Blended Learning through a Teacher's Eye

Students attending a blended learning school split their time between online learning and small group instruction time with teachers. This learning model enables the teachers to provide more individualized support to students. At Nexus Academy of Royal Oak, our certified, full-time online and on-site teachers are specially trained to bring out the best in students in a blended learning environment.

On-site at the Nexus Academy campuses, face-to-face English and math teachers use data from the rich online curriculum to tailor their instruction to each student’s needs. Nexus Academy teachers work with students in dynamically organized small groups focused on specific skills and concepts.

In a blended learning setting, the role of the teacher is critical to student success. So important, that many blended learning teachers want to educate those unfamiliar with this innovative learning concept on what it is like to be a new generation teacher as well as share the benefits they see for students.

Jessica Brady, Nexus Academy of Royal Oak English and Language Arts teacher, recently shared some insight on what blended learning looks like through a teacher’s eye.

·         What do you like about the blended learning model?

The flexibility that blended learning offers my students is what really makes it work. Students are able to get individualized help on subjects if they are struggling, which helps to ensure that all of our students succeed.

·         How do you think the blended learning model helps students?

This model is wonderful for students who are motivated, work hard and are not afraid to ask questions. It preps them for the college class structure and it puts accountability on their shoulders. Even though the material is challenging, the teachers (both on campus and online) provide each student with ample opportunities to gain points, fix mistakes and learn the material. They just need to be motivated to do it, which is rarely a problem we come across.

·         What is the biggest change you see in students after they spend some time in the blended learning environment?

Students really begin to realize that their education and success is in their own hands. I see students taking notes, studying before tests, going through all the lessons with care and completing the activities.

·         What do you like best about teaching at a blended learning school?

I really enjoy that I can give my students more attention and one-on-one or small group activity time to focus on their skills.

·         How does blended learning prepare students for their future?

Blended learning requires self-motivation, time management, organization and effective communication skills. No matter what path our students take in life, these are skills they are going to need to be successful.

·         What would you tell a parent considering a blended learning school?

Make sure this is the right learning model for your child by attending an in-person or online information session. While blended learning is an extremely effective approach for a number of students, there are those who might be better suited for traditional or fully online learning. The benefit of our learning model is that we not only communicate regularly with you, but you can observe your child’s grades and even comments made by their teachers up to the minute. You can access your student’s data from any device. We find that the parents who stay on top of their students activity and log into the system regularly have the most successful students.

For more information on the blended learning model or to personally speak with a teacher at Nexus Academy of Royal Oak, please visit www.nexusacademyschool.com/royaloakevents.