THE IMPACT OF THE COVID SLIDE ON THE STUDY OF SCIENCE

David Amies, Chemistry, Biology and Physics tutor

So many families have had an intimate experience of Science Worksheets and homework during lockdown. With over forty years teaching experience, I know there is a limit to how effective self- learning can be! Even a short break from having your class in front of you means there will be hard work ahead to get all the students back up to speed. 

Some students have had class Zoom meetings during lockdown or one to one video tuition during the school day. Indeed, some schools have transferred their whole timetable online but are children really suited to collective learning in front of a screen? What about those who have had less than efficient communication with their teachers? 

Others may only have worked on random topics which are easier to communicate but have they missed those topics important for the higher grades? 

No wonder we are concerned that differing home-schooling experiences will put some children at a disadvantage. So many of us learn better through asking questions and having the learning reinforced by personal interaction. 

Experienced teachers tend to follow up with questions targeted to the students’ ability and current understanding. Hopefully, we have an idea of the capabilities of each member of the class and how to extend them, so they reach their full potential. Go too fast, and the student loses confidence, too slow, and they lose interest. Individualised learning is difficult to achieve in a large class, let alone with limited contact in these unusual times. However, it’s so easy to do on a one to one basis. 

I have run two Chemistry departments and two Science faculties and taught in comprehensive, grammar and private schools. I have had much experience in translating syllabuses or specifications into learning experiences. It was my responsibility to check every class covered every topic and so be prepared for future examinations. Science courses are often cyclic – a particular year building on topics in the previous two or three years. A missing topic, or poor understanding, needs to be addressed as soon as possible! 

I could point you to the more user-friendly Schemes of Work from the examination boards’ and STEM websites to check coverage of the curriculum, but you have probably done that already. You won’t be alone if you are tired of home schooling and desperate to have a tutor who will be able to sit alongside the student and fill the gaps. A good tutor will appreciate the preferred learning style of the student, play to their strengths and expose them to a variety of stimuli to reinforce learning and extend them to achieve their full potential all the way from Key Stages 1 to 5. 

So, what else can a concerned parent or student do? Well, true science is process driven and I would guess, with the absence of laboratory work, self-learning exercises have been largely 

content orientated. A good scientist needs to understand the way science works and so we show students how important discoveries were made. 

Examinations requires the young scientist to ‘appreciate the power and limitations of science and to discuss any ethical issues which may arise’. You may be surprised how many school pupils enjoy a good family discussion! Advanced and University students will probably have been starved of a good debate in lockdown. A family outing in the countryside or by a river would be an ideal occasion to look out for the effects of pollution, to discuss organic farming or to talk about climate change. 

A proportion of any Science examination includes planning experiments and data analysis. There are some interesting and colourful experiments families can do together safely using acids and bases found in the home with, for example, colours from fruits and vegetables. Even radishes! These would be fun for all but, if you don’t have the experience, remember it’s best to find out the correct terms when it comes to changing variables and fair tests. A tutor could help students from year 1 to 13 start to enjoy their practical Science again. 

And after school? If you are about to apply to university, you have missed months of intelligent banter and important discussion around your subjects. You haven’t been able to visit university campuses, yet you have to choose where you would like to go, prepare your application and get ready for interviews. An extra tutor could make all the difference! 

If you are going up to university this autumn, don’t think your grades will get you through the first year. Your learning may be incomplete, and you will almost certainly be out of practice when it comes to academic work. Fill in the gaps before you leave home! 

The Covid Slide and the impact on other subjects 

The Covid Slide is not unique to The Sciences. To find out the impact on English, Maths and Languages please read our other blogs at https://mykidstutor.co.uk/blog/ 

Overcoming The Covid Slide 

Please contact Nicola at learning@mykidstutor.co.uk or call on 07887634779 to discuss how My Kids Tutor can help give your child the academic boost they need this summer.