It’s always easier to put our accomplishments on display, especially on social media. As teachers, we can showcase our proud moments and share the details of our successful lessons. Likewise, we can gain new ideas and inspiration from our peers. I have seen social media posts that made me feel instantly inspired and excited to try something new. However, it’s equally easy to join in the game of self-comparison, and to begin questioning oneself. This has been a challenge for many teachers (including me!) during this virtual learning period taking place across the globe. We see one teacher's way of doing things on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and immediately wonder: Should I be doing this, too? Is it bad that I have engaged in more synchronous or asynchronous sessions? Why do these students love this tech tool, yet mine do not?
Once all of these what-ifs and self-comparing creep into your head, STOP! First, consider this:
REMINDER #1: There is no one way of doing this. Every student and course is different. What works for one does not work for another. Be gentle with yourself, and focus on what HAS made you proud rather than engaging in endless self-questioning. One size does NOT fit all.
Following this revelation, in an attempt to remain productive, I began brainstorming, planning and tweaking next week’s lessons and activities. I was ahead of the game and organized, but suddenly felt a pang of anxiety. While I was trying my best to create meaningful tasks for the week ahead, I was reminded of the reality that I could not guide the learning process the way I was used to. Sure, I could still provide feedback, reach out to students or connect through video chatting; but, I could not command the classroom in the same way, engage in conversations with my students, read their expressions easily, and so on. I could not provide instant, real-time feedback for the entirety of the class the way I wanted to. I could not circle around the room and pull a chair up to a struggling student. All of these harsh realities led to this necessary reminder:
REMINDER #2: Virtual instruction is simply a different ballgame. It is not the same, and it never will be, no matter how many Google Meets or Zooms you try to lead! Focus on what you CAN do right now rather than what you CAN'T do.
We can still create and design strong learning tasks. We can still provide feedback. We can still reach out to our students and show them that we care. We can still collaborate with our colleagues and peers.
It goes without saying that we as teachers are used to having control and command of our classrooms. During this current virtual period, our students are working independently without our constant presence and assistance. One of our big "can'ts" is maintaining total command and control. As previously stated, we can and we should continue to produce the best virtual learning experiences possible for our students. Yet, we cannot let our worries win. Some of our students will still put the maximum effort in their work. Others will not, or cannot. Some will be more negatively impacted by this pandemic than others for a variety of reasons. There are so many variables that have come into the equation that are not in our control. We want to fix everything, but we can't always do that. So, I will leave you with this final reminder:
REMINDER #3: You are trying your best - and making the best of the current circumstances. Give yourself a pat on the back. Take a deep breath. Make time for self-care (aim for everyday in some way) and keep moving forward! One day at a time. You've got this.
Sending you all the good vibes in the world, fellow teachers. Let's choose to elevate our profession together. This is hard work!
Love,
Elena
Once all of these what-ifs and self-comparing creep into your head, STOP! First, consider this:
REMINDER #1: There is no one way of doing this. Every student and course is different. What works for one does not work for another. Be gentle with yourself, and focus on what HAS made you proud rather than engaging in endless self-questioning. One size does NOT fit all.
Following this revelation, in an attempt to remain productive, I began brainstorming, planning and tweaking next week’s lessons and activities. I was ahead of the game and organized, but suddenly felt a pang of anxiety. While I was trying my best to create meaningful tasks for the week ahead, I was reminded of the reality that I could not guide the learning process the way I was used to. Sure, I could still provide feedback, reach out to students or connect through video chatting; but, I could not command the classroom in the same way, engage in conversations with my students, read their expressions easily, and so on. I could not provide instant, real-time feedback for the entirety of the class the way I wanted to. I could not circle around the room and pull a chair up to a struggling student. All of these harsh realities led to this necessary reminder:
REMINDER #2: Virtual instruction is simply a different ballgame. It is not the same, and it never will be, no matter how many Google Meets or Zooms you try to lead! Focus on what you CAN do right now rather than what you CAN'T do.
We can still create and design strong learning tasks. We can still provide feedback. We can still reach out to our students and show them that we care. We can still collaborate with our colleagues and peers.
It goes without saying that we as teachers are used to having control and command of our classrooms. During this current virtual period, our students are working independently without our constant presence and assistance. One of our big "can'ts" is maintaining total command and control. As previously stated, we can and we should continue to produce the best virtual learning experiences possible for our students. Yet, we cannot let our worries win. Some of our students will still put the maximum effort in their work. Others will not, or cannot. Some will be more negatively impacted by this pandemic than others for a variety of reasons. There are so many variables that have come into the equation that are not in our control. We want to fix everything, but we can't always do that. So, I will leave you with this final reminder:
REMINDER #3: You are trying your best - and making the best of the current circumstances. Give yourself a pat on the back. Take a deep breath. Make time for self-care (aim for everyday in some way) and keep moving forward! One day at a time. You've got this.
Sending you all the good vibes in the world, fellow teachers. Let's choose to elevate our profession together. This is hard work!
Love,
Elena