COVID-19 remodels education majors' hands-on experience
When COVID-19 forced schools to shut down during spring 2020, education majors made the pivot with teachers of surrounding Aiken County schools from in-person instruction to virtual learning. In order for education majors to get the necessary teaching experience they require, the school of education had to make some changes.
As the times change, the curriculum adapts too. One addition to the curriculum was a workshop that informs students of how to teach in an online environment. Dr. Judy Beck, dean of the school of education, explained that “all of our student teachers were required to (complete the workshop) prior to fall, and then every semester since.” These workshops will continue to be available and required for education majors.
Moreover, a teaching channel was implemented. The teaching channel consists of recordings of educators conducting lessons. Dr. Beck says the channel supplements the time student teachers may need to satisfy their practicum requirements that they could not obtain in a classroom environment.
Teacher candidates have been following the shifting learning platforms of the Aiken County school district, whether that be in-person, virtual or a combination of the two. The school has accommodated methods for the health and education of the students, ensuring they are able to gain experience safely and comfortably.
There is a silver lining to the massive shift, though. Dr. Beck emphasized that the implementation of these changes has demonstrated that, “Our students have learned a lot about how to be flexible and adaptable, which you definitely need when you’re teaching.”
The hands-on experience has been one of the university’s top concerns regarding education majors, especially when the environments students are sent to are out of USCA’s control. While the university has maintained its mask mandate for a year, SC Provisio 1.108 prevents public schools from requiring students, faculty or staff to wear a face mask.
As a result of the limited mitigation efforts and resulting COVID-19 outbreak in South Carolina public schools, Dr. Beck said, “We encourage our students to take the time if they need it because [the state department has assured us that] they will not be impacted negatively.”
All things considered, Dr. Beck reflects that “It has worked out well in the context of the fact that we’re in a global pandemic.”
