Post-Covid Schooling: Future Alternatives to the Global Normal

This book questions the consensus that contemporary formal schooling is of clear-cut and undoubted benefit to pupils and suggests that many aspects of schooling are not necessarily beneficial and can be directly harmful. It imagines a future of schooling that could better support and benefit students.

Format: Hardback
Length: 251 pages
Publication date: 13 November 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book challenges the prevailing belief that modern formal education is unequivocally beneficial for students. In the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, governments and various stakeholders have been striving to swiftly re-enroll children and young individuals in schools. While education undeniably offers numerous advantages, the book raises the question of whether established models and practices of schools should undergo transformations in a post-COVID world. By conducting a critical analysis of the everyday dynamics of conventional schooling, the book reveals that many aspects of education may not necessarily be advantageous for students and can even be detrimental. Through this exploration, the author imagines a future of education that can provide greater support and benefits to its learners.

Introduction:
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant disruptions to education systems worldwide. Lockdowns and social distancing measures have forced schools to close, leading to a shift towards online learning and remote teaching. While these measures were necessary to contain the spread of the virus, they have also raised concerns about the quality and effectiveness of education in the digital age.

The Benefits of Formal Education:
Formal education provides students with a structured learning environment, access to qualified teachers, and a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of subjects. It also promotes socialization, teamwork, and critical thinking skills, which are essential for personal and professional development.

The Challenges of Formal Education:
However, the book argues that formal education is not always beneficial for all students. It points out that traditional teaching methods may not be effective in meeting the diverse needs of learners, particularly those with learning disabilities or different learning styles. Moreover, the pressure to perform well in exams and achieve high grades can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout among students.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic:
The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the challenges of formal education. With schools closed and students forced to learn from home, many have faced difficulties in accessing resources, maintaining motivation, and engaging in meaningful learning. This has led to concerns about the long-term impact of the pandemic on students' education and future prospects.

The Need for Change:
The book argues that the COVID-19 pandemic provides an opportunity for schools to reevaluate their practices and models of education. It suggests that schools should adopt a more personalized and flexible approach to teaching, which takes into account the individual needs and learning styles of students. This could involve incorporating technology, interactive learning experiences, and project-based learning to engage students and promote deeper learning.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the book questions the consensus that contemporary formal schooling is of clear-cut and undoubted benefit to pupils. While there are any numerous beneficial aspects of schooling, the book asks whether accepted models and practices of schools should change in a post-COVID world. By critically examining the everyday nature of normal schooling, the book demonstrates that many aspects of schooling are not necessarily beneficial to pupils, and can be directly harmful. Through this exploration, the author imagines a future of education that can better support and benefit its students.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030878238
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021