Education and climatic change

Courses QA4ODFL2
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  1. How does such a disaster disrupt learning?

A natural disaster like the one that hit Vanuatu can disrupt learning in a number of ways:

  • Damage to schools: Schools may be damaged or destroyed by the disaster, making it impossible for students to attend classes.
  • Displacement of students and teachers: Students and teachers may be displaced from their homes and communities by the disaster, making it difficult for them to get to school.
  • Trauma: Students and teachers may be traumatized by the disaster, making it difficult for them to focus on learning.
  • Lack of resources: Schools may lack the resources they need to resume classes after a disaster, such as textbooks, supplies, and equipment.
  1. As a teacher, how would you design teaching and learning to minimize disruptions in learning?

There are a number of things that teachers can do to minimize disruptions in learning after a natural disaster:

  • Be flexible: Teachers need to be flexible and understanding in the aftermath of a disaster. They may need to adjust their curriculum and teaching methods to meet the needs of their students.
  • Provide support: Teachers need to provide support to their students, both academically and emotionally. They can do this by providing one-on-one tutoring, creating a safe and supportive classroom environment, and connecting students with resources that can help them cope with the trauma of the disaster.
  • Use technology: Teachers can use technology to help students learn even when schools are closed or damaged. For example, teachers can use online learning platforms to provide students with access to learning materials and activities.
  • Partner with the community: Teachers can partner with the community to get the resources and support they need to resume classes after a disaster. For example, teachers can work with local businesses to get donations of supplies and equipment, and they can work with community organizations to get help providing support to their students.

Here are some specific examples of teaching and learning activities that can be used to minimize disruptions in learning after a natural disaster:

  • Oral storytelling: Oral storytelling is a great way to teach students about their culture and heritage, and it can also be used to teach students about coping with difficult experiences.
  • Art and music: Art and music can be used to help students express their emotions and to process the trauma of a disaster.
  • Cooperative learning: Cooperative learning activities can help students to build resilience and to support each other during difficult times.
  • Project-based learning: Project-based learning activities can help students to focus on their learning and to develop skills that they will need to be successful in life.

By designing teaching and learning activities that are flexible, supportive, and relevant to the needs of their students, teachers can help to minimize disruptions in learning after a natural disaster.

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  1. These types of disasters we cannot control. The disruption it comes with often lead to school closure. Student, families, and the community are affected. Homes, Schools are damaged during disasters.
  2. To minimize disruption in learning, digital learning and online resources are to be readily available for students to continue learning. Create school based online platform for parents to excess curriculum and assignments for their children. Share contact information for easier communication of content of learning use of platforms to excess information.
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  1. The most encountered problems when a natural disaster occurs is the inability to move to places of learning for learners and educators, power cuts, and damaged infrastructure.

  2. Reestablish contact through Moodle and Zoom to continue lessons and activities. It is important to set up connections at the beginning of the year with learners. There are free Moodle applications available on the WWW.

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a. Disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, cyclones and flooding disrupt learning. It has also happened in Fiji whereby external exams had to be postponed in 2020 after Cyclone Yasa hit Fiji and had a devastating impact on the country. Later on schools had to be closed for a week after flooding occurred in 2021 after a few weeks of the new academic year.
Such disasters disrupt learning since schools are closed due to damages to the school infrastructure, electricity and water disruptions , families are homeless since their homes are partly or completely damaged.
Students miss out on schooling as their homes and school ae damaged. Also students school stationaries are damaged or destroyed in these disasters.

b. As a teacher, I would be prepared in advance . That is I will always prepare notes and activities in advance to give out to students if any such situation arises. It would be wise to keep a list of parents current contacts and also be aware of students residence so that if need arises learning materials can be delivered to students.
I can also draw up a plan with the parents of my students on what is to be done in such situations and at the same time discuss about a point where students learning materials can be dropped so that parents can pick from there.
The above mentioned points are to be done until electricity and network connectivity is restored.
After the restoration of electricity and network students can access learning materials in the class viber groups and class moodles or through emails.
as a teacher i can record certain classes and upload on viber or moodle for the students to access and learn.
In my opinion these ways would minimise disruptions in learning.

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Natural disaster leads to closure of school due to infrastructure damage and also disruptions to network, electricity and water supply.

a. Disasters disrupt learning by leading school closure because of infrastructure damage and disruptions to other facilities.

b. I would design teaching and learning to minimise disruption in learning by engaging communities in distributing learning materials with worksheets and online teaching if network is working.

