celebrating their natural inquiries and intellectual curiosity to bring about new motivation, focus, and drive to achieve academically and beyond. Shifting the onus to the student for engaging with the subject matter, coupled with strong study skills and support systems, can produce environments of continued growth, even in a virtual landscape.
No matter what, you and your child are the stewards of grades and performance, and tools and resources are available to make the most of even this most challenging time. Often, with the right mindset and study methodology, students find they are more capable than they realize when they know what to do. The 3 R’s can be a great place to start!