10 Predictions for 2022

Now that 2022 is here, what will learning, education and college planning look like next year? 

Look for these 10 things in 2022: 

1. Blended learning will be the norm: For the past semester or so, many thought remote learning was a thing of the past. However, omicron and other variants are forcing schools to reconsider remote options in the interest of health and safety. For the next year, schools from elementary through college will need to balance robust remote learning options with in-person instruction. 

2. Social/emotional learning will be a greater focus: The topic of mental health is crucial and more institutions are recognizing the need to support their students in both social and emotional development.

3. More programs will address learning loss: Data suggests that most students lost weeks if not months of learning during the COVID pandemic. Resources will be put in place to mitigate this learning loss. Look for after school programming, on campus tutors or other ways schools can help students recoup lost time.  

4. SAT and ACT Test-optional will be here to stay: Students and colleges benefitted from going test-optional. Students had more choices and colleges got more applicants. Win-win for everyone.  

5. SAT and ACT will be administered on school sites: This is already happening, particularly for the SAT. With so much unpredictability of testing locations due to COVID in 2021, the model for 2022 is to host the tests on school grounds and, usually, on school days. 

6. College affordability will be a bigger factor: This one may be wishful thinking but there are indications that families are making college choices less about the brand and more about the financial impact. 2022 will see more students explore more affordable options like community college or schools that offer greater merit aid. 

7. Teachers will embrace cell phones in the classroom: Old school teachers who forbid or prohibit cell phone use the classroom are fighting a losing battle. Teachers will need to help students understand cell phone etiquette but there are so many learning tools on the phone that can be used in the classroom that it will be high time for the old schoolers (like me!) to admit that cell phones can be useful. 

8. Artificial Intelligence (AI) will enter our classrooms: AI will become a greater part of our students learning. Software designed to diagnose learning challenges will become more commonplace in school settings. 

9. The next wave of gamification will arrive: While Kahoot! and Quizlet saw a very successful 2021, the next wave of augmented reality and virtual learning is coming. Imagine Spanish students virtually visiting a museum in Spain for a scavenger hunt! This is happening already and 2022 will bring more of it. 

10. CROSSWALK will continue to support all students: This last prediction is a fact. CROSSWALK is here to support your academic achievement, testing goals and path towards learning success. 

3 Compelling Reasons to Start a Study Group

"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." -Helen Keller 

When facing a challenge, would you rather go at it alone? Or with a team of like-minded individuals focused on a common goal? 

Individuals can accomplish great things but just about anything is easier with a team. 

Especially learning. 

With study groups, learning is enhanced. Consider these three compelling reasons why a study group is a great way to learn: 

1) Increased knowledge: Several brains are smarter than one. With a study group, students can leverage the knowledge and perspective of their team members. So instead of one brain doing all of the thinking, several brains can do it. 

2) Increased motivation: When working with a team, students can be more motivated to complete tasks. As the team focuses on its learning goals, individuals can be motivated to contribute to the team more than they would be just working on their own tasks. 

3) Increased accountability: Since the team relies on its individuals to move forward, team members are accountable to their group and not just to themselves. The added layer of accountability means students are more likely to accomplish their tasks since the team expects them to do so. Individuals can often procrastinate but when one is part of team, procrastination is selfish and therefore less likely. And if the study group keeps a calendar or regular meetings, members can easily focus on the tasks that need to be done. 

The curious thing with all of this is that many students are afraid to create their own study groups. Sometimes students are eager to work with a group but often I see students afraid to admit they need help from a group. Perhaps in our ultra-connected, social media-dominated and information-at-your-finger-tips world, students think they can solve all of their problems by themselves. 

Yet the fact is undeniable: a study group is a very effective way to learn more, accomplish more and achieve academic goals. 

Sure, there are drawbacks of study groups. Sometimes team members don't contribute. Sometimes it is hard to schedule meetings. And sometimes personalities take over the group. 

So assuming you can find a group of like-minded individuals focused on a common goal, why wouldn't you at least try and get a study group together? Gather a group to complete tasks, review material, take practice tests or otherwise focus on study goals. Treat it like a book club: invite people interested in the subject matter, schedule regular meetings and make the meetings enjoyable. 

If you need help creating a study group or otherwise finding ways to be more successful in your learning, contact CROSSWALK. We specialize in learning, tutoring and test prep for all types of learners.