Exploring Hybrid Learning at Spring Days

Dr. Ken Beatty is a teaching and language expert who has authored numerous textbooks and lectures on language teaching across the world. At this year’s Pearson English Spring Days, his opening plenary will explore the impact of online learning over the last twelve months, and look at the challenges and advantages for both teachers and learners. Here, he introduces the theme of hybrid learning, one of the main strands of this year’s Spring Days event. 

“What should I do? Some of my students don’t even have electricity in their homes.” 

The email was from a teacher in rural Peru explaining his challenge in teaching online. Although we’re surrounded by countless innovations and approaches, not everyone has access to them. 

And this is especially true of language teaching. Online classes have helped some students continue learning, but others have been left behind. The first step in addressing this imbalance is for teachers to be aware of it, while finding ways to adapt to their local contexts. And one innovative approach to think about is hybrid learning.

What is hybrid learning?

Teachers are familiar with online learning: classes held completely via computer or other devices like phones. Many are also experienced in teaching blended learning classes, which combine face-to-face lessons with online learning – separately. 

And then there’s hybrid learning.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, many teachers have found themselves in the unexpected and challenging position of teaching hybrid classes. That is, they are teaching classes that mix groups of face-to-face and online learners. 

As a result hybrid class teachers must develop a new approach to classroom management, teaching, monitoring and student engagement. They find themselves struggling to ensure that their students, whether online or physically present, have the best possible learning experience.  

Hybrid learning has been with us for quite some time, however. For example, there’s also the scenario where students attend face-to-face classes, do independent portions of their learning online, and then find additional opportunities to practice their language skills in their communities. These opportunities might include internships where students learn new skills while they practice English or teacher-assigned language projects. 

So while hybrid learning is a challenge for many, it can be a rewarding and positive experience, too.

Explore the Spring Days program of events

In my upcoming Spring Days Plenary, I will share practical ways to make hybrid learning work in a variety of teaching and learning situations. We will see how hybrid learning can improve motivation and make assessment a more personalized learning tool.  

A Reflective Teacher: How to make every lesson count with the ESAP framework with Magda Kania

In this session Magda will refer to and reflect on her own experiences over the last year, and share some practical ideas that can support teachers in organizing online lessons to engage their students cognitively and emotionally. 

Hybrid learning – tips & tricks (to move forward) with Kasia Janitz-de-la-Rue

Kasia will look at how teachers and students worldwide are coping with extended hybrid learning and how we can make it easier and more effective. She will discuss topics such as engagement and motivation, as well as how to adapt methodology and processes. 

Formative assessment: the principles and practicalities of assessing young learners’ English skills from a distance with Eleonora Pessina 

Formative assessment is vital to learners’ success. However, lack of day-to-day contact makes effective progress monitoring a challenge. This session will explore the secrets to successful remote testing for young learners, and show how a straightforward and genuinely engaging test can deliver valuable insights and facilitate a stress-free experience for young learners, their parents and their teachers. 

From theory to practice: activities for any classroom with Mike Hogan and Chia Suan Chong

This practical webinar will look at activities which work well in a hybrid learning environment. Mike and Chia will share fresh ideas and resources for teachers which can be used across a variety of ages and levels. If your enthusiasm for digital learning is starting to wane after a year of teaching online, you’re sure to leave this session feeling inspired and enthused about the possibilities of hybrid learning. 

Exams, preparation and remediation in a digital world with Jane Bledsoe

In this webinar Jane Bledsoe will examine research from English language learners and teachers, focusing on their motivations and concerns in achieving their goals during the times they cannot be in the classroom. Jane will then look at examples of exam prep resources and teacher tools to bridge the distance for a digital future. She will also explore a new approach to score reports that provide immediate remediation recommendations for all levels of learners. Come prepared to take some polls and contribute your thoughts to the discussion.

The full Spring Days 2021 program is available online, with sessions on everything from assessment to self care. Register now so you don’t miss out!