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Statistics show chronic absenteeism increased by 29% during the pandemic. Nearly 15 million students missed a month or more of school in 2021-22. We’ve all been there.
So how can schools adapt to help students succeed despite the obstacles? Well, by offering online options! Virtual classes provide flexibility and accessibility whilst studying IGCSE subjects and A Level options. But technology isn’t a cure-all, so let’s look at the options.
Why Students Struggle to Get to School
To figure out how to best help students, we first need to understand the root causes behind absenteeism and engagement issues.
What makes it so hard for some students to attend class, either in-person or online?
Broke Struggles Are Real
Not having reliable access to food, clothing, school supplies or transportation is a massive barrier. When families are stretched thin financially, school expenses add up quickly. To help make ends meet, many students work long hours in addition to attending school. Juggling academics, extracurriculars and a job is straight up exhausting.
Health Issues Hit Hard
Chronic illnesses like asthma or diabetes make physically getting to school a huge challenge. Disabilities and mental health struggles like anxiety and depression also cause frequent absences. With COVID fuelling isolation and stress, these issues have skyrocketed. And let’s be real – it’s hard to focus when you feel awful.
Caring for Family Comes First
Some students need to care for younger siblings or relatives who are disabled or elderly. That adult-level responsibility leaves little time for schoolwork. Other kids have parents working multiple jobs just trying to keep the lights on. For them, helping their family simply must come before homework.
Negative Environments Detour Students
Issues like bullying, discrimination, and zero-tolerance discipline policies also deter students from attending. If you feel unsafe, disrespected or unwelcome at school, why would you want to show up? It’s no wonder many kids check out mentally and physically.
COVID Complications Linger
When the pandemic forced schools to close and switch to remote learning, it revealed major inequalities and gaps in our education system. Many students completely fell off the radar, stopped logging in, and fell way behind. Schools continue struggling to get everyone caught up.
Why You Should Still Try to Attend School
Even with all these very real challenges standing in the way, attending school consistently remains incredibly important for students. When you can make it to class, there are huge benefits that are difficult to replace.
Knowledge Is Power
Most obvious, school is where you build fundamental skills and knowledge across subjects like math, science, literature, history and more. Sitting in class, participating in activities, and taking tests helps cement academic concepts. Being there in person makes a big difference for learning.
People Skills Grow
School plays a pivotal role in developing social-emotional abilities too. Interacting face-to-face with peers and teachers allows you to improve communication, teamwork, empathy and conflict resolution. These interpersonal skills are invaluable for life.
Find Yourself
By engaging with different viewpoints in the classroom, you learn critical thinking to shape your own identity and values. School opens you up to discover passions through sports, clubs, the arts and more. It’s a chance to develop into your best self!
Feel the Feels
Having personal connections with teachers and classmates provides such important emotional support. Feeling seen, heard and cared for does wonders for mental health. Attending school regularly helps you build resilience to overcome obstacles down the road.
Can Online Options Help?
Virtual learning removes some traditional barriers to education access. Online classes can be a godsend for students facing challenges getting to a physical classroom and IGCSE subjects do not normally require coursework. Distance learning definitely has some unique benefits!
Flexibility to Focus
For students balancing school on top of jobs, family duties, health issues or other responsibilities, virtual classes allow you to learn on your own schedule. You can go back and rewatch lectures at your own pace. This flexibility enables more students to actively participate.
Open Access
Students who can’t physically get to school due to health problems, disabilities, family obligations, transportation issues or other hurdles can still log in to virtual lessons. Online learning expands educational access to more students.
Cater to Your Learning Style
Online platforms allow you to learn in the way you prefer. Some students thrive on video lessons while others like hands-on projects. The diversity of virtual materials can play to different strengths.
Own Your Education
Learning independently online requires strong motivation and time management skills. While harder, taking ownership prepares you for higher grades, college, and career success. It’s a chance to step up and steer your own education.
Finding the Sweet Spot
Blended learning combines online and in-person education, aiming to give students the best of both worlds. Here are some ways schools can find that optimal balance:
Hybrid Model FTW
Hybrid learning lets you physically go to school on some days but learn remotely on other days. Schools can work with each student to set schedules that truly fit their needs. Hybrid provides flexibility without sacrificing face time with teachers.
Support Is Everything
Robust support services are key for virtual and in-classroom success. Schools should offer digital tools, internet access, extensive tutoring, counseling, and anything else students need. Support students’ academic, social and emotional needs.
Parents Are Partners
Because online learning is more independent, parents should get coaching to motivate students and monitor progress. Keeping parents actively involved and informed is crucial. When families, teachers and students work together, both online and in-person education thrive.
Customize It
Every student’s situation is unique. Schools must listen to individual needs and then tailor learning plans accordingly. For some students virtual class makes sense, while others may strongly prefer in-person learning. Customizing is key!
Wrapping Up
Every single student faces their own challenges. By offering online options together with comprehensive supports across virtual and physical classrooms, schools can empower each student to succeed.
When students get the flexibility and resources they need, it unlocks opportunities and potential that last a lifetime. So be compassionate, lend a hand to your classmates, and let’s work together to shape an education system that helps every student thrive.
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