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Natural disaster disrupts learning in many ways, affecting the educational institution and individualā€™s students. Firstly, the schools had to be used as community shelters preventing them from operating as classroom. Also, when school damage during disaster and the repairing of school and infrastructure tends to be slow and delayed. Secondly, it affects the individual students. Research has shown an overall reduction in educational attainment, lower academic performance, and higher rates of absenteeism among children who have experienced climate shocks. After these events, children may also miss school due to sickness, for example, malnutrition during drought, or increased rates of diarrheal disease after floods, injury, or displacement. In the long run, this may reduce lifetime earnings when these children reach adulthood.

Moreover, as a teacher the teaching design that I will use to minimize disruptions in learning are:
Creating Social Media Platform
This one of the platforms that both help teachers and students not left behind with coverage of syllabi and learning during disaster. Here are some ways that help children and teachers. during disaster:

  • helps children to stay motivated during the learning process.
  • encourages more communication between teachers and parents. * *
  • helps to prepare students for their future world.
  • encourages students to stay engaged with their learning environment.

Parents and Community - allows parents and community to take part in teaching and learning of the students at home during disaster happening.

Weekly Home Study Package

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a. How does a disaster distrupts learning?

  1. Closure of schools since there will be severe damages to building including schools.
  2. Transportation problems as insfrustructures are damaged like roads.
  3. Disturbed mind after experiencing such devastating disaster.
  4. Financial problems as parents will be confused in decision making, whether to rebuild homes or recollect stationeries to send learners back to school.
  5. Such disasters can disrupt power supply therefore one wonā€™t be able to use certain technologies.

How to design teaching and learning to minimise disruptions in learning?

  1. Be creative to make learning interesting.
  2. Create a friendly environment for learners to forget about their bad experience and feel safe.
  3. Incase of transportation issue, take online lessons if power supply and network is available. Send links for learners to broaden their knowledge.
  4. Distribute hard copies of work/assignments to utilise time if one is unable to attend school.
  5. Use of tents/sheds to cater for learning if school building is damaged.
  6. Always encourage learners, never discourage.
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Education suffers from uncontrollable effects of natural disasters.

  1. School closures

2.Infrastructure damage

  1. Educational Resources destroyed

  2. Teachers and Students displaced

  3. Long Term effects on Students-social,physical and psychological

Role of Teachers in Curriculum Delivery in times of catastrophes.

  • CURRICULUM PLANNING-Adjust the curriculum to accommodate learning to suit the current needs and still achieve the expected curriculum objectives through:
  • conceptualization of curriculum and syllabus interpretation.
  • syllabus compression
    -learning area integration

  • COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT- plan on how lessons should take place and liaise with Parents,guardians and volunteers in relation to lesson delivery and coverage.

  • ONLINE/DISTANCE LEARNING-technology makes teaching and learning accessible in times of catastrophes,since Students can learn from home by:
    -plan lessons to be done on selected days
    -suitable timetabling
    -catch up content
    -feedback mechanisms prepared
    -provide simple notes
    -encourage Students to learn on their own,research concepts and provide feedback.

  • IMPROVISE AND USE AVAILABLE RESOURCES
    In some cases where there is no internet connectivity available,improvise and use available resources to make sure learning takes place for instance:
    -radio lessons(per-recorded)

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Teaching and Learning is disrupted due to natural disasters in several ways such as physical damage to the buildings, emotional trauma,power and water disruptions,school used as evacuation centers, etc.
To minimize disruptions in learning due to any unforeseen circumstances teachers can adopt to proactive strategies and design educational plans. These implemented strategies can help us to be prepared.

  1. Disaster Risk Reduction Plans and Drills- regular drills to be conducted to make the children aware of what to be done during emergencies.
  2. Digital Learning Resources- online classes can be taken via zoom or viber groups and printed home study packages can be distributed.
  3. Professional Development and Awareness- teachers to be provided with PD sessions on disaster preparedness and strategies to guide and support students after disasters. Awareness to be created amongst parents and the community for them to be prepared.
  4. Recorded Video Lessons and Tutorials to be uploaded-Children with connectivity issues can later get access to the resources.
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a. Disaster disruption

  • Disaster cause trauma and stress affecting students and educators mental health,which in turns hampers their ability to focus and learn effectively.

