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Distance Learning Requires a Student-Centered Approach

Distance Learning Requires a Student-Centered Approach

Classrooms  |  Virtual Learning  |  School Leadership

Regardless of where students are physically learning this school year, educators must orient their instruction towards distance learning. An orientation towards distance learning allows for continuity of meaningful learning experiences despite changing circumstances or disruptions to the school calendar, whether it be an isolated power outage or a global pandemic. It is important to note that highly-effective distance learning doesn’t just happen with the flip of a switch. It requires thoughtful, intentional design decisions fueled by a desire to empower students to drive their own learning. Ultimately, distance learning requires a student-centered approach to ensure more impactful and equitable learning outcomes for all students.

A student-centered approach:

  • Requires a student-teacher relationship grounded in deep understanding and genuine care.
  • Personalizes the instruction and content each student receives.
  • Provides equitable support to ensure all students can engage in grade-level work.
  • Engages all stakeholders as partners who are each uniquely qualified to support students.

What is Distance Learning?

Distance learning occurs when students, their peers, and their teachers engage in a learning experience from different geographical locations, either synchronously or asynchronously, and may or may not be facilitated by the use of technology.

Student-centered distance learning allows for multiple opportunities for educators, students, and families to engage in the educational experience in new and meaningful ways when implemented with high fidelity.

 

“The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do.” 

– Michael Porter

 

How to Implement Student-Centered Distance Learning

There are several workstreams that need to be established and maintained for distance learning to be successful. Some of these work streams are more important than others during different times during the school calendar. The following framework is meant to prioritize action items for school leaders so that the work of one stage helps to level-up the work of the following stage. Stages should be completed in 1-3 weeks.

Stage: Focus Focused Priorities
Before the start of school

Stage 0: 

Create Clear Communication Structures

  • Communicate what the school day will look like, sound like, feel like 
  • Create a system for feedback loops and continuous improvement cycles throughout the year (focus groups, surveys, etc.)  
  • Establish/update a system to capture parent/family contact information that provides for multiple contact points (e.g., phone number, email, mailing address)
Start of school

Stage 1:

Strengthen Relationships and Student Engagement Through Strong Routines and Structures

  • Set common expectations and norms for instructional cadence (synchronous vs. asynchronous learning, student time spent doing online and offline work) and communication between students, parents, and teachers 
  • Leverage social-emotional learning strategies to better understand student needs at a holistic level 
  • Focus on building and maintaining strong relationships with students and families

Stage 2:

Equip Educators with High-Leverage Instructional Strategies

  • Norm as grade-level teams on common learning objectives/competencies for which students will be held accountable
  • Leverage virtual instructional models to meet learning objectives 

Stage 3:

Double Down on

High-Quality Instruction

  • Reflect on curriculum content, materials, and tools to ensure they are being used purposefully and meet the academic and social-emotional needs of students  
  • Establish a cadence for virtual learning walks and peer observations to foster a culture of collective, continuous learning and improvement 

Each of these workstreams has its own checklist for school leaders. There is also a teacher checklist that aligns with this framework.You can download the checklist series here for your use. Once you download the file, you’ll receive the following checklists:

  • Communications - School Leader Checklist
  • Student Relationships and Engagement - School Leader Checklist
  • Technology Routines and Procedures - School Leader Checklist
  • Instructional Models - School Leader Checklist
  • Curriculum - School Leader Checklist
  • Teacher Checklist for Online Learning

While highly-effective distance learning takes time to implement with fidelity, we hope the checklists found in this guide help your school and district level-up the distance learning experience to be more responsive and centered around student needs.

 

A special thanks to our colleagues Elizabeth Lambert, Cristina Strunk, Jill Thompson, and Justin Toomer for their help creating the accompanying checklists.

distance learning guide for school leaders


More Virtual Learning reading

Blog: Tips For Setting Up An At-Home Learning Environment For Young Students

Blog: Adaptations for Flexible Learning

Blog: What Do Students Need Right Now?

Blog: 7 Strategies to Develop Student Executive Functioning Skills for Remote Learning

Blog: Addressing Schooling Loss in Schools With These Four Strategies

Blog: Shifts in Professional Learning: more microlearning and virtual courses

About Noah Dougherty and Drew Schantz

Noah Dougherty is an Associate Partner at Education Elements who loves supporting schools to design student-centered learning experiences that are transformative and culturally responsive. He has partnered with districts across the country to work on strategic planning; personalized learning; curriculum adoption; return to school planning; and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Drew Schantz is a Senior Design Principal on the Design and Implementation team. He is passionate about solving complex problems through an entrepreneurial lens and working with others to develop innovative, student-centered, and equity-driven practices that improve outcomes for all students.

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