Is it logical to assert that we learn best through in-person interaction with a teacher in a classroom? Indubitably, this has become a debatable topic in modern times. Proponents of one school of thought, wholeheartedly and unflinchingly, assert its efficacy, while advocates of the other school of thought, abrogate its authenticity by suggesting the disadvantages of learning through in-person interaction. I, on a personal level, have a predilection for the former school of thought.
First and foremost, a noteworthy and pivotal point which fortifies my perspective, is that when students attend classes, being physically present in the classroom, they are able to not only retain information better, but also grasp concepts quicker. For example, in 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic hit India, the Government of India had instructed all learning institutions to conduct their classes on an online platform, only. Personally, I realized that I was struggling with my concepts, as my doubts, especially in technical subjects such as statistics and mathematics, were not being cleared. Besides, it was considered unprofessional to call a teacher on her telephone.
Moreover, another dimension which bolsters my opinion, is that peer-learning is incorporated in the learning process when classes are conducted in physical form. Group discussions, collaborating with peers for assignments, and learning from one another is mainly possible in a classroom. This applies for students in both higher-secondary level as well as tertiary level of education. Students in college can have discussions with their peers about career goals. For example, in my university classes, during recess, sometimes we share perspectives, give each other advice in a way that will prove to be beneficial for one another, since we are all in the same boat. This requires a sense of bonding which, in my opinion, may not happen in a class which is conducted completely in an online mode. In addition, students not only take submission deadlines seriously, but also study for their examinations diligently, since assessments conducted in a classroom, does not give scope for cheating.
On the contrary, a thorough perusal of this thought-inducing issue, sheds light on the opposing school of thought. This school of thought is of the opinion that, students who do not fall in the category of being “ahead of the bunch”, rather require more time to themselves for learning, benefit from this model of learning. For example, they get to access video recordings of the classes that are conducted online, over a Zoom meeting or perhaps a Microsoft Teams call. Students who struggle to remember concepts can replay these recordings, repeatedly. Although this may be an advantage in most people’s eyes, I personally believe it gives students the leeway to “bunk” classes and watch the recordings at their leisure, which is quite disrespectful to the lecturer.
In a nutshell, by juxtaposing the points put forward by the proponents of this thought-provoking issue, with those put forward by the opponents of the same, it is lucid that the former school of thought supersedes the latter, with its cogency and logic.