Spotting Learning in Hybrid Classes: My Experience

By Anders Nicolai Thaarup, VUC

As a teacher navigating the world of hybrid teaching, I’ve picked up a few tricks to spot when my students are really learning. Hybrid classes mix in-person and online learning, and it can be a bit tricky to see who’s truly engaged.

Jumping into Discussions

One of the best signs that students are learning is when they dive into discussions. Whether they’re in the classroom or online, students who ask questions and share their thoughts are usually the ones who are really getting it. Tools like OneNote are awesome for this because students can jot down their ideas and collaborate in real-time.

Showing Up Regularly

Consistent attendance is a biggie. If students are showing up to both physical and virtual classes, it’s a good sign they’re interested and committed. Online platforms make it easy to track who’s attending and participating.

Rocking Their Assignments

When students turn in high-quality assignments on time, it’s a clear sign they’re understanding the material. Hybrid teaching makes this super easy because students can submit their work digitally, and teachers can give quick feedback. OneNote is great for this – students can upload their assignments, and I can give instant feedback.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Collaboration is key! In hybrid settings, students can work together on projects using digital tools, even if they’re not physically together. Watching how they interact and collaborate on platforms like OneNote shows me how well they’re applying their knowledge and working as a team.

Taking Charge of Their Learning

Hybrid teaching encourages students to be more independent. When I see students seeking out extra resources, completing additional assignments, and showing initiative, I know they’re taking charge of their learning. This can be tracked through their activity on learning management systems and their engagement with extra materials.

A Peek into Our Class

To give you a real example, we recently did a survey in our class. Students were asked to identify which life forms they think certain images represent. The results, shown in the pie charts below, reveal a range of responses, showcasing their diverse perspectives and critical thinking skills.

!Survey Results

These charts not only show the students’ understanding but also their ability to analyze and interpret information – key components of learning.

In a nutshell, hybrid teaching is a way to blend the best of both worlds. By keeping an eye on these signs of learning, we can make sure our students are not just participating but truly understanding and applying the material.