Aristotle claimed that educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all. Since March 2020, these words continue to ring truer than ever as dedicated parents and educators struggle to engage and teach students away from the classroom.
Despite the shut-down due to COVID-19, North Montco Technical Career Center's (NMTCC) teachers and students have worked diligently to complete the school year predominately online. Understanding how crucial hands-on learning is for technical education, NMTCC’s administration made a courageous decision to embrace a hybrid model for juniors and seniors this fall. This model allows students to come to school for both classroom and lab instruction. Following this plan, North Montco’s welding teacher, Rocco Sexton, has constructed an environment where he builds a solid learning foundation, and his students are cultivating the welding skills that interest them the most.
While first-year students through seniors complete their classwork or theoretical learning virtually, Sexton's upperclassman who partake in this hybrid experience have the opportunity to spend time two afternoons per week experiencing hands-on learning in the welding lab, where they hone their skills to achieve the American Welding Society (AWS) certificates instrumental for future employment.
Of course, like anything else, there are advantages and disadvantages to online education. Some educators and parents endorse the benefits that the virtual option can make, including accessibility, easing social pressure and providing enjoyable alternatives to traditional activities. On the other hand, poor time-management skills, less engaging learning activities and the lack of social interaction — often considered negative byproducts of virtual education — can get in the way of success for many students.
Because of those dynamics, the decision to employ a hybrid model while trying to navigate the concerns of COVID-19 and its impact on student learning makes sense. The classroom and lab time enable teachers to keep their finger on the pulse of learning outside of the classroom or in the virtual environment.
Even with the virtual component, Sexton's class is keeping its stride. Sexton uses Canvas, a popular Learning Management System (LMS), to help deliver lessons and keep students on track.
"To ensure that an LMS is an efficient tool, especially for work outside of the classroom, I've spent a lot of time planning and building out our program," said Sexton.
For students and teachers to have any success using a virtual platform, they must prepare. The better the preparation of the teacher, the better opportunity for student learning.
Sexton said that this method works because of how the students are responding to their typical school day. Students are working on their theoretical or book work from home. The time scheduled in the classroom starts with about 30 minutes of review of their reading assignment, followed by valuable lab time. As a result of his prep-time and student engagement, he sees students being more prepared in class with a good understanding of the theory.
"There are a lot of layers to this onion. Work assignments are visible to students from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. This generous timeframe allows a good amount of flexibility for the student," said Sexton.
To keep learning relevant, Sexton tries to start the Zoom session with an open discussion about what's going on in the world. A recent observation from some students during a virtual discussion was the abundance of commercials that flash pictures of welders in the background, as rebuilding infrastructure is at the core of political initiatives.
"Routines are a big deal to students, set realistic expectations, and be transparent,” Sexton said. “I have also found that dialog is sometimes more important than visuals."
Perhaps the best way his teaching model is making the most impact is by allowing students to use competency-based education to their advantage. While the first-year students follow a more structured syllabus, upperclassmen can learn or focus on areas of the trade that are more interesting to them. Students who show competency in their given skills or tasks are not held back, but instead are encouraged to learn more.
With his guidance, Sexton supports individualized learning. This progressive mindset encourages students who are moving along well to take a deep dive into research or lab experience that will help prepare them for the workforce. Students get a head start identifying the type of welder they would like to be, as well as the technical skills required for that area or specialty. For example, through this research, one student has researched the skills required and opportunities available for underwater welders.
By the time the students graduate, they will leave with their OSHA 10 and at least two chances to earn a couple of occupational certifications from the AWS. More importantly, they will be given the time to discover the type of welder they aspire to be and hone the skills necessary for pursuing employment in their respective area.
Sexton said he believes that working in the lab is good therapy for students and that his class expectations remain high.
"Students in our programs are not here by accident. They elected to be here,” said Sexton. “However, a well-planned program and a good LMS are no guarantee of success. Virtual and hybrid instruction can be difficult for some students. I hope that my students will reach out and communicate if they need something, as someday they will have to learn to communicate with their supervisor.”
"I have embraced the opportunity to teach this way,” Sexton said. “I want my students to get the most bang for the buck. Get the students to enter the trade with some experience and ready to get to work. Despite the current pandemic, my students should graduate from the program with a good understanding of the welding profession.”
See also:
North Montco Technical Career Center Launches Educational Foundation
Learn The Tools Of The Plumbing Trade At North Montco
North Montco Puts Youth Road Skills To The Test
Adult Welding Courses To Begin Next Week At North Montco Technical Career Center
Taking It On The Road With CDL Training From North Montco Technical Career Center
