Students stare blankly at the teacher while he/she explains a topic, and when asked an impromptu question, the former fails to respond. This is a classic example of students not focusing during ongoing classes.
Why does it occur? Is it because students are deliberately inattentive? Nine out of ten times, they are at the receiving end of criticism for not paying attention in class. However, the teaching method and classroom environment are key factors that impact a learner’s interest.
Therefore, innovative instructional methodologies such as hybrid learning have become imperative to improve student learning. But what are its benefits, and how does it contribute to classroom sessions, let us have a look:
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Elevated Student Engagement
One might argue that it is challenging to quantify teaching quality and effectiveness; however, we most certainly can detect its impact through students’ performance. Besides, traditional teaching and learning systems often prove detrimental when they add little to no value to education.
For instance, a teacher-centric method is the dominant approach in the conventional classroom setting, forcing students to follow whatever the teacher says. Although it is the primary and most commonly used mechanism, it promotes passive learning.
So, naturally, it is hardly surprising when students become overly reliant on teachers or their peers. This is where hybrid learning can make a significant difference; it encourages self-directed learning by allowing them to attend online lessons and learn at their own pace.
Furthermore, teachers can develop fun and interesting activities, including role-play, FAQ sessions and poling during the in-person classes. And for online classes, they can gamify the learning content or integrate game-like elements, elevating the learning experience.
Consequently, they will find students taking an active interest in classroom activities, which will also increase engagement. In effect, teachers can make learning a fun-filled experience.
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Flexible Learning Structure
Get up early, get dressed for school, have breakfast go to school, return from school and go to coaching or extra classes. This has been a typical routine for a student for the longest time; the only time that one deviates from the routine is due to sickness or other unforeseen events.
On the other hand, working professionals eager to continue their higher education cannot confine to any strict schedule due to their work. Also, being physically unwell and unanticipated occurrences are primary reasons learners fail to attend in-person classes.
However, such issues must not stop them from accessing quality education, so hybrid learning is the perfect solution for them. Learners can virtually attend the classes or learn from the materials available online.
Similarly, teachers can check the student’s progress with the learning tools that come with analytical mechanisms. As a result, automated monitoring of student performance and development is a continuous procedure.
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Improved Academic Performance
Varied learning capabilities and understanding levels are the reasons why students obtain knowledge distinctively. Meanwhile, we generally expect the entire class of learners to excel academically, which is not possible since most of their issues remain unresolved.
A typical classroom lesson rarely delves into exploring students’ problem areas; instead, the focus is on completing the chapter for the day. With the help of unique learning strategies, teachers can figure out individual problem areas.
The combination of virtual and traditional learning provides a way for teachers to determine students’ learning patterns and help overcome their shortcomings. On the other hand, students get the chance to engage with the course materials and learn on their own terms.
Whether online or in-person classes, they learn to participate and benefit from both approaches actively. Plus, depending on their requirement, they can focus on the topics that they find difficult and communicate with the teacher. Consequently, it improves their understanding and cognitive learning, boosting their academic performance.
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Personalised Learning
Teacher-centric pedagogy might be useful in some scenarios, but it does not mean it should be the sole method of facilitating education. Furthermore, the necessity for institutes to update their educational techniques is crucial.
Hence, the use of ed-tech tools and assistive technology is on par with the strategy of ensuring value-based education. And one of the crucial plans of action is to customize student learning based on the needs and demands of the learners.
In fact, during the hybrid classroom sessions, teachers can utilise the tool to figure out the learning gaps. For instance, they can conduct assessments such as Q and A sessions and quizzes to determine their knowledge level.
Consequently, they can implement personalised lessons by including respective material, multimedia content, slides, downloadable PDFs, etc. Besides, when students will engage with varied content, it will help them engage in cognitive learning.
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Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Some of us can still recall that one instance when a teacher asked us to answer a question, and we could not respond immediately out of sheer nervousness. Moreover, the fear of being ridiculed or laughed at is a recurrent feeling that many students feel during an ongoing class.
On top of that, imagine the dread that some of them feel when asked to participate in a group discussion. That is why a hybrid classroom setting can be a relief for such learners who have anxiety issues.
Plus, they might not be comfortable with face-to-face learning environments and excel in virtual settings; they get motivated to participate in online activities, leading to improved cognitive learning.
Final Thought
Hybrid learning is a cross between virtual and traditional (in-person) learning systems that ensures greater flexibility for students. Furthermore, it is a modern educational strategy that uses technology to its advantage to promote better learning habits and enhance learners’ experience.