Education can be defined in a multitude of ways. The simple version being it is the act of learning. However today, different factors need to be included in that definition, or perhaps the idea of education needs to be changed overall. Specifically, how in the last two years has education changed? What changes were made and perhaps what positives did we discover from such an uncertain time? As a teacher, the last two years were tough but there was a silver lining in it all. It allowed for flexibility, for trying new things, testing out uncertain ideas, and discovering that things can change, for the good. Though teaching is most certainly better when in-person, effective virtual learning focused more on student work, projects, and discussions, rather than teacher talk and lectures. From personal experience, teacher talk needs to be limited. Students tend to engage more, learn more, when they can discuss with peers in groups or can express their understanding in other creative ways. With transitioning back into face to face learning, the need for more creative and student centered activities was apparent. And overall, teaching and learning should be student-centered to allow for more engagement and creativity. Effective learning is rooted in engagement. If you engage learners they are going to learn. Then allowing them to create and discuss with each other in a less normal and traditional sense, creates a productive education for students. Though many teachers have lessened their teacher talk and have begun to focus more on student talk and more creative lessons in the past decade or so, the last two years most certainly showed us the need for that student centered focus. Not only where students isolated for such a long time and lacked social interactions, their learning lacked as well. So with creating a more engaging and creative definition of education, it will allow gaps to be closed and learning to flourish.

Another thing that should change and become more present in education, is Social and Emotional Learning. Everyone went through something during this pandemic. Isolation caused strains in mental health, relationships, etc. and it really affected kids. Understanding those feelings, and teaching students strategies to deal with stress and anxiety is something that should be present in education. Creating a safe place and teaching social emotion learning, as well as understanding to future generations is more important than ever. If as a society we can't accept mental health and we continue to brush those issues under the rug, things aren't going to get better. And perhaps it starts with children. They are the future and if we teach them acceptance, understanding, respect, the list goes on, perhaps we can see a change in this world. Making mental health a priority and incorporating it fully into education will allow for students' best learning and success throughout their lives. Which is the main goal of learning and education.

Music Credit:  "Understanding" by Nelson Jenstad is licensed under CC BY-ND 3.0.