Introduction
It is safe to say that the COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed all groups of the modern global society. Many communities are now experiencing economic, social, and infrastructural difficulties. Even though the epidemic’s peak has passed, people continue to debate whether it is worth it now to return to their usual way of work, study, and recreation. This topic is crucial because if society does not analyze the situation, it could lead to a new outbreak of COVID-19, which will exacerbate the current crisis. The purpose of this paper is to present the arguments for and against going back to the classroom during the COVID-19 epidemic from a student’s perspective.
Why It Is Right to Return to Classroom during the COVID-19 Pandemic
It can be seen that those who escaped COVID-19 infection are still experiencing the epidemic’s side effects, which are economic, social, and psychological. The advantages of going back to school during the COVID-19 pandemic are primarily related to the topic of mental health. They are also about issues such as the importance of socialization and in-person classes. While these arguments are of a subjective nature, they are supported by online articles.
Socialization
The COVID 19 epidemic has forced people around the world to practice social distancing and online learning. Social distancing significantly reduced the number of social contacts performed and slowed down students’ socialization, especially the youngest ones. One of the reasons it is good to go back to the classroom during this pandemic is to continue socializing. It is especially crucial for single children (Springer, 2020). Lack of communication and social relations may lead to students’ poor mental well-being and the emergence of psychological disorders.
In-Person Classes
Online learning has become an effective alternative to in-person training during the COVID-19 epidemic. However, it may not be easy to perceive lectures and other educational materials via online classes for some people. It is evident that a certain proportion of students learn better through in-person instruction. According to Springer (2020), “the mom of six says her kids are not doing well learning from home, so in-person instruction is the better choice” (para. 14). Going back to the classroom is important for the academic performance of students.
Better Mental Well-being
Social distancing preserves the physiological health of people but negatively affects their mental well-being. The new stay-at-home rule has been proven to increase the level of anxiety in children and adults. According to Parental Choice (n.d.), “children may be feeling anxious because of the significant changes to their routine and lack of contact with their friends” (para. 19). Therefore, students returning to the familiar classroom environment contributes to the restoration of pupils’ mental health.
Why It Is Wrong to Return to Classroom during the COVID-19 Pandemic
While the advantages of returning to in-person school education during the COVID-19 pandemic sound compelling, it is also necessary to present arguments against it to preserve objectivity. These arguments relate to the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus and the public fear of it. It is essential to note that online sources support arguments against going back to classes.
Possibility of New Outbreak of COVID-19 infection
It is no secret that the COVID-19 virus has a significant spreading ability. According to Parental Choice (n.d.), “COVID-19 seems to be different from previous influenza outbreaks” (para. 24). Consequently, the return of students to the classroom could lead to another outbreak of COVID-19. It is one of the major arguments of the supporters of the opinion that students and teachers should continue to practice online learning until an effective vaccine is invented.
Danger to Parents and Elderly Relatives
It is true that students may contract the COVID-19 virus. It is also essential to consider the fact that they are more resistant to infection (Parental Choice, n.d.). However, they remain potential carriers and distributors of the COVID-19 virus. It means that after visiting public places like schools, they may become a potential threat to their parent’s and elderly relatives’ health. It is why practicing online classes may still be considered a preferable alternative.
Possibility of Mass Hysteria
Nowadays, many people, including students and teachers, are experiencing significant psychological pressure. It includes mental conditions such as mental anxiety, stress, and depression (Parental Choice, n.d.). A sudden return to the practice of in-person classes may lead to significant psychological damage for many students and, consequently, mass hysteria. It can be said that going back to the classroom is preferable only after the invention of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Conclusion
The author of this paper presents the advantages and disadvantages of returning to an in-person classroom during the COVID-19 epidemic. Three arguments were presented for returning to regular school attendance and three arguments against it. The opinions for it are the need for socialization, the importance of in-person classes for students, and their mental well-being. The arguments against it are the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus in students and their families, as well as the possibility of mass hysteria associated with the environment and the ongoing pandemic.
References
Parental Choice. (n.d.). Pros and cons of children going back to school. Parental Choice. Web.
Springer, C. (2020). Weighing the pros and cons of sending kids back to classrooms. WRDW. Web.Â