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Prisma is the world’s most engaging virtual school that combines a fun, real-world curriculum with powerful mentorship from experienced coaches and a supportive peer community
“Burnout is what happens when you try to avoid being human for too long.”
-Michael Gunger
Burnout is a public health issue that has been gaining more attention in recent years, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in online learning and teaching. The phenomenon of educational burnout can have a serious impact on mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being.
Burnout, along with other, related, issues like lack of student motivation, mental health challenges, and poor online teaching practices, have made many people view online learning in a negative light. Of course, when implemented in an emergency situation like the COVID-19 pandemic, it was unlikely that unprepared teachers would be able to implement online learning successfully. But that doesn’t mean that online learning can never work.
As an online school, we at Prisma know that in fact, many kids & teachers thrived in an online learning environment. Whether they benefited from the reduced distractions, increased flexibility, or ability to go at their own pace; over the past three years, we’ve enrolled many learners who didn’t want to go back to traditional in-person learning.
And instead of taking traditional brick-and-mortar school and doing it on Zoom, we’ve designed a uniquely engaging virtual middle and high school where kids are allowed to go at their own pace; learn through hands-on, interdisciplinary projects; and build a flexible schedule that works for them.
In this blog post, we will explore the factors contributing to burnout in some online learning environments and provide concrete strategies and tips to help both students and teachers address and avoid online school burnout.
Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It is characterized by a decline in motivation, energy, and productivity, often leading to feelings of overwhelm and helplessness. In the context of education, student burnout and teacher burnout can occur due to the demands of schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and other stressors.
Online learning, also referred to as distance learning, became much more prevalent than ever before due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with students and teachers transitioning from face-to-face interactions to online classes.
Although online learning can be implemented successfully, in ways that aren’t in danger of triggering burnout, it often isn’t. If implemented poorly, distance learning can lead to burnout due to:
Burnout symptoms can vary, but common signs include:
To address and prevent burnout in online learning environments, consider implementing the following strategies and tips for yourself or your child:
Online school burnout is a growing concern among students and teachers, as the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in distance learning. By understanding the factors contributing to burnout in online learning environments and implementing strategies to address these challenges, students and educators can work together to foster a more positive and sustainable learning experience.
Prioritizing mental health, well-being, and communication is essential for navigating the unique stressors of online education, and ensuring the success and resilience of both students and teachers in the ever-evolving landscape of K-12 and higher education. At Prisma, we also believe that if designed differently, online learning can be an equally effective and engaging option as traditional, in-person education.
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