Teaching with a Hybrid Learning Model

Introduction

A hybrid learning model combines in-person and virtual learning into one learning experience. There are various versions of the hybrid school schedule that schools may adopt, but in general, half of the learning sessions will be in-person while the other half will be online. This model, though it may seem simple, requires a decent amount of planning in order for students’ learning to be most successful. Whether or not the public believes the disadvantages of hybrid learning outweigh the advantages or vice versa, right now many schools have adopted the model for safety reasons. Therefore, until all schools can fully reopen, educators and students alike will continue to make the best of what hybrid learning has to offer.

Resources

There are so many different resources available online for teaching with a hybrid learning model. To slow the spread of Covid-19, many educators are adjusting their teaching styles to the hybrid learning model, and this has most likely not been very easy. The articles and informational sites below will provide educators with more guidance regarding how they can teach most effectively while using this learning model.

Articles

1. Effective Instructional Models for a Hybrid Schedule: edutopia has published an article on effective instructional models for a hybrid schedule, recommending flipping the classroom and station rotation models. The article explains how educators can flip their classroom using various tools and have students engage with these materials on their remote days before coming into the classroom to apply their new knowledge. Educators can also use stations that take different forms for students to engage in when they are present in the classroom and also on their remote days. Those who want to learn more about how to make station rotation work during hybrid learning can read another one of edutopia’s articles here. 
2. EducationWeek:
   1. The Do’s & Don’ts of Hybrid Teaching: EducationWeek has published an opinion article on the do’s and don’ts of hybrid teaching. The author, Larry Ferlazzo, shares about what he has learned so far as an educator, which includes planning one, maybe two, weeks out at a time, taking things in smaller chunks, getting to know your students, and helping your students make connections. A couple educators also discuss their experiences with the hybrid model, explaining how they made it work for their classrooms.
   2. Hybrid School Schedules – More Flexibility; Big Logistical Challenges: This article from EducationWeek discusses both the advantages and disadvantages of the new hybrid model that many educators and students have had to become accustomed to. There are a few options for the hybrid schedule that schools can choose from, and the piece runs through the pros and cons for in-person attendance for students with special needs, core subjects only for in-person sessions, elementary school in-person and middle and high school remote, and split schedule AM/PM. Though this piece was written before schools reopened in the fall, its content is still applicable.
   3. How Hybrid Learning Is (and Is Not) Working During COVID-19 – 6 Case Studies: EducationWeek explains how hybrid learning is and is not working during Covid-19 by analyzing 6 case studies. The article takes a look at hybrid models in six school districts across the country and breaks down the challenges of making those approaches work.
3. How to Plan for Hybrid Teaching and Learning: Common Sense Media offers an article on how to plan for hybrid teaching and learning, which outline 6 important considerations for a blended model of in-person and remote instruction. The piece recommends focusing on well-being and relationships, using different modes and strategies, aiming for consistent communication, not overwhelming with tech tools, emphasizing digital citizenship, and practicing self-care.
4. 16 Hybrid Learning Tips by and for Teachers: The Global Online Academy has compiled 16 hybrid learning tips by and for teachers for moving headquarters online, mastering technology basics, connecting in-person and remote students, making time for remote students, making clear, intentional plans and sharing them, and slowing down and forgiving themselves. For educators who are looking for guidance with navigating hybrid learning and are open to new ideas that will maximize learning, this article will be helpful!
5. 4 Tips for Teaching on a Hybrid Schedule: Edpuzzle provides 4 tips for teaching on a hybrid schedule. The article suggests that educators create a clear routine for students, choose their edtech tools wisely, make their own video lessons, and establish a self-paced learning environment. By reading this piece, educators will get a better understanding of how to create a routine that works for their school’s hybrid model and use technology more effectively.
6. Teaching in a Hybrid Classroom: In a weekly newsletter, teacher-and-learning experts from the Chronicle of Higher Education give educators insight on how to engage students in a hybrid classroom. The newsletter contains advice on how to make a hybrid classroom work for educators, points to resources on teaching in a school with a hybrid model, and includes a story on how colleges can support students of color.
7. 7 Tips From Research for Effective Hybrid Teaching: Pearson provides 7 tips for effective hybrid teaching based on a review of their existing research on how to make it work for them. The article recommends building around what you want students to learn, planning effective interactions, integrating the experiences, crafting a learner-centered approach to learning, and more.

Informational Sites

1. An Introduction to Hybrid Teaching: College of DuPage provides an introduction to hybrid teaching. The guide starts off by explaining what hybrid learning is, the benefits of hybrid learning, how to use time wisely, and the student experience. It then transitions into discussing how educators can structure their classes and activities and plan their hybrid courses.The guide also describes how one can fail in a hybrid learning model.
2. Getting Started with Designing a Hybrid Learning Course: Cornell University explains how educators can get started with designing a hybrid learning course. This informational page includes a few techniques that instructors can use to design hybrid learning courses, including online activities and in-class activities. In addition, the page provides a table that compares hybrid learning to traditional learning, laying out the differences in the instructor role, student role, learning environment, approach, in-class time, and out-of-class time. It also describes how educators can prepare students for hybrid learning and what they can do with extra class time to maximize learning.
3. What Will Return to School Look Like This Fall? A Look Inside Hybrid Learning Plans: Panorama Education has published an informational article giving an inside look to the hybrid learning plans for schools. This page gives nationwide status updates for fall 2020, including reopening plans, Covid-19 related policies, and teaching and professional development trends, and has rounded up a couple of examples of hybrid learning plans from districts and states across the country.
4. Hybrid Model Survival 101: Education World offers a brief article that offers educators advice on how they can serve both students at home and in the building. The article explains how educators can buddy students up, keep group work virtual, work strategically rather than work more, and focus support proactively and collaboratively.

Conclusion

Teaching with a hybrid learning model is not easy by any means, especially on the fly. One of the most important parts of using this model is to ensure that students are supported and are given the opportunity to connect with one another. Just because half of students are at home a few days a week does not mean that they cannot continue to work with one another or communicate back and forth with their educators in different capacities!