One of the biggest struggles that educators faced during this time was trying to keep students engaged in learning. Navigating online platforms, while trying to promote collaboration, became challenging.
Larry Swartz, Debbie Nyman, and Magdalin Livingston’s book, Deepening In-Class and Online Learning, invites educators to incorporate authentic and meaningful ways to stay connected at a time where many feel very disconnected. Strategies are introduced, and re-introduced that not only reawaken a learner’s mind, but reawaken their hearts as well. It is filled with ideas that are clearly organized and laid out and can be adapted for any platform, regardless of whether you are teaching virtually or in-person.
With a strong focus on building community, this book invites educators and learners alike to feel inspired and motivated to learn, to think, to question, to share, to reflect, and to be heard. With an emphasis on oral language, the ideas and strategies shared invite educators to foster connection through many mediums, from drama to writing, to speaking and playing. The authors have not framed this book as a drama resource. However, you will find many drama conventions and strategies included such as teacher in role, writing in role, minimal script, hot seating and choral speaking. Drama games and movement activities are also embedded throughout the learning activities. A simple, recurrent structure frames each learning experience:
What is it? – explains the teaching strategy
Why use it? – articulates a clear teaching purpose
Demonstration - provided clear teaching instructions
Teaching Tips – suggests ways to organize and facilitate the learning
Let’s Go Further – provides suggestions to extend the learning
Embedded throughout are ways to use online platforms, tools, and apps to enhance the lessons and learning opportunities within every classroom. Practical ideas can be integrated into every subject area and learning situation as they can be adjusted to fit into a myriad of scenarios focusing on creating inclusive, imaginative, interactive spaces making learning engaging and relevant.
In addition, the inclusion of mental health and mindfulness strategies help educators find ways to promote well-being and inclusion, through brain breaks, cooperative learning, and reflection. Learners are encouraged to think critically and deeply about what they are learning, and to work together with peers to honour the different voices and identities in every class.
This resource is one that you will want to have beside you when designing caring and nurturing spaces that move beyond paper/pencil tasks to rich learning moments that include the voices and perspectives of learners.
