The Hybrid Classroom: Best Practices for Teaching Adult Learners

Written by Bryan McCormick, First Literacy Program Director

As education continues to adapt to the wreckage left behind by Covid-19 the hybrid classroom has emerged as a critical tool for teachers in the field of Adult Basic Education.

This approach is particularly relevant for adult learners, who bring diverse experiences and responsibilities to the educational table. In this blog post, we will share our own learning from the past three years of offering hybrid workshops. Below we’ve rounded up some best practices to help educators effectively engage and empower adult learners in the hybrid classroom.

Designate A Technology Manager

In the hybrid classroom, the role of technology is pivotal, yet it can be challenging for a single educator to manage both content delivery and technical aspects effectively.

Having another adult dedicated to managing technology allows the primary educator to focus wholly on teaching and engaging with learners. This approach ensures a seamless learning experience, reduces disruptions, and enhances the overall effectiveness of the hybrid model in addition to preventing educator burn out.

The designated technology manager can troubleshoot issues, monitor virtual interactions, and provide immediate support, creating a more conducive environment for both educators and adult learners.

Don’t Forget About Remote Attendees

Remote students are not second-class learners and should not be treated that way. Could you imagine a student who attends class in person, keeping their hand up for the entire session never to be called upon?

Unfortunately, this can occur when remote students aren’t prioritized in teaching systems and why the above point of having someone other than the primary educator manage technology is key.

Setting clear expectations is also vital. If a remote learner has a question or issue, will someone monitor the chat? Will someone be watching closely to see if a student raises their virtual or actual hand?

Schedule Break Times

Students who are participating remotely will communicate to you if they need a break, usually by turning their screens off and leaving the room. If you’d rather give all your students the chance to attend the entire lesson that you spend hours planning, consider managing breaks for your students by communicating your agenda at the start, utilizing student input around the timing and length of breaks, and keeping to the schedule you set.

Teachers can often put a lot of pressure on themselves to get through content quickly and sometimes this leads to limiting breaks and maximizing instructional time. There are cases where this is appropriate, but often less is more.

Create Engaging and Varied Content

Leverage multimedia tools for content delivery, such as video lectures, interactive quizzes, audio books (yes, audio books) and virtual simulations. This will keep both you and your students fresh.

Cater to diverse learning styles to meet all of your learners. Give students the chance to converse, write, read, talk, listen and laugh.

Foster a Collaborative Learning Environment

Integrate collaborative activities like online discussion forums, group projects, and virtual peer review sessions. Find opportunities to mix your remote and in person students to keep partnerships fresh and increase the connection of your remote learners.

Encourage adult learners to share experiences, insights, and expertise, fostering a sense of community and enriching the collective learning experience.

Utilize Technology Effectively

Provide comprehensive training and support for both educators and learners to navigate technology. Create core competencies around technology for your students and then teach and assess that knowledge so you don’t leave anyone behind.

Cultivate a Positive Learning Environment

Foster a culture of inclusivity, respect, and open communication around the different experiences your learners may be having depending on how they show up to class.

Proactively address challenges, creating a supportive atmosphere where adult learners feel comfortable expressing opinions and seeking assistance.

Conclusion

As the hybrid classroom continues to shape the future of education, incorporating these best practices is essential for educators navigating this dynamic environment. Taking the time to set yourself and class up for success in the hybrid classroom will pay dividends for your student outcomes and your own wellbeing. Don’t be afraid to advocate for your students if you need better technical training for yourself, better equipment or funding for that second adult in your classroom.