The global pandemic has resulted in educators and students experiencing multiple and multi-dimensional transitions. These include academic, social, psychological, and cultural transitions. For some, these transitions have been experienced positively but for others, particularly young people, these transitions have been negative. Many students in higher education have not adapted well to online learning and nationally this has resulted in negative student feedback on the National Student Survey. Mental ill health has increased, with one in six young people reporting mental distress for the first time in their life.
Unprecedented disruption to education and social isolation during the pandemic has contributed to elevated rates of anxiety among young people. Educators take a huge burden of responsibility for the wellbeing of their students and without adequate support, this is often to the detriment of their own wellbeing. Across the UK, many families have experienced loss of employment. Those young people living in poverty were already significantly disadvantaged and the inequalities endured during extended periods of lockdown have seen pre-existing gaps in attainment, and physical and emotional health, grow ever wider.
As we adapt to life after lockdown, we are interested in considering the implications of these experiences for children, young people and educators across early years, primary, secondary, further, and higher education. Transitions are ongoing and therefore individuals will require ongoing support to adapt. This conference will provide an opportunity to showcase the latest research on educational transitions post-pandemic and foster opportunities for debate, research collaboration and identify implications for educational practice.