Due to the pandemic outbreak, a hybrid education model will be implemented in the new academic year. The decision to send the child to school has been left to the parents, but parents also have difficulty in making decisions. Experts state that children of primary school age should return to school, noting that the peer learning model will support the knowledge gained from the teacher and facilitate learning.
Mine Elagöz Yüksel, Child Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist at Üsküdar University NP Etiler Medical Center, shared the reasons why children of primary school age should return to school in the new academic year when the hybrid education model will be implemented.
Establish a one-to-one relationship with the teacher
Child Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist Mine Elagöz Yüksel stated that loving, adopting and receiving feedback from the teacher creates learning motivation for children in this age group, "The child will establish a one-to-one relationship with the teacher at school and will adopt the school more. Children have the opportunity to ask the points they do not understand in the lesson more easily in one-to-one education. It is simpler for the teacher to follow the children in front of the screen. In this way, it is easier for the child to correct their mistakes and guide them."
Classroom environment facilitates communication
Stating that children will communicate with each other more easily in the classroom environment, Yüksel said, "Thus, the learning model we call peer learning will be formed. Peer teaching supports the information the child receives from the teacher and facilitates learning."
Attention span will increase
Yüksel made the following statements about attention span in lessons: "Children's attention span decreases in front of the screen, the amount of time children can listen to the lesson decreases. It is not only the screen that affects attention. There may be other elements that confuse the child, such as more noise in the home environment, perhaps siblings."
School is a child's social environment
Stating that socialization is as important as learning, Yüksel said, "School is the child's social environment. It is the most important place where they can meet their friends. Children experience socialization, problem solving, sharing, controlling their emotions and empathy by playing during recess. They learn to respect different opinions and create a peaceful environment."
School offers more physical environment
Stating that especially children of primary school age should return to school, Yüksel finally said the following:
"The space where children can direct their energy may be more at school than at home. Opportunities such as courtyards and gyms create opportunities for children's physical development. Going outside during breaks and getting fresh air is good for the child. A physically active child can concentrate more easily."