Classroom Chronicles

Learning Through Crisis: Adapting and Evolving in a Post-Pandemic Educational Landscape

CONTEXTUAL RESEARCH | LEXTANT FRAMEWORK

Project:

Group Project (3 Members )

Responsibilities:

Design Researcher

Duration:

10 Weeks

Research Methodology

Research Problem

How can post-pandemic learning environments be optimized to effectively foster social skills and enhance human connections?

Secondary Research

Secondary research involved exploring and interpreting data from existing sources, such as academic literature and reports, to uncover insights and shape new research questions.

Problem The shift to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic diminished human connection, affecting students' social development, mental well-being, and overall learning experience.

Audience Our primary audience encompasses students aged 8 to 14 years, along with staff, educators, education policymakers, and parents. We will work closely with schools and educational organizations to ensure a collaborative and impactful approach.

Failures In the post-online learning era, the educational landscape struggles to find effective strategies for rebuilding and enhancing human connections within school communities. The focus on digital communication often overlooks the vital importance of face-to-face interactions.

New Value Our core values center around fostering human connection, empathy, and social-emotional growth, along with cultivating a strong sense of community in schools.

Oppurtunities Our project develops strategies and initiatives designed to foster in-person interactions, establish peer support networks, and enhance social-emotional learning programs.

Risk The main risks involve dealing with resistance to change in educational institutions, resource limitations, and the creative challenge of connecting online and in-person learning experiences.

Stakeholder Maps

Insights from Secondary Research

Social Skills were impacted the most.

Students felt exhausted after long screen hours.

Parents noticed unexpected aggression in kids.

Students lost interests in extra-curricular activities.

Emtional well-being was impacted the most.

Schools were not prepared to resume and handle the situation.

Students were expected to behave and cope up normally

Mental health discussions were avoided.

Long-term changes in behavioral patterns also led to shifts in personalities.

Students were hardly connected to Nature.

Students felt more isolated and secluded post pandemic.

Key Takeaways

Secondary research revealed the importance of examining scenarios from the perspectives of three key stakeholders—parents, teachers, and students. Understanding the interactions and dynamics among these groups was essential. Additionally, to effectively design for the post-pandemic landscape, it was vital to analyze and compare the pre-pandemic, during-pandemic, and post-pandemic scenarios. This holistic approach informed our strategy, ensuring that the design solutions are well-aligned with the evolving needs of all stakeholders.

Primary Research

Primary research involved gathering first-hand information via Surveys, Cultural Probes, Sensory Cues and Interviews. All primary research activities were conducted across key stakeholders—parents, students, and teachers. The subsequent data analysis enabled us to correlate the findings from each group, providing a comprehensive understanding of the relationships and dynamics involved.

Surveys

Surveys were administered to all three stakeholders to identify the key changes that occurred during the pandemic.

Cultural Probe

For Cultural Probes, students were asked to reflect on their experiences during COVID-19, including activities they enjoyed and those they disliked during the pandemic.

Sensory Cues

Sensory cues involved activities or stimuli designed to elicit responses and gather insights from students, helping to identify the type of learning environment needed to address the educational losses caused by the pandemic.

Developing The Framework

Final Framework

Innovating Solutions Using The Framework

Turning the opportunity into a 'design opportunity'

Imagine a mobile classroom on wheels, a whimsical and innovative bus designed to be parked amidst nature’s embrace, turning any scenic setting into a dynamic learning environment.
The exterior boasts large windows, offering panoramic views of the surrounding greenery.
Inside, flexible seating arrangements encourage interaction and collaboration
among students, parents, and teachers.
The interior is equipped with state-of-the-art educational technology, seamlessly merging the wonders of nature with modern
learning tools.
Students engage in lessons surrounded by the rustling leaves, the gentle hum of insects, and the fresh air, fostering a connection with the environment.
This mobile classroom is not just a place for academic pursuits; it’s a communal space where social skills are cultivated through shared experiences, whether it’s a group project under the shade of trees or a reflective discussion on a hillside.
The concept transcends traditional boundaries, creating a unique blend of education, nature, and community to
nurture the holistic development of students.