Unexpected Lessons

A WBUR series on how learning in Massachusetts schools have been shaped by the coronavirus pandemic. The series culminates in two Cityspace events, the first on May 20, 2021 and the second on Oct. 21, 2021.

Kids Talk About The Ups And Downs Of Remote Learning

WBUR talked to middle and high schoolers about their experience with remote school. Read what they said, in their own words.

Local Coverage

May 21, 2021

After his remote school days, Will Brown walks around Mattapan and Dorchester to "refocus." (Max Larkin/WBUR)

Interrupted Schooling Meant A Pause In Discipline. For Some Students, That Was A Relief

The pause in school, forced by pandemic health restrictions, also meant a pause in discipline — and a sometimes painful cycle of discomfort, mistrust and recurrent misbehavior.

Local Coverage

06:43May 20, 2021

Freshman students walk the hallway in between classes during the bell break, which normally would be packed by students, at Brockton High School in Brockton, Mass. on March 2, 2021. (David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Reflections On A Year Of Pandemic Learning: From 'Team Resilience' To 'Seeing My Strong Kids Crumble'

We asked parents and guardians to contemplate a year of pandemic school. Here’s what they said.

Cognoscenti

May 20, 2021

Michael Besson works on his homework in his backyard. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

Keeping COVID Tech Solutions Could Provide Better Access For Students With Visual Impairments

As challenging as remote learning has been for students, families and educators, some have found that digital resources have opened up classroom lessons and made them more accessible.

Local Coverage

03:52May 19, 2021

Students in Crystal Alcala's second grade look at what they've dug up in the garden at the Greenwood School in Dorchester. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

After A Year Mostly Indoors, Possibilities Bloom In A Schoolyard Garden

Many parents and teachers have come to see that outdoor spaces could be an ideal response to a year of virtual and isolated schooling: hands-on, creative and social.

Local Coverage

04:56May 18, 2021

Harrison often joins his remote classes on his iPad. (Courtesy Jen Manell)

For Anxious Students, Remote School Year Has Been A Bit Of Relief

While the pandemic did lead to major disruptions, the switch to remote learning gave some students a brief reprieve from the things they usually worry about in the classroom.

Local Coverage

04:58May 17, 2021

A teacher speaks with a student between classes at Rippowam Middle School on September 14, 2020 in Stamford, Connecticut. (John Moore/Getty Images)

We Want To Hear From You: What's School Been Like During The Pandemic?

We’re asking parents of school-aged children to reflect on a year of remote- and hybrid-learning for a special project. What has the last year been like for you, your children...

Cognoscenti

May 11, 2021

A classroom sits empty in the West Somerville Neighborhood School in 2020 when schooling moved fully remote because of the pandemic. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

Students, Tell Us: What Did The Pandemic Teach You About Your Education?

To mark over a year of pandemic education, we want to hear from you: what do you hope goes back to the way it was before and what do you...

Local Coverage

Apr 15, 2021

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Unexpected Lessons

Kids Talk About The Ups And Downs Of Remote Learning

Local Coverage

Interrupted Schooling Meant A Pause In Discipline. For Some Students, That Was A Relief

Local Coverage

Reflections On A Year Of Pandemic Learning: From 'Team Resilience' To 'Seeing My Strong Kids Crumble'

Cognoscenti

Keeping COVID Tech Solutions Could Provide Better Access For Students With Visual Impairments

Local Coverage

After A Year Mostly Indoors, Possibilities Bloom In A Schoolyard Garden

Local Coverage

For Anxious Students, Remote School Year Has Been A Bit Of Relief

Local Coverage

We Want To Hear From You: What's School Been Like During The Pandemic?

Cognoscenti

Students, Tell Us: What Did The Pandemic Teach You About Your Education?

Local Coverage

Sections

Radio

Podcasts

CitySpace

Support

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Unexpected Lessons

Kids Talk About The Ups And Downs Of Remote Learning

Interrupted Schooling Meant A Pause In Discipline. For Some Students, That Was A Relief

Reflections On A Year Of Pandemic Learning: From 'Team Resilience' To 'Seeing My Strong Kids Crumble'

Keeping COVID Tech Solutions Could Provide Better Access For Students With Visual Impairments

After A Year Mostly Indoors, Possibilities Bloom In A Schoolyard Garden

For Anxious Students, Remote School Year Has Been A Bit Of Relief

We Want To Hear From You: What's School Been Like During The Pandemic?

Students, Tell Us: What Did The Pandemic Teach You About Your Education?