Educating the Covid Generation

Book excerpt: The Covid pandemic has caused massive disruption in the education system. The consequences for the education of the next generation are now clearly visible: a decline in learning performance, problems in psycho-social development, and a deterioration in physical condition. Although all children and young people are affected, those from educationally deprived backgrounds fall behind the most. All this characterizes the Covid Generation. Educational inequity is on the rise, and an educational catastrophe is looming. As important as this look back is, it is crucial to look forward. This vital book addresses the future of the Covid Generation by exploring its central issues, such as: What must be done to educate the Covid Generation in the best possible way? What concepts are there from an educational science perspective? What are the lessons learned from the Covid pandemic that will continue to be important for the education system in the future? What new teaching and learning structures need to be created? How can we strengthen student and teacher resilience? Based on an empirical survey of the well-being and educational attainment of the Covid Generation, concepts and ideas are presented to support and develop the Covid Generation of students, to rethink the education system, and to overcome the educational climate crisis and to enable a fresh start.