The Reality of Hybrid Learning
Students find their expectations for in-person learning hold up after returning to campus.
By Patricia Carmona
Students find their expectations for in-person learning hold up after returning to campus.
By Patricia Carmona
On April 21, teachers and staff members gave a warm welcome to their students who have chosen to come back for the rest of the 2020-2021 school year while easing them through the transition of distance learning into in-person learning.
Pioneer had to adapt to new guidelines and rules such as, students and teachers must have masks on at all times, sanitizing hands and classrooms daily and not being able to use the bathrooms during breaks.
Despite the new regulations, students feel more connected to the staff members and their classmates compared to distance learning. Cassie Carlsen, 9, didn’t expect a lot of students to come back, but it gave her time to catch up with her friends.
“I expected less people coming to school but a lot of students came back which surprised me,” Carlsen said. “After this switch I feel more connected to friends. Everyday I used to see blank boxes and now seeing them in-person is great so I can ask them how they’re doing.”
Sofia Garcia, 9, has found in-person learning beneficial to get a better grasp of the concepts taught in class.
“I definitely am more productive and can generally finish more work in class, especially because I'm having less difficulty understanding assignments,” Garcia said. “I hope to finally get used to in-person learning which I’m sure will be an option and getting my grades up.”
There are slight differences though with hybrid learning and a normal classroom, Annika Smit, 9, listed a few of those changes.
“It’s a little different because the people online and in person receive different amounts of attention and it could be difficult when we all have to work on something together,” Smit said. “I was expecting it to be a lot more draining than it actually is. Most teachers are really patient and understanding so it’s nice.”
Students like Jaylen Bodemar, 12, was pleasantly surprised how his expectations for in-person learning were met, but wished there was a better option to form close connections with teachers and peers.
“I definitely did meet my expectations for in-person learning. I thought it would be much more restricted and feel different but it honestly feels like my first two in a half years, aside from the missing students and events,” Bodemar said. “It was great to be able to meet my teachers and see other students and friends again, but it is difficult to form connections with any of them inside of the classroom due to the restrictions.”
In terms of motivation Emily Whiteside, 12, has found she is doing way better due to this change.
“I’m definitely doing better in-person, it was really hard for me to squeeze out any motivation at all, but being at school has made it a lot easier to stay engaged,” Whiteside said.
It was a drastic change for students to come back on campus after being online for most of the school year. But with the overall positive responses from students, Pioneer hopes that the school will reopen for all students to come back very soon.
“Although I’ll be away at college, I hope COVID-19 is in the rearview mirror next year and that all the future Mustangs get a normal high school experience and are able to take full advantage of the events held at the school, the instruction by teachers in the classroom and the athletics/clubs that are offered there, all to their full extent,” Bodemar said.
Pioneer had to adapt to new guidelines and rules such as, students and teachers must have masks on at all times, sanitizing hands and classrooms daily and not being able to use the bathrooms during breaks.
Despite the new regulations, students feel more connected to the staff members and their classmates compared to distance learning. Cassie Carlsen, 9, didn’t expect a lot of students to come back, but it gave her time to catch up with her friends.
“I expected less people coming to school but a lot of students came back which surprised me,” Carlsen said. “After this switch I feel more connected to friends. Everyday I used to see blank boxes and now seeing them in-person is great so I can ask them how they’re doing.”
Sofia Garcia, 9, has found in-person learning beneficial to get a better grasp of the concepts taught in class.
“I definitely am more productive and can generally finish more work in class, especially because I'm having less difficulty understanding assignments,” Garcia said. “I hope to finally get used to in-person learning which I’m sure will be an option and getting my grades up.”
There are slight differences though with hybrid learning and a normal classroom, Annika Smit, 9, listed a few of those changes.
“It’s a little different because the people online and in person receive different amounts of attention and it could be difficult when we all have to work on something together,” Smit said. “I was expecting it to be a lot more draining than it actually is. Most teachers are really patient and understanding so it’s nice.”
Students like Jaylen Bodemar, 12, was pleasantly surprised how his expectations for in-person learning were met, but wished there was a better option to form close connections with teachers and peers.
“I definitely did meet my expectations for in-person learning. I thought it would be much more restricted and feel different but it honestly feels like my first two in a half years, aside from the missing students and events,” Bodemar said. “It was great to be able to meet my teachers and see other students and friends again, but it is difficult to form connections with any of them inside of the classroom due to the restrictions.”
In terms of motivation Emily Whiteside, 12, has found she is doing way better due to this change.
“I’m definitely doing better in-person, it was really hard for me to squeeze out any motivation at all, but being at school has made it a lot easier to stay engaged,” Whiteside said.
It was a drastic change for students to come back on campus after being online for most of the school year. But with the overall positive responses from students, Pioneer hopes that the school will reopen for all students to come back very soon.
“Although I’ll be away at college, I hope COVID-19 is in the rearview mirror next year and that all the future Mustangs get a normal high school experience and are able to take full advantage of the events held at the school, the instruction by teachers in the classroom and the athletics/clubs that are offered there, all to their full extent,” Bodemar said.