MY PROBLEM

Our current year 9’s have been through two lockdowns in the last two years and have got an experience with online classes. Past records, feedback, and my experience show that students’ attendance and engagement were better with online learning (during lockdown).

However, this year students are reluctant to participate through zoom (if they are at home), also when these students come back to school, their engagement in class is low as they are not able to connect with what is happening in class.

It is difficult to track student academic achievement because of partial assignment completion or no work handed in.

Year 9 students showed a lack of engagement due to lockdowns, illness, anxiety, or lack of agency which is affecting their learning as evidenced by the quality of their assignments and grades.

MY HUNCH

By creating a digital environment that fosters inquiry and creativity, and activities that promote learner agency, I believe students will become more engaged in their learning.

WHAT I DID

I created websites for each science topic (Every science topic will run for 5 weeks), to give students access to learning at all times. Content included videos, slides, assignments, simulations, and hands-on activities.

I also included Quizziz lessons for year 9’s. The expectations were clearly stated on the first slide. Students were able to work at their own pace in building their understanding and completing the tasks as they go through the digital lesson.

I established an online space for students to collaborate (Padlet or Jamboard) for students to share their ideas or views after they are done with the digital lesson.

Students were able to continue their learning at home and have the flexibility of working on their own or with a buddy through zoom.

Student survey results gave valuable feedback -- here are some examples: