During e-learning, students are faced with a world of distractions. Whether it’s the TV going in the background, the cell phone that’s buzzing on the desk, or family members who are home with them, it can be extremely difficult to concentrate. Not only that, but with the lack of variation that comes with experiencing every class through a computer screen, students are more likely to disengage with their learning.
According to an article in District Administration, the e-learning environment tends to prioritize safety over enthusiasm and will likely cause students’ focus to plummet. This is particularly concerning because many students already fell behind in the spring during the sudden shift online. If this pattern continues, it could be detrimental to student success. This leaves teachers and school leaders with the task of overcoming these challenges before it’s too late.
The District Administration article cites research by the Northwest Evaluation Association, authored by NWEA research scientist Chase Nordengren, that suggests goal setting as a solution to get students back on track during the pandemic. They developed five strategies to help educators accomplish this.
The NWEA’s research suggests that cohesive goal setting and planning offer a significant foundation for helping ease students out of the slump created by the pandemic. Academic planners provide an affordable and effective solution with monthly, weekly, or daily goal sections to help students track progress. While planners have historically encouraged successful habits and outcomes, they could very well prove critical in helping students work their way through the pandemic and into future academic success.