Excitement, coupled with anxiety, awaits return of in-person learning

AMMAN — The return to in-class education may pose a challenge for students, teachers and parents.

Abdullah Abu Adas, a consultant of psychiatry and addiction,  noted that after two years of online education, students will likely have a difficult time readjusting to the classroom.

“Coping with colleagues may present a challenge, especially for students who began their education online. Children in kindergarten to university students may experience social anxiety and depression,” he told The Jordan Times on Sunday.

Abu Adas indicated that some students and parents may suffer from separation anxiety, as many families’ bonds grew stronger during the lockdowns. 

“Education is both a physical and psychosocial experience,” said Abu Adas, adding that the fears resulting from the return to in-person learning may impede on students’ concentration.  

 Fears surrounding COVID-19 may continue to affect students’ anxiety levels, especially considering the new variants, he added. 

Abu Adas noted that teachers may also have a hard time returning to in-person education.

He also stressed the importance of counsellors in schools and their regular check-ups on the psychosocial needs of students and teachers.

Reem Awadallah, a middle school teacher in an Amman private school, said that she has “mixed feelings” about returning to school. 

“After a long time of online teaching, going back to school will not be easy. I believe some students’ attention spans have been affected immensely due to online education,” she told The Jordan Times on Sunday.

Awadallah indicated that this may create a challenge for teachers to engage students in the classroom instruction.  

“There will be many information gaps that we will have to fill as teachers. It will be time consuming,” she added.

Lana Shafeeq, a mother of two school students, noted that she has been preparing her children to return to school.

 “The new classmates and environment will be stressful, for sure”. 

Shafeeq also pointed out how important it is to educate children about the public health measures.

Mohammad Jarrar, a second-year university student who started his university online, said that he is “both excited and a bit scared” to go to the university in-person.

“I cannot wait to actually go to campus, but it is also a bit frightening to think about. Being a student during a pandemic is a huge challenge, on all levels,” Jarrar told The Jordan Times.