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Disruption can result in new ways but only if we concentrate on disrupting the status quo instead of focusing on returning to 'normal'. Prof @drydenpeterson's insights from education in conflict settings applicable to COVID19 - thread of my key takeaways. https://www.freshedpodcast.com/sarahdrydenpeterson-2/
1. While we think school closures will be short-lived, they're almost always longer than we anticipate.
2. Unpredictability is a constant across conflict and pandemic (COVID-19) settings (although both emergencies distinct in their nature).
3. School re-opening guidelines that have come forth so far are explicit about the incomplete info we have & accept uncertainty schools are working with. Instead of rejecting uncertainty & making plans, need of the hour is to accept uncertainty and make plans to address it.
4. Need to make decisions that are contextualised and can go through continuous processes of adaptation
5. Constantly asking ourselves: What are the equity implications of any decision we make re. opening or keeping schools closed? E.g. health, hygiene, food.
6. Imp to discuss w/ children why their schools are closed: Even in the absence of being able to see the reason (COVID-19) tangibly, school closures can be explained esp. in light of the agency children have in helping prevent the spread.
7. Opportunity for families and children to re-think through the idea of 'togetherness' that is an integral part of learning in school.
8. This pandemic makes clear: we need to provide teachers with more autonomy and agency - they know their students, they can build dialogue best and adapt their engagement to their students' needs.
9. Education is the most effective when it focuses on belonging - so children feel connected, share a sense of purpose, and they together can build a future and teachers are essential to this work. (End).
