A hybrid instructional model, commonly utilizing a rotating schedule, divides students into two groups (“A” and “B”) who alternate between in-person and virtual learning days. This approach allows for reduced classroom density, facilitating social distancing and other safety measures, while still providing opportunities for face-to-face instruction. For instance, Group A might attend school in person on Mondays and Tuesdays, while Group B learns remotely. Then, on Thursdays and Fridays, the groups switch. Wednesdays often serve as a common virtual learning day for all students, allowing for deep cleaning of facilities.
Such schedules gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic as a critical strategy for mitigating viral transmission in educational settings. This model offered a balance between the benefits of in-person learning and the need to protect public health. The alternating schedule allows for smaller class sizes, enabling better implementation of safety protocols and potentially more individualized attention from instructors during in-person sessions. Beyond pandemic response, this type of scheduling could be utilized for other purposes, such as accommodating building renovations or addressing limited resources.
