The COVID-19 pandemic changed how schools work for millions of learners and teachers around the world. This guide gives teachers, learners, and parents a short overview of three things: how the pandemic affected classrooms, the layered safety measures recommended for in-person classes, and the possible long-term effects on education.
On this page 5 sections
How COVID-19 affected the classroom
The pandemic disrupted schooling in several ways:
- School closures. Many schools closed for a time or for good. According to UNESCO, more than 1.6 billion students in over 190 countries were affected by school closures. An estimated 10 million children dropped out because of economic hardship and health concerns (UNESCO, 2021).
- Less class time and a shift to remote learning. Instructional time went down, and many learners had to study from home.
- A wider digital divide. Learners from low-income families, rural areas, and marginalized communities were hit hardest, which made existing gaps in education worse (UNESCO, 2021).
- Social and emotional strain. With less contact with classmates and less support, many students felt more stress, anxiety, and depression (Golberstein et al., 2020).
Safety measures for in-person learning
When schools reopen for face-to-face classes, the goal is to lower the risk of COVID-19 spreading. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a layered approach, which means using several measures together instead of relying on just one.
| Measure | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Vaccination | Encouraging all eligible students, teachers, and staff to get vaccinated (CDC, 2022) |
| Masking | Wearing masks, especially when distancing is not possible or community cases are high (CDC, 2021) |
| Physical distancing | Keeping at least 3 feet between students in classrooms and other school areas (CDC, 2021) |
| Ventilation | Opening windows, using fans, or installing air filters to reduce airborne particles (CDC, 2021) |
| Hand hygiene | Frequent handwashing and access to hand sanitizer (CDC, 2021) |
| Cleaning and disinfection | Regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces and shared objects (CDC, 2021) |
Schools can also take these steps:
- Use flexible learning models. A mix of in-person and remote learning keeps fewer students in each room and makes distancing easier (UNESCO, 2021).
- Support mental health. Counseling and mental health services help students cope with the emotional impact of the pandemic (Golberstein et al., 2020).
Possible long-term effects on education
The pandemic is likely to affect education for years. Here are the main concerns raised in the sources:
- Lower learning outcomes. A study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found that the break in learning is likely to lower student achievement, especially for disadvantaged students (OECD, 2021).
- Greater need for digital skills. Remote learning made technology a necessity. However, many learners from low-income families and rural areas still lack reliable internet and devices (UNESCO, 2021).
- More attention to social and emotional learning. Helping students with stress, anxiety, and depression may require extra resources and support from schools (Golberstein et al., 2020).
- More flexible school systems. Education systems may need to change curriculum design, teaching methods, and assessment so they can respond to future crises and prepare learners for the challenges of the 21st century (OECD, 2021).
What this means for teachers, learners, and parents
- Teachers can combine several safety measures in the classroom and watch for signs of stress or anxiety in their learners.
- Learners can help by washing hands often, following their school’s health rules, and asking for help when they feel overwhelmed.
- Parents can support their children’s learning at home, especially during remote or blended learning, and pay attention to their emotional well-being.
The pandemic showed that schools need to be fairer and more adaptable, so that every learner can keep learning when a crisis strikes.
Frequently asked questions
How many students were affected by school closures during the pandemic?
According to UNESCO (2021), more than 1.6 billion students in over 190 countries were affected by school closures. An estimated 10 million children dropped out because of economic hardship and health concerns.
What is a layered approach to COVID-19 safety in schools?
A layered approach means using several measures together: vaccination, masking, physical distancing, ventilation, hand hygiene, and regular cleaning and disinfection. This is what the CDC recommends for in-person learning.
How much physical distance does the CDC recommend between students?
The CDC (2021) recommends keeping at least 3 feet of physical distance between students in classrooms and other school settings.
What long-term effects could the pandemic have on education?
The sources point to lower student achievement, especially for disadvantaged learners, and a greater need for digital skills. They also point to more focus on mental health support and a need for more flexible education systems.
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