Pandemic Learning Pods: Pros and Cons

 

When school systems across Ontario moved to remote learning during the spring of 2020, many students, parents and teachers struggled with the experience. Schools offered various types of online learning, but even in the best-case scenarios, students lost out on important learning experiences and socialization opportunities. And parents have continued to juggle child care and work duties throughout the summer months.

With ongoing cases of coronavirus in Canada, fear of students returning to the classroom has many school districts returning to virtual classrooms in the fall. And that has many Toronto parents worrying of the chaos of spring repeating — and turning to the concept of “learning pods” as alternatives for help with teaching and maintaining some sort of social contact for their kids.

Sometimes called “microschools” or “pandemic pods,” the terms describe the phenomenon of informal groups of parents who are looking for some kind of educational continuity and child care for their children as they face an uncertain fall.

? What is a Learning Pod?

The idea of learning pods and micro-schools didn’t arise in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, though the concept has gained popularity because of it.  Facebook abounds with groups like Pandemic Pods. For families with the ability to set up or join a learning pod, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their children’s academic success and life skills may be reduced. But those families without the means could see the the gap in education only widen further.

Parents starting “pandemic” learning pods are emulating this concept — meaning there are many different models for learning pods across the country. Some parents are going as far as hiring private teachers or tutors and forgoing the online curricula offered by their children’s schools.

The Benefits of Learning Pods

Working with other students and being engaged in some form of group work — known as cooperative learning — increases knowledge and develops important skills like communication, teamwork and empathy. Ontario parents will still want to participate in learning pods in some form. Many will simply help facilitate online instruction through the schools, while others may decide to take over the teaching altogether.

Before jumping in to join an existing pod or start one from scratch, parents and guardians should define their goals. Another benefit is consistency of education, with parents concerned that a second wave of infections may disrupt their children’s schooling yet again. Safety is also high on the list. Putting together a pod with families practicing similar social distancing practices is important.

Can Parents Do it All?

Sometimes it can be difficult for the parents of a learning pod to find both the teaching time and adequate academic resources to ensure a high-quality learning program. Most parents can do a great job teaching their kids, however sometimes parents need a little extra boost in specific subjects. For this reason, many parents turn to homeschool tutors to ease the workload for parents and expose the student to other styles of teaching.

We here at the the Tutoring Expert have been supporting children’s learning for over 20 years and are ready to help with in-home or online private or group workshops. If you are thinking of creating a learning pod with like minded parents, know that we are here for you.

The Tutoring Expert can Provide Safe Alternatives:

• Daily In-Home or Online Tutoring with a dedicated Private Tutor/Teacher
• Homeschooling support either In person or Online with a Personal Tutor/Teacher
• Weekly sessions:  In person or Online with a One on One Tutor/Teacher

A customized program will be created to accommodate your families unique education needs

Why The Tutoring Expert?

• Fully Vetted Experienced Teachers/Tutors
• 20 years of reputable history in providing personal tutors in Toronto
• Free Consultation and Trial
• Peace of mind
• Learn from the safety of your home with an in-person teacher

 

Call us today to connect with a homeschool tutor!

1 855 563 6887