  • School Closure, in response to the disaster,school maybe forced to closed temporarily or even extended periods,disrupting the regular classroom schedule.

b. As a teacher,I will used several strategies to minimise the disruption of learning.

  • create flexible curriculum ,design curriculum that allows flexibility
    -uterlize technology,embrace technology for online learning.ensure students and teachers comfortable with digital tools.
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a. How does such a disaster disrupt learning?
Natural disaster such as a flood, earthquake, or hurricane that causes great damage or loss of life:" the number of people suffering food crises as a result of natural disasters has tripled in the last thirty years."

  1. School Closure
    Schools are being closed for months because of natural disasters. Some of the schools and homes are blown away.
  2. Financial Constraints
    People are affected by natural disasters they donā€™t have food to eat and to send children to school.
  3. Emotional Problems
    Children feel bad to attend school because they think they have their homes and family member.
    b. As a teacher, how would you design teaching and learning to minimize disruptions in learning?
  4. e - learning could be used to continue teaching and learning. Giving out worksheets to children houses to houses will also help children to continue learning.
  5. Do not burden parents on the resources because they will not be able to provide resources to children. Teachers can innovate resources and help children in learning. Meeting parents and children at their homes.
  6. Make the students feel good and giving them parental care so that the child continues coming to school.
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1a) Schools that are heavily damaged from a natural disaster are found to have lower test scores.
1b) The psychological impact of natural disasters can hinder a studentā€™s ability to perform well in school.
1c) Natural disasters are external shocks that disrupt the livelihood of families, at times forcing children to assist in income-generating activities to compensate for the loss. Following a natural disaster, high dropout rates may be due to children being pressured or forced by their parents to choose work over school.
1d) Damage to infrastructure caused by natural disasters decreases availability and increases costs of attending school for many children. In poorer households where the family cannot support themselves after a natural disaster, children are less likely to go to school.
1e) The impact on education attainment by gender also is related to the recovery capacity of a family. Boys are more likely to go to school if parents believe there is a higher opportunity cost.

2a) If the school has been affected, home education temporarily becomes a relevant method that can be implemented. . Television, radio, and print materials can be used for teaching and learning. Mobile learning, which can potentially provide rapid and widespread access to learning.

2b) Creating a safe, welcoming environment can manifest in different ways. Educators shall pay special attention to a child or young person who you know has been affected by a natural disaster ā€“ keep in mind that they may have been affected directly or indirectly.

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Natural disasters disrupt learning and teaching in many ways. These are some of the ways in which Vanuatu disaster disrupted learning:

  • School Closure - due to the damages done to the infrastructure which is unsafe for the
    students and teachers.

  • Transportation problem - due to the damages done to the infrastructure like road (fallen
    trees or power lines on the road) which is very risky for students because safety is
    paramount.

  • Trauma - after experiencing devastating disaster. Children will be physically, emotionally
    and spiritually disturbed

  • Financial Crisis - loss of properties or damages done to the properties therefore, parents will be finding difficulty to send the children back to school again after losing everything in the disaster.

  1. To minimize disruptions in learning during and after natural disasters, I would adopt proactive measures and would design several plans. These are some of the approaches I will use as an educator:

  • Online Teaching - conduct lessons via zoom, prepare activities for the students who are not able to attend online classes.

  • Regular communication with parents - maintain consistent communication with parents and students and keep them updated about the lesson content and objectives.

*Psychosocial support - provide psychosocial support through counseling or discussions to help students cope with trauma.

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In any form of disaster learning is often disrupted because of the following reasons:

  1. Damage to school buildings and infrastructure.
  2. School buildings being used as evacuation centers and the usage is prolonged may be by a week or two after the disaster when evacuees return to their homes causing students to stay home longer .
  3. Absenteeism it depends on how badly individual students are affected and their families getting back to normalcy.
  4. Disease out break may also disrupt learning after a natural disaster.
  5. Loss of learning materials.
  6. Traumatized students in class having psychological impact on students ability to perform.
  7. Interruption of school calendar. May cause rescheduling of school activities.

Designing teaching and learning to minimize disruption in learning.

