By Lucy Verlaque
Elm Staff Writer
We have reached the halfway point in the fall semester at Washington College, and the continued transition from online to in-person learning is still impacting students.
For many, being back in person is a relief after over a year of isolation.
“I find it’s really nice to be face-to-face with all my peers and able to have a meaningful connection with my professors…[in-person learning] gives the day more structure,” freshman Claire Garretson said.
I have found the return to in-person learning to be mostly positive. However, this does not erase the challenges that come with the transition, such as a heavier workload and busier schedule.
Even after two months, adjusting to these changes can be difficult. This is especially true at this point in the semester, which is already known for being stressful and work-heavy.
“I stayed online for all of senior year [of high school], so it’s very weird being in college right now,” freshman Julie Cinderella said. “When midterms were happening, I was very overwhelmed.”
As we reach a point of inevitable burnout, it is important for the College to continue to support students as much as possible.
Recently, the Student Government Association conducted a survey about students’ academic concerns at this point in the semester.
“The main goal of the survey was to give students a platform to voice their concerns and share their experience regarding their academics for this semester,” SGA Secretary of Academics senior Kyle Rufo said.
According to Rufo, the SGA decided to conduct the survey after hearing feedback from students and faculty about difficulties they were facing during the return to in-person learning. The plan is to use the results to implement changes based on these concerns.
“After a more thorough analysis of the feedback, my committee and I will synthesize some of the larger concerns,” Rufo said. “These issues will be addressed either in a resolution to the school or in an action plan, depending on the themes in the survey responses. Whatever form it may take, the results and further action will be presented to the Senate, faculty, and sent to the student body as a whole.”
In addition to these changes, professors must continue to help students during this time.
This semester, I’m taking biology with Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Mala Misra. One change Dr. Misra has implemented in her class is allowing students to refer to their notes during exams. Students are also permitted to take their exam home for 24 hours if they need more time to complete it.
“I switched over to [this type of] exam when we were online,” Dr. Misra said. “I knew there could be a huge range of things happening in people’s personal lives during the pandemic, so it seemed much more equitable to give everybody a large chunk of time.”
According to Dr. Misra, she encourages her students to study for exams so they are well-prepared, but also believes that “the skill of being able to look things up is really important.”
In my experience, these kinds of tests have been a huge help in the transition to in-person learning. Open-note tests have motivated me to study more and have relieved much of the stress I used to feel before exams. With finals coming up, this would be great for students who struggle with motivation or test anxiety.
Another way for professors to continue helping students is to be flexible with attendance policies.
According to Garretson, professors should provide alternative attendance options for students who don’t feel well, but don’t want to miss out on instruction.
“If I’m sick I could just stay in my room and Zoom into class instead of putting people at risk,” Garretson said.
Some of my professors allow students to Zoom into class this semester, which is helpful for students who want to participate, but don’t want to potentially infect others. Making this option available to everyone would be a great benefit because students wouldn’t feel forced to attend class if they feel unwell.
Dr. Misra agreed that professors should continue being flexible during this time.
“The pandemic has really laid bare the fact that each of our students are having their own individualized experience,” Dr. Misra said. “They may have many different things going on in the background that might take priority over cramming for an exam.”
Support from the College and professors will make this adjustment period easier for students and ensure a positive close to the semester.
Photo Courtesy of Elm Archives