Reviewing continuity plans for biology practical learning after COVID-19

Updated Nov 06, 2026

The COVID-19 period gives biology programme teams a reason to revisit how they plan for interrupted laboratory work and fieldwork. Start with the learning activity that could be lost, then identify the decision, communication and follow-up it would require.

The NSS open-text methodology explains the year, population and topic measures used in our public evidence briefs. The review below focuses on decisions a programme team can examine locally.

Map the practical learning at risk

Choose a module with laboratory or field activity. List the intended learning outcomes and identify which require access to a particular setting, instrument or supervised task. Ask the teaching team to document how an interruption would affect each outcome.

Separate preparation that can be completed remotely from practical work requiring another arrangement. If an alternative is proposed, record who approves it and how students will receive the revised instructions.

Plan the assessment response

Compare the planned assessment with the learning opportunities students will actually have. Check the brief, marking criteria, deadlines and resources as one package. Explain any approved change in a dated notice linked from the original brief.

For a returning cohort, use an appropriate course-level check of practical preparation to plan teaching. Avoid assuming that every student had the same experience of an earlier disruption.

Keep communication connected

Give students one authoritative place to find the current timetable and changes. Identify the contact for questions about practical sessions, assessment and access to support. When a field activity is rearranged, include travel, equipment and cost information in the update.

Ask students what they need to plan around the revised arrangements, including accessibility and caring or employment commitments. Keep individual support discussions within the appropriate service process.

Review the plan with students and staff

Work through a scenario such as a laboratory closure or cancelled field visit. Can the responsible staff identify the next decision, and can students find the resulting instruction? Record unresolved dependencies before treating the plan as ready.

The digital-learning pathway supports review of remote preparation, while closing the feedback loop helps the team explain what it has changed following earlier experiences.