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Benefits of teaching and learning approaches developed during the COVID-19 pandemic

by Dzunisani Phaweni, Cape Peninsula University of Technology; Boredi Silas Chidi, Cape Peninsula University of Technology; and Lim Jun Wei, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, ushering in today’s "New Normal," our perspectives on established norms and practices related to health and longevity have undergone a significant reconsideration. As we adapted to the challenges posed by the pandemic, the realm of education has witnessed a drastic shift towards contactless learning, likely with lasting effects on the landscape of teaching and learning for the students and instructors affected.

Amid the challenges of remote teaching during the pandemic, it becomes crucial to underscore the positive aspects that emerged. The pivot to remote learning necessitated greater autonomy in students, fostering a generation more adept at navigating diverse software and hardware employments. This newfound technological fluency may well prove to be a lasting asset, shaping a more tech-savvy cohort of learners. These students would thus be better capable of navigating the ever-expanding technological advancements of the present day and its utilisation for better comprehension and learning.

Simultaneously, instructors faced the unique challenge of diminished student contact and engagement inherent to virtual mediums of instruction. However, this hurdle prompted educators to explore more direct and engaging teaching methodologies to compensate for the lack of physical interaction. These innovative approaches, thus potentially yield enduring benefits as education returns to traditional classroom settings, resulting in more engaging and effective means of instruction and understanding.

Innovative strategies such as flipped classrooms and the use of technology as an instructional tool continue to produce positive effects on teaching and learning even in the aftermath of the pandemic. For example, with a flipped approach, students can now watch pre-recorded lectures at home and use classroom time for collaborative activities and discussions, fostering a deeper understanding of the material. It also allows students to work at their own pace, allowing them to review and revisit the content as needed. This flexibility in learning enables students to grasp complex concepts more effectively and engage in meaningful discussions with their peers and teachers during class time.

In essence, the pandemic has directly forced a transformative journey for both students and educators, leaving an indomitable imprint on the future of teaching and learning in our ever-evolving educational landscape. As we navigate this new educational frontier, the lessons learned, and skills acquired during these challenging times are poised to be catalysts for a more dynamic and resilient approach to education.

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