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OPEN ACCESS PEER-REVIEWED

Conceptual Study – Published: December 15, 2020


The New Normal and Its Effects on the Teaching and Learning Environment

Dr. Irudhaya Mary, S. M.
ABSTRACT
The year 2025 has marked a significant shift in global weather patterns, introducing what is widely referred to as the “New Normal.” This phenomenon, characterized by extreme and unpredictable climatic variations, has profoundly impacted multiple sectors, including education. Sudden temperature fluctuations, prolonged heatwaves, intense rainfalls, and recurring natural disasters, such as floods and storms, have disrupted the traditional teaching and learning environment. The present study explores how these weather-induced changes have redefined educational practices and institutional frameworks. The article highlights that frequent school closures due to hazardous weather have accelerated the adoption of remote and hybrid learning models, making technology integration a necessity rather than a choice. However, these solutions are not without challenges. Unequal access to digital resources, unstable internet connectivity during adverse weather, and inadequate teacher training have widened the learning gap, particularly in rural and marginalized communities. Moreover, erratic weather conditions have adversely affected student attendance, concentration, and overall mental well-being, creating a pressing need for adaptive strategies in pedagogy. Institutions have responded by implementing flexible academic calendars, establishing climate-resilient infrastructures, and incorporating disaster preparedness programs into curricula. Additionally, educators are employing innovative digital tools and asynchronous learning methods to ensure continuity during extreme weather events. Despite these efforts, the dependency on technology raises concerns about screen fatigue, reduced social interaction, and limited hands-on learning experiences. The article concludes that the New Normal in Weather Conditions demands a paradigm shift in educational policies and practices. Emphasis must be placed on sustainability, digital equity, and mental health support to build resilient teaching and learning ecosystems. The findings underscore that addressing climate-induced disruptions is not merely an environmental concern but a fundamental educational imperative for the future.
Keywords: New Normal, Hazardous, Accelerated
This is an Open Access Research distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any Medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
How to cite this article: Irudhaya Mary, S. M. (2020). The new normal and its effects on the teaching and learning environment. Indian Educational Researcher, 13 (2), 26–34.
Received: October 27, 2020; Revision Received: November 24, 2020; Accepted: December 15, 2020.