  • Individualize student engagement. Work at the needs of the students at their pace of learning
  • Sharing stories with students that will help them build resilience as they will realize that they are not the only one suffering or have suffered and ways to walk out of the trauma.
  • Group activities allow students to work together and get each others support and build team work and strong bonding.
  • Integrating games, music and art work in learning to divert students attention from the impacts of the disaster.
  • Preparing worksheets and reaching out to students .
  • Using digital platform if accessible.
  • Parental involvement.
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1.Disasters really affect both teaching and learning. In the case of Vanuatu, disasters like earthquake and the cyclone prevent both the teacher and the learner to communicate face to face as travelling is risky and learning facilities and resources are damaged. Travelling during flooding is possible only by using sea transport such as canoes and boats but electricity and infrastructure makes online learning impossible.

  1. To minimize disruptions in learning during earthquakes and cyclones online lessons and the use of e-learning resources could be used. Teachers should discuss in advance with students what to do during the disaster.
    In flooding, learners could travel by canoe or boat.
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A. These disasters disrupt learning by a. P****hysical Infrastructure Damage: Natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, or wildfires can cause significant damage to school buildings, making them unsafe or unusable. This can lead to the suspension of regular classes, affecting studentsā€™ ability to attend school.

b. Displacement of Students and Teachers: Disasters can force students, teachers, and staff to evacuate their homes or communities. This can result in a lack of access to educational facilities or materials, as well as a loss of a stable learning environment.

c. Loss of Learning Materials: Floods, fires, and other disasters can destroy textbooks, computers, and other educational resources, making it challenging for students to continue their studies.

d. Emotional and Psychological Impact: Natural disasters can cause significant emotional trauma and stress, affecting the mental health and well-being of students, teachers, and families. This emotional strain can make it difficult for individuals to focus on learning.

e. Disrupted Routine: Disasters disrupt daily routines, causing a loss of structure and predictability. This can make it harder for students to concentrate on their studies.

f. Access to Technology: If schools rely on technology for teaching and learning, natural disasters can disrupt access to computers, the internet, and other electronic resources, making remote or online learning difficult or impossible.

g. Loss of Educational Time: Even after a disaster subsides, there can be a prolonged period of recovery and rebuilding. During this time, educational institutions may remain closed or operate in a limited capacity, leading to a loss of valuable instructional time.

h. Increased Absenteeism: Disasters can lead to increased absenteeism among students and teachers due to injuries, illnesses, or displacement. This can result in a fragmented learning experience.

i.Difficulty in Transport and Communication: Disasters can damage transportation infrastructure and disrupt communication networks, making it challenging for students and teachers to travel to school or to stay connected for remote learning.

B. Designing teaching and learning to minimize disruptions caused by natural disasters is crucial for maintaining continuity in education. Here are some strategies that I will implement:

  1. Preparedness Planning: Develop a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan that outlines steps to take before, during, and after a natural disaster.

Conduct regular drills and simulations to ensure students and staff know what to do in case of an emergency.

2. Digital Learning Resources: Create an online repository of educational materials, assignments, and resources that can be accessed remotely.

Familiarize students with digital platforms and tools for virtual learning.

3.Hybrid Learning Model: Blend traditional in-person teaching with online learning. This allows for seamless transition between physical and virtual classrooms during disruptions.

4. Flipped Classroom Approach: Provide students with pre-recorded lectures or reading materials that they can review independently. This allows for more interactive and application-based learning during in-person sessions.

5. Regular Communication: Establish clear communication channels with students, parents, and staff. Ensure everyone is aware of the emergency procedures and how to access educational resources remotely.

6. Offline Materials: Prepare physical copies of essential learning materials, assignments, and assessments for students who may not have reliable internet access during a disaster.

7. Flexible Assessment Methods: Implement a variety of assessment techniques, including project-based assessments, presentations, and portfolios, to accommodate different learning environments.

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Hello everyone,

I would like to talk about the potential disruption of natural disasters on learning and what we as teachers can do to minimize these impacts.

First of all, severe weather occurrences, like the recent catastrophe in Vanuatu, had a significant disrupt on the educational process. Hereā€™s how they can disrupt learning:

School Closures: In times of crisis, it is frequently necessary to close schools for student safety. This might cause an instant disruption in routine classroom activity.

Trauma and Stress: The crisis may cause trauma and stress for both students and their families. This emotional impact can make it difficult for a student to concentrate on their studies.

Damage to the infrastructure: Schools may sustain damage that renders them unusable. As a result, we must adjust and come up with new strategies for teaching.

