Teaching through the lens of Covid-19

By Paul Ellis, Cambridge University Press | Source

The Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly disrupted teaching and learning for many schools. However, what has become clear is that this disruption has been both negative and positive.

Teachers have had to adapt how they teach, such as delivering online or in split classes, but they have also learnt how to use digital tools.

Create Relevant Content

A few months ago, we invited one of our trainers, Dr Karen Angus-Cole from the University of Bath, to present a webinar that we called ‘Teaching Science through the Lens of Covid-19.’ In her webinar, Karen discussed why it could be beneficial to use Covid-19 in lessons:

• Firstly, it is relevant. Covid-19 directly relates to our students’ lives. It is something that is happening in the real world, it is current, and it makes learning immediately applicable.

• Secondly, it can provoke an emotional response from students which is likely to motivate them to want to know more, become familiar with the appropriate vocabulary, and learn how to debate the related issues.

• Thirdly, since all students will recognise and have experience of Covid-19, it is an inclusive topic. We all have some common understanding of what is happening and it impacts on all our lives.