HEADlines | Combatting COVID-19: More than just science | Head Foundation Singapore on Glue Up

Issue 13: 5 May 2020

Every week, HEADlines brings you the latest news, stories and commentaries

in education and healthcare. This week, get insights on the latest developments

in education.

Combatting COVID-19: More than just science

COVID-19 has undoubtedly changed life as we know it. From public health and wellness to education and work, the pandemic’s effects are wide-ranging and deep-reaching. While we use science to combat the virus, we should also consult other fields to address the social and economic issues that this pandemic has created, and those that it has exacerbated.

In the UK, researchers in the humanities and social sciences are supporting the government’s response to the pandemic. Similarly, Germany has enlisted the advice of humanities and education experts in its strategy to lift its lockdown.

Celebrities have also put their star power to good use by holding virtual lessons, keeping their many followers active and cheery during these uncertain times. A group of UPenn students recreated their campus in the online game Minecraft, hoping to use the game to rebuild a sense of community and help alleviate stress and anxiety.

The roles of arts, humanities and social sciences in combating the effects of social distancing and lockdown measures accentuate their importance in society. This pandemic may serve as the justification for nations and schools to place more emphasis on these often-overlooked subjects.

Editor's Picks: Lessons from around the world

EdSurge: How China’s schools are getting through COVID-19

Chinese educators share 7 lessons that they have learnt as one of the first countries to implement a lockdown and school closure.

The Guardian: Italian lessons: What we've learned from two months of home schooling

Schools in northern Italy were the first in Europe to close. Since then, teachers, educators and parents have been "re-educated" along with the students.

World Bank (Blog): Successful examples of scaling up teaching and learning in response to COVID-19

Countries have been adopting flexible strategies to maintain learning in this new normal, hoping to reduce the current and future learning inequalities.

Education in the spotlight

EdSurge: How 3 techniques from cognitive psychology reinvigorated my math classroom

Understanding how the brain learns best can help students improve retention. Yet, these techniques may not be well-received by all students.

The Guardian: Don't turn your home into school ... the Lego professor of play on lockdown learning

Unstructured play is vital, and expecting young children to learn in structured environments for long periods does not fit with their developmental needs.

The 74 (Analysis): Online learning is here to stay — but don’t abandon pencil and paper just yet

Some devices can make it difficult for students to be strategic thinkers.

The Hechinger Report: Coronavirus opens doors to rethinking education

Competency-based education, a revised school calendar, and blended learning may be the way forward.

Inside Higher Ed (Opinion): Higher education and the public good

Colleges and universities will need to enroll more disadvantaged students and adult learners so they can improve their skills and survive in these tumultuous times.

That's all for the week!

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