Now, as teachers, itā€™s our responsibility to minimize these disruptions. Hereā€™s how I would design teaching and learning to achieve this:

Emergency Preparedness and Communication :

Educate students and parents on emergency procedures and communication plans in advance, ensuring everyone knows what to do and where to access information during disruptions.

Digital Learning Platforms and Resources :

Utilize digital learning platforms, online resources, and educational apps that enable remote learning. This allows students to continue their studies from home during closures, using digital devices and internet connectivity.

Blended Learning Approach :

Implement a blended learning approach that combines traditional classroom teaching with online components. This allows for a seamless transition to online learning during disruptions while maintaining a sense of continuity.

Preparedness Assignments and Learning Packets :

Prepare assignments, learning packets, or worksheets in advance that students can take home in case of a disruption. These materials should cover the upcoming topics, enabling students to study independently.

Virtual Classrooms and Webinars :

Conduct virtual classes, webinars, or live online sessions using video conferencing tools. This method allows teachers to interact with students, provide explanations, answer questions, and maintain engagement remotely.

Recorded Video Lessons and Tutorials :

Record lessons or tutorials and share them with students through an online platform. This allows students to review the material at their own pace and aids understanding of complex concepts.

By implementing these strategies and staying prepared, teachers can ensure that learning can continue with minimum interruptions, promoting resilience and adaptability among students in challenging circumstances.

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Mutilple approaches need to be considered during the time of disasters. To minimize disruption in Learning due to cyclones, hurricanes and any other Natural Disasters, Teachers need to adopt proactive strategies and evaluate educational plans. Here are some of the ways in which Natural Disasters can impact education.

  1. Infrastructure Damage - making it physically unsafe for students and Teachers to attend classes.

  2. Loss of Lesson Time - can result in a loss of valuable learning and teaching time this can be challenging for students to catch up the missed lessons.

  3. Loss of Educational Materials and Resources - replacement of educational resources and materials, textbooks, teaching aids and technology resources can be time consuming and costly.

As a Teacher, I would design Teaching and Learning approaches to minimize disruptions are:

  1. Peer Support - encourage peer support and group workand to share responsibility for learning.

  2. Use of Technology- develop a strategy for online platforms for learning (Zoom Teaching)

  3. Weekly Home Study Package - Plan and print noted/ worksheets for students to complete weeks tasks.

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A. reduction in educational attainment, lower academic performance, and higher rates of absenteeism among children who have experienced climate shocks .

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How does such a disaster disrupt learning?
Cyclones causes widespread damage to infrastructure and livelihood of teachers and students. Schools get damaged. Buildings get blown off. There is no place to study. House and farms get damaged. Students loose books and study materials. Family loose income due death of livestock and destruction of vegetation and soil fertility due to flooding and storm surges. Some experience loss of life and property, all due to the strong winds, heavy rains, and storms. The survivors are faced with injuries, emotional and mental stress. Epidemics and diseases rise due to water contamination and lack of sanitation. Workers and relief agencies are stressed due to the impact of the disaster
Pre-cyclone preparation can cost a lot of money for especially making houses safe, making sure all the trees around the houses are cut short so that they donā€™t damage the house. Many people evacuate their homes to go evacuation centers. The cyclone can rip the roof of a house or destroy it entirely. Flooding caused leaves still water in places which causes disease. Cyclone causes damage to sewage lines and sewage spilt everywhere causes disease making many people sick. These sick people have limited access to medical facilities as the hospitals are destroyed. Its costs billions of dollars to repair infrastructure, houses, roads, sewage pipes and power lines, all need to be rebuilt.

As a teacher, how would you design teaching and learning to minimise disruptions in learning?
Once students return to school after cyclone, in absence of classrooms teaching is done in rehab classroom or tents. Students come back without books and stationery and have to be provided with such materials. It is anticipated that Aid is received on time. Some students do not have uniforms to wear and report to student in outings while some students do not come back to school. Teaching, outside normal classroom environment, without blackboards is difficult. `Teachers donā€™t have their blackboards and charts, and face a new experience.
In these situations, students needs to be provided with hard copies of lesson notes, activities and worksheets. Moreover, for those absent from face-to-face classes can be reached at home and home-study packages can delivered to their homes. Taking online classes via Viber or Zoom platforms does not seem realistic as students may not have access to electricity and their phones and laptops my not be working.