Until recently suggestions that the pandemic could allow for a re-think on education in schools were put forward and swiftly dissipated. But perhaps articles and discussions on the proposal have started minds thinking. In the UK the Times newspaper is setting up an education commission that, it is hoped, “could lead to radical change across…
As we get into the Easter holidays and Governments and school Head Teachers take stock of where their pupils are now and where they should be at this stage in the academic year there are a few considerations as to how to play “catch-up”. According to this BBC article the option of Summer Schools, using…
It was great for us to have had the opportunity to participate in the Microsoft Malaysia EDUDAY event last week. Our presentation centred on the “Role of Interaction in Safeguarding and Education.” This proved to be very interesting to all attendees. Many thanks to Microsoft for organising this and for helping to push education forward…
In a recent United Nations communications on the sheer scale of the impact of Covid-19 in South Asia, it has been reported that there have been an estimated 239,000 maternal and child deaths. The severe disruptions caused by the pandemic have also led to “sharp drops in the number of young children treated for severe…
There are increasing calls for the use of mobile technology to become part of a national curriculum. Dragging some attitudes into modern times is a challenge, but one that helps prepare students for making the most of what are increasingly expensive devices. This article from EdTechnology emphasizes how important skills such as “Coding and app…
There are occasionally moments for teachers when they feel that they are losing a class, and things go from bad to worse. This article from TES gives some tips as to how to regain the control of a class. Instil order and routine. Use easily accessible materials and give clear instructions. Keep focused, and communicate…
The safety measures in place in order to ensure a secure environment have included the need for social distancing of some six feet, or almost two metres. However, a study, reported in the NY Times published in the Clinical Infectious Diseases journal, suggests that “public schools may be able to reopen safely for in-person instruction…
Much has been written in the press about the effect of the pandemic on children (and occasionally their parents) but little thus far on teachers themselves. Quizlet, a digital learning platform, surveyed 1,200 teachers and it seems from the responses that they have been as affected by the last twelve months as all other areas…
Schools have not reported a high incidence of transmission of the coronavirus disease. In this article from The Times it is claimed that the incidence is probably lower than any other work-related area of our society, and certainly at the other extreme of care homes, which were very hard hit by the virus. Additionally the…
Much has been written about the benefits of reopening schools on children, parents and teachers. The effects of what has been lived through are multiple in impact. According to this FT article quoting some research by No More Marking, secondary school starters in September in the UK were “22 months behind” where they should have…