Learning Zoom
Why didn’t I know about this sooner!
Make Shift Desk
AKA my dinner table
The images above are just a couple of adaptations that I’ve had to make to keep coaching students. Setting up shop in my bedroom by converting my dining room table into a desk. No longer connecting with students face to face, but via Zoom’s online video conferencing. For someone that values one on one experiences with students, this has been a personal challenge. However, it has been beneficial to explore an alternative option for teaching that can expand Transform Tutoring’s offerings. As I learn on the fly, the process has become more efficient and is creating more valuable experiences for my students.
Because I can’t see all of their work, they must articulate their answers which invites more justification. This is a powerful skill that is almost unintentionally developed in this process. We’ve shared files via emails and chats. We’ve coordinated conferencing times. Many of my students are doing this without their parents help which is great to see from an independence standpoint. Getting back to learning without following the structured system they’re used to. Some students are staying engaged in learning for learning’s sake. Following my guidance through math courses in which they’ll receive no grade to develop skills. Others are using this time to prepare for the next offering of the ACT as they have extra time on their hands to prepare intensely.
What I’m taking away from this experience is that circumstances are what you make of them. We can learn and grow if we choose. Adapting to change is forever a part of our development and I’m happy to play a part in that experience for my students. The downtime has opened up an opportunity for me to add to my material offerings, improve my program, and explore online coaching. I’ve noticed that isolation has invited a lot of curiosity - just for me, but for my students as well. It’s this curiosity that leads to asking interesting questions and solving interesting problems. I , like many coaches and teachers, miss the magic of in person interaction. However, we know the importance of our mentorship. It’s up to us to choose to lead and show that getting better doesn’t stop in the midst of adversity.