Online learning has made classes and courses available to everyone with access to the internet. Even though the pandemic is over, online classes are here to stay. However, teachers do struggle to keep their students engaged in remote settings.
Since this new approach is very likely the future of education, teachers should acquire new skills to help boost student engagement. There is no need to worry because you’ll be using almost the same approach as in a standard classroom, but you might need to be more aware of some tiny details. They make all the difference in online and hybrid teaching. So, let’s dive in!
Make Sure the Atmosphere Is Right
Feeling comfortable during a class can help students learn faster and be more interested in a lesson. And it starts with you as a teacher. Be welcoming to everyone, and don’t shy away from telling light jokes now and then. Your tone of voice should also be relaxed but still engaging.
Don’t forget to laugh and smile! These small things can set the mood and create the best atmosphere for learning. Remote learning will allow you to express yourself, so decorate your surroundings how you want. You can also use live backgrounds when out of ideas. Just make sure you are not sitting in front of a plain white wall.
Organize One-on-one Sessions
Online classes can be hard, and you will probably notice that some students are not progressing as they should. They might need extra help from you, and remote learning is perfect for organizing one-on-one sessions with those students. The opportunity to talk to you without others can be beneficial because students can communicate what they are struggling with and allow you to explain those topics in more detail.
The easiest way to organize one-on-one sessions is to have a specific time slot during the week when your students can join the room and talk to you. Extremely busy teachers can also stay for 10 or 15 minutes after each class and talk to students who need help.
Prepare Interesting Materials
Good material can make a difference when it comes to student engagement. Some teachers prefer to present straightforward facts during the class, which is perfectly fine. However, those who want to ensure everyone is paying attention to a topic should consider finding more interactive materials that are easier to comprehend.
Interactive materials mean your students will be attentive and eager to communicate during remote lessons. Consider mixing up the media you use in your class, such as adding an online whiteboard so that everyone can contribute to the lesson. Educational videos are always a great idea, too.
Minimize Distractions
Students can be easily distracted, especially during online classes, and sometimes, a simple ad can lead them to ignore your lesson. That’s why your students should learn how to block ads. While most apps used for remote learning don’t necessarily show ads, you could send them an external link containing them.
The easiest way to block ads is to use an ad blocker. These apps work on most websites, and the content should stay visible unless you send your students to a website that requires them to turn off the ad blocker. Therefore, it is important to check the material in advance before you share the links.
Include Feedback
Regular communication and feedback can tremendously increase the levels of engagement. Your students should be able to give feedback and also receive advice from you. Encouraging them to share their comments after every lesson can help with confidence.
Not to forget that you will learn more about things your students like or dislike. Their feedback is the key to making your online classes better, but you can also motivate them to be more attentive and share their ideas more frequently. Give them praise during classes, especially if you have noticed your students are paying attention to the material you are presenting.
Start a Discussion Board
Not all students are comfortable speaking in front of a class, and they might be more willing to share their thoughts on discussion boards. A class forum could be a perfect place for everyone to get to know each other and talk about various topics related to the lessons.
Typing can give your students more time to think about a particular subject and write exactly what they want to say. Some can be completely overwhelmed by pressure during online classes and choose to stay silent all the time. A discussion board would help those students open up and be more comfortable.
Remember that remote learning is a new challenge for both teachers and students. However, with some adjustments, you can make online classes more engaging and ensure your students are learning effectively. Try out the tips provided here and make the most of the online learning experience!
