Hybrid Learning, it's just not normal enough

November 2020

When asked to comment on the hybrid model, a Hilton senior responded, “It’s very stupid and stressful. I want to cry.”

Through an online survey, highschool students could anonymously give their feedback about how the newly implemented structure of learning is going, due to the pandemic. I received an astounding 113 responses from students of varying grade levels, with the majority agreeing that remote learning is just too much.

While I was unable to include the whole school in this survey, it was a large enough sample size for me to begin drawing conclusions about remote learning and this one is nearly uncontested. Of the 113 students surveyed, 93% agree that remote learning is quite simply too much work.

Out of the 113 responses gathered, 60 students (about 53%) said they do not like the hybrid style of learning. This was actually a surprising result. As a student, I’ve been hearing a lot of feedback from my classmates, and most of it seems to be negative regarding our learning format. Many students who said they do not like the hybrid model also gave some insight as to why. The most popular response was that they receive too much remote work and it’s unbelievably stressful. A junior attending Hilton High commented, “There is too much work at home and it has drained me mentally.”

The students who are in support of the hybrid model shared a few concerns they have as well; “I think it’s [hybrid learning] actually a better fit for me, but some days the workload is just a lot.” “I like having the freedom of doing work from home, but most of the days I’m home, I receive a lot of work for the amount of time I would typically spend in a specific class.” Whether students enjoy the hybrid model or find themselves frustrated with it, most seem to agree on the overwhelming amount of remote work.

An overwhelming workload was not the only issue brought up by students. Many expressed their struggle with learning and understanding concepts at home through “busy work” and unguided video notes. One Hilton senior shared their view on the matter; “I’m constantly stressed thinking I’m forgetting to do work and that I’m not obtaining enough information. When it comes to being tested on the work, I don’t feel confident in what I am doing.”

Those who filled out the survey were given the opportunity to express any further feelings they have concerning this school year. The responses were saddening. In the past, Hilton students, including myself, took our education for granted. We never truly realized how fortunate we were until this year. A large percent of respondents expressed just how badly they wished to return to a normal school year. This is, of course, an unachievable and unrealistic desire at this stage in the pandemic.

Although the dream of returning to what we know as “normal” is unattainable at the moment, there are many alterations that can be made to the current learning situation to better satisfy students on both an educational and (mental) health level. Students should not be placed in an environment that makes them hopeless and uninspired. Many respondents emphasized the stress and anxiety they’ve been feeling since this new idea of normal has progressed. These emotions are expected from students throughout their time spent in high school, but have increased dramatically in effect with this new approach to learning. A Hilton junior reflected on the new learning by commenting, “I need more socialization and it’s [hybrid model] destroying my mental health.”

Hilton administration has done an unbelievable job trying to make this school year safe and effective for the district. Many students recognized their efforts in the survey and are overly appreciative of the endeavors of teachers and administrators. All the work put into this new model of learning is solely responsible for all the positive responses received in the survey. A Hilton junior provides a positive outlook on the hybrid model, “I like the hybrid learning, I think it’s actually a better fit for me.” A similar response from another Hilton junior was as follows,

“I like being able to sleep in on my days off and complete my work at my own pace.”

One of our Hilton seniors recognized the teacher’s efforts by simply saying, “I like that the teachers are trying their hardest.” In these troubling and uncertain times, everyone’s dedication to our education is greatly appreciated, even if kids don’t communicate this gratitude often enough.