Following the pandemic, the 2022-2023 school year marks the return to more traditional learning. Students are not required to wear masks, social distancing is no longer practiced, and remote learning is not being implemented in any capacity.
The improvement of the COVID-19 pandemic has granted students the ability to learn in person, without barriers to education that were unfortunate side effects of the virus. It also allows teachers the freedom to explore more hands-on approaches to learning that were often put on pause during the height of the pandemic.
Students of Mr. Kaplan’s AP World History classes look forward to events such as the “WHAMMY Regatta” which encourages students to put into practice what they have learned about seafaring technology between c. 1200 and c.1450. Students work in groups to build a boat out of scrap materials that can withstand certain challenges.
Mr. Kaplan also has students pair up during the unit covering the Columbian Exchange. Students use ingredients that were traded through the Columbian Exchange to create unique recipes that they then bring in to share with their peers, making for both a fun and educational experience that allows students to put into practice what they have learned.
Mr. Kaplan explains why he thinks these lessons are so effective, “It’s a very tangible, visual way to take what can be dry information and anchor it in your mind.”
On working through ideas on their own, Mr. Kaplan adds that for students, “Nothing rivals that “ah-ha” moment. If I tell you something, it’s pretty likely you’ll forget it. If you figure out something on your own, that sticks with you.”
For many students, it can be difficult to feel inspired or motivated in their daily routine when every school day feels repetitive and draining. While there is a lot of nuance to consider in how teachers structure their lessons, one way they can hope to inspire motivation within students is planning lessons that balance hands-on methods and approaches.
Mr Kaplan states, “As a teacher, when I make my lessons I try to think if I was a student in my own class, would I enjoy this lesson? Would I find it valuable? If i wouldn’t enjoy it as a student, you probably won’t.”
It is also important to remember that there are students who do flourish best in a traditional academic environment. Some students truly do prefer lecture style lessons, but it is important to strike a balance; especially considering so often lessons can become repetitive in their structure.
Mr. Kaplan emphasizes this need for balance, “ If everyday is the whammy regatta then no day is the whammy regatta. Some people really love traditional learning, so it’s important to feed and nurture them as well.”
In general, however, he explains, “I think it’s important that teachers look for opportunities to have productive fun. I think it’s important that we are consciously seeking out these opportunities. Teachers here are really good at putting their own personal flare on those activities. I’ve been very inspired by a lot of the things I’ve seen other teachers at this school do.”
As a society, it’s crucial we recognize all the important work teachers do for us as students. Bernards High School students are lucky to have dedicated teachers who are willing to work with students to help them excel. It is clear that one such way to help motivate students is to include a balance of fun activities and hands on learning with more traditional forms of education.