The Case for Hybrid School
S.P. Singh ‘24 Staff Writer
With many advantages, the hybrid model is the best thing for students this school year. Hybrid learning provides greater access to education by helping to reduce student absenteeism. Absenteeism increases achievement gaps at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, but the hybrid model addresses this problem. If someone is unable to attend in-person classes, they could still attend virtually, meaning they will no longer miss out instruction. If an academic institution wants to provide both in-person and remote learning opportunities, they will need to create two separate classes or even two distinct courses. Yet, one of the key benefits of hybrid learning is the ability to blend the demand for both learning styles, meaning a single course can cater to both of these preferences.
Students need more flexibility within education, especially considering the ongoing closures and other effects of COVID-19. Hybrid learning offers this flexibility by allowing those who do not thrive in remote learning environments the option to participate in some of the social aspects of learning, which contributes to them becoming more independent and confident. “I think daily social interaction will benefit students’ mental health and being able to learn in a school environment can make it easier for students to stay focused throughout the day,” claims Grace Antill, a senior at Howard High School, explaining how hybrid learning will allow more flexibility to students’ brains and their learning. Another plus for the hybrid model is the opportunity for students to socialize. Students have been without significant interaction for many months now, and many are desperately looking forward to going back to school. The hybrid model opens up at least some of that experience they are craving. This aspect of hybrid learning is similar to Mr. Sleichter’s thoughts: “I don’t see much participation during my online lessons, even to ask a question, and I think the hybrid model is a solution to that, because no one can resist to ask a question when their teacher is right in front of them.”
The hybrid model will allow students to participate in class and interact with their teacher and peers, one step closer to the normality of previous school years. Another major advantage of hybrid learning is the improved usage of teaching materials. Students will be able to obtain any items that they need for learning. Schools can streamline the distribution of learning resources, because teachers will be able to provide the students with learning aids for their lessons. “For certain classes, being in class gives you access to more materials for learning. For example, I take both photo and guitar this semester, and if we were able to go back to school on a hybrid model, I would have access to more instrumental material and the dark room,” Antill says. Students taking specialized classes often utilize equipment, games, tools and other items that can’t be purchased at home or transported from schools to students who need them. Hybrid learning is changing the way we think of education and removing many of the traditional barriers. Not only can it provide students with a greater degree of flexibility and freedom to pick their way of getting educated, but it can also expand student engagement with education and reduce absenteeism. The hybrid model ensures students are on the right track to getting the most out of their studies.
Students need more flexibility within education, especially considering the ongoing closures and other effects of COVID-19. Hybrid learning offers this flexibility by allowing those who do not thrive in remote learning environments the option to participate in some of the social aspects of learning, which contributes to them becoming more independent and confident. “I think daily social interaction will benefit students’ mental health and being able to learn in a school environment can make it easier for students to stay focused throughout the day,” claims Grace Antill, a senior at Howard High School, explaining how hybrid learning will allow more flexibility to students’ brains and their learning. Another plus for the hybrid model is the opportunity for students to socialize. Students have been without significant interaction for many months now, and many are desperately looking forward to going back to school. The hybrid model opens up at least some of that experience they are craving. This aspect of hybrid learning is similar to Mr. Sleichter’s thoughts: “I don’t see much participation during my online lessons, even to ask a question, and I think the hybrid model is a solution to that, because no one can resist to ask a question when their teacher is right in front of them.”
The hybrid model will allow students to participate in class and interact with their teacher and peers, one step closer to the normality of previous school years. Another major advantage of hybrid learning is the improved usage of teaching materials. Students will be able to obtain any items that they need for learning. Schools can streamline the distribution of learning resources, because teachers will be able to provide the students with learning aids for their lessons. “For certain classes, being in class gives you access to more materials for learning. For example, I take both photo and guitar this semester, and if we were able to go back to school on a hybrid model, I would have access to more instrumental material and the dark room,” Antill says. Students taking specialized classes often utilize equipment, games, tools and other items that can’t be purchased at home or transported from schools to students who need them. Hybrid learning is changing the way we think of education and removing many of the traditional barriers. Not only can it provide students with a greater degree of flexibility and freedom to pick their way of getting educated, but it can also expand student engagement with education and reduce absenteeism. The hybrid model ensures students are on the right track to getting the most out of their studies.