Hybrid learning is very different than in-person learning, especially, if you compare the quality of education for both approaches. 

Multiple students, from different Minnesota schools, were interviewed to gather information about their experience with school. There were 7 questions and all pertain to the quality of education that they were receiving. The questions ranged from how their grades are in comparison to past years, to how their school is handling classes. 

The results, however, were shocking. Two students from Maple Grove Senior High said their teachers could schedule class whenever they wanted no matter what time of day. One girl reported, “my band teacher scheduled class at 9:15 till 10 o’clock at night”. She then went on to say how she had no choice but to skip class because she was going to bed.

The students with in-person school had several complaints as well. Most of the issues applied to the education they received when they were at home distance learning. A Totino-Grace senior said that in-person learning was helpful but when she tuned in from home she struggled to focus, or hear the teacher due to technical issues. 

With these types of education, issues appear in all of them. Students are finding it difficult to figure out what the best approach to school is.  

All of the students that are receiving completely distant education mentioned that they are finding it difficult to keep their grades up. They also mentioned how hard it is to hand assignments in on time because of the overwhelming workload that teachers are giving them. But the biggest complaint here was getting help when they needed it.

In both forms of distant and hybrid students are realizing a disconnect between other students. They are struggling to build relationships and this is especially affecting students of younger grades. This difference in grades social experiences is mainly based on the time that they had in the school prior to the change in education.

In-person schools are finding the most promising results in the field of education. Their students get to follow the plans that the teachers used in past years and they also get in-person teaching every day. Receiving actual instruction and help on assignments is what helps students flourish. They need constant feedback to excel.  

Although schools that are not doing in-person education claim they are helping students’ health by not being in person and minimizing disease spread, they are also causing psychological issues among their students. Mental health issues increased based on distance learning.

Students need the social aspect of school and without it many students feel alone and struggle when issues come up. It is causing teen depression and anxiety to skyrocket and the students are realizing it.

“Grade wise I cannot see a huge difference between this year and last year, but mentally I can see my struggle,” a Maple Grove sophomore reported. She went on to explain that she is becoming overwhelmed with not making friends but also because of her stressful school work.

The education system in Minnesota is far from perfect due to the complications of Covid-19. But the student feedback is becoming key to finding the most useful plan of approach. It is key to realize that the majority of your classmates are struggling so students are not alone in this time of uncertainty.