The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a lot of changes in the world. Employees of major organizations across the globe are working from home. Since the majority of the schools, colleges, and universities are closed, students have embraced the online learning mode.
The transformation from the physical classroom-based learning to distance learning on the laptop or smartphone screen has not been easy for children as well as teachers. While children are away from the school premises and classroom that they are most familiar with, they need to be advocates for themselves in the online classroom. There is no better time than now for parents and teachers to promote self-advocacy in children during the online classes.
At present, as most of the students are learning from home, they find it difficult to speak to their teacher in front of the screen which they would comfortably do in the school classroom. In today’s world of digital learning, students must show self-advocacy electronically.
What does self-advocacy mean?
Self-advocacy refers to the skills of speaking up for yourself and communicating the same in a polite manner to other individuals. In case of children, self-advocacy is where they express their needs and requirements to their teachers or friends. Many children fear asking for help when they are stuck up or cannot understand something just because they think it will be awkward asking the teacher in front of the screen.
Self-advocacy is a crucial skill not just for academics or learning in school but socially as well. It is a skill that once learned lasts for a lifetime and can be used in day-to-day life. Parents and teachers need to promote self-advocacy in children right from a young age. Although it can be learned later on, the sooner the better.
It is important for parents and teachers to understand that each child is different and so is their behaviour. Some children enjoy remote learning, while for some others it is difficult. An introvert child may find it difficult to speak up and share thoughts with a teacher in front of the screen.
The three basic principles of self-advocacy are:
1- Self-awareness and recognition
A child needs to be aware and recognize the fact that he/she needs help and assistance. Understanding the needs is crucial for practicing self-advocacy.
2- Knowledge
A child needs to know what type of support or guidance is required to address the needs.
3- Communication
A child needs to know whom to approach for seeking help. For example, parents, teachers, grandparents, siblings.
Challenges of online learning
- Distance learning makes it nearly impossible for teachers to focus on each child as she would in a physical classroom space.
- In online learning, teachers find it difficult to judge the body language of a child, whether he/she is really struggling and needs help.
- Children too find it quite uncomfortable asking for help during the online class and even emailing teachers for help after the class is over.
What parents and teachers can do to help children develop self-advocacy?
- Talk to the children about their strengths and limitations.
- Encourage children to make use of the virtual classroom environment.
- Promote activities in online learning that facilitates active participation of everyone.
- Praise the children who speak up for themselves in front of the class.
- Telling the children that asking questions and clearing their doubts is a good habit.
Developing self-advocacy as a child is not a cake walk. However, with practice this skill can be learned over a period of time. Let’s embrace new edtech technologies such as AI and prepare our children to lead happy and successful lives ahead.