In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the educational landscape has undergone a profound transformation, presenting both unprecedented challenges and new opportunities for students and educators alike. As we mark over four years since the onset of this global crisis, we turned to our Stride tutors for valuable perspectives on the lingering challenges facing students in today’s ever-evolving learning environment.
Learning Loss Due to Pandemic Disruptions
“The level of education was reduced, and we are seeing the results of ‘virtual’ classrooms that really were not designed to be virtual.” – Colleen Kayl, High School Business Tutor
The pandemic forced a sudden shift to remote and hybrid learning models, which disrupted traditional educational structures and led to widespread learning loss. This massive change to our education system should not be underestimated, explains Paul Brunngraeber, a High School math tutor. “I think of the pandemic and learning loss much the same as Summer vacation and learning loss. So many students missed out on valuable months of education. We are now playing catchup.”
Learning loss has been enhanced by stark inequities in access to resources and support systems, said Gabe Jolivet, a High School foreign languages tutor. “Especially for students from underprivileged backgrounds, the shift to online learning has created difficulties with digital access, technology skill, and participation.”
The implications of learning loss during this time are profound, with lasting repercussions for students’ academic trajectories and future opportunities. “I think a lot has been done in the last couple of years to try and get kids caught up, but I think we will see the impacts of the pandemic on students’ learning, attention spans, etc. for several years to come,” said Allison Szatkiewicz, a Middle School English tutor.
Nonetheless, educators like Tangelica Crates, a Middle School English tutor, are hopeful that the future can be improved. “I have seen many students work hard and make great gains since COVID. We can’t go back in time and change what happened, but we can change how we respond to it today.”
Mental Health Impact on Learning
“The pandemic has resulted in a reduction of social maturation due to isolation.” – Randall Dunkin, High School Science Tutor
Beyond academic challenges, the lack of social interaction during the pandemic has had a major impact on student well-being, says Kathryn Houlihan, a Middle School math tutor. “The pandemic has taken a toll on students’ mental health, with increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression reported among many young people. Mental health challenges can impact students’ ability to concentrate, retain information, and engage effectively in learning activities.”
Many tutors cited increased stress, anxiety, and social isolation as hindering students’ ability to concentrate and engage effectively in learning. “The pandemic wildly affected students’ social skills in an aggressive way…they not only struggle to have conversations with adults or strangers, but also their peers,” said Ryn Burnett, a High School math tutor.
Aide Parker, a Middle School foreign languages tutor, observed that the consequences of social isolation persist today. “When students have to present or make a speech I see them get anxious. We see this a lot with kids not wanting to use video cameras in the tutoring room or mics; they prefer to chat. This has impacted how kids participate.”
Despite the significant challenges students face in navigating this new landscape, we must move forward together, says Tricia Sheridan, a Middle School English tutor. “The pandemic has been traumatic for all of humanity and we have experienced it together. Student’s learning and socialization have been impacted greatly because of this jarring event. We must be patient with ourselves and others, and remember that we’re in this together…we are continuing to build back up the balance that was tipped. It may look different, but to continue with optimism is the goal.”
Impact of Technology on Learning
“Students are more into their phones than ever before.” – Maria Avila Carvajal, Middle School Foreign Language Tutor
Technology played a central role in shaping the new educational landscape during the pandemic, offering unprecedented opportunities for learning and collaboration. However, such a heavy reliance on technology in education presents challenges.
“Because technology has become a significantly larger part of education, it makes everything faster, and kids get used to that,” said Shea Maize, High School foreign languages tutor. As the amount of technology students interact with on a daily basis grows both in and out of the classroom, it has had an impact on student expectations and attention spans.
Tara LoPresti, a High School science tutor, agrees. “They really do not take notes any more because the teachers give them the notes already completed, which I know really started during the pandemic. This tactic does not allow the student to write down notes or even put the notes in their own words. Students are so addicted to having everything given to them that many do not have the higher level thinking skills.”
Many tutors underscored the importance of promoting responsible technology use and critical thinking skills in the digital age. Doing this requires thoughtful integration and support to maximize technologies full potential for enhancing learning outcomes.
Resilience and Adaptability
“The pandemic has impacted students positively because of their increased ability to communicate with peers and teachers online. They feel more comfortable reaching out to teachers through email and self-advocating.” – Anna Knuth, High School Math Tutor
Amidst the upheaval caused by the pandemic, both students and educators grappled with profound challenges. “People, especially children, need stability and consistency. The pandemic took away stability and consistency in our lives and the classroom,” said Beth Jones, a High School math tutor.
However, when faced with adversity, students and educators have demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. “The pandemic showed students that they could learn at home and some students found that they actually learn better at home when they can make themselves a flexible schedule. Students found that without the distractions of a typical classroom, they can focus better,” said Laura Perez Speaks, a Middle School foreign languages tutor.
Ken Reed, a High School math tutor, has observed students adapting to this new environment. “I think students have learned to become more self-sufficient in their learning. By staying home they’ve learned to use different resources beyond the normal teaching from a teacher. They’ve become more resourceful.”
As we navigate the complexities of the digital age and post-pandemic challenges, it’s essential to adopt a holistic approach to education—one that prioritizes students’ well-being and academic growth. By leveraging insights from our online tutors and embracing innovation, we can chart a course towards a brighter future of education—one that empowers students to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
