
The transition to remote learning hasn’t been easy, especially for teachers. Since the pandemic shuttered schools across the country, many teachers have gone above and beyond for their students — navigating new technology, helping students make up missed assignments, taking advantage of teaching resources — all while trying to manage their own stress.
Connecting with students online has been challenging, to say the least. How can you support them during remote instruction? Below, here are some tips and strategies for teaching students in a remote environment.
Synchronous instruction is big right now, and for good reason. Holding class in real-time can provide socially distanced students with a sense of community and belonging. Many teachers also prefer synchronous instruction because it resembles an in-person education.
However, synchronous learning isn’t practical for every student. Some students don’t have the technology to keep up with synchronous instruction, while others simply prefer the option to learn at their own pace.
A blended approach to remote learning can ensure that all of your students’ needs are being met, including those with disabilities. If you prefer to hold live instruction, consider recording the lecture and posting it online afterward.
Keeping students engaged during remote instruction has been a major challenge for teachers everywhere. One way to keep your students’ attention is by mixing up what they’re seeing and hearing on their screen.
What might this look like in a virtual classroom? Here are a few ideas:
COVID-19 has been tough on every student, but high school students have been negatively impacted the most. According to a 2020 survey from America’s Promise Alliance, nearly 40 percent of students are now concerned about their current and future education.
High school students need reassurance and support from their teachers, now more than ever. You can help your students by talking about their future careers, encouraging them to apply for college scholarships, and helping them find internships where they can gain valuable work experience.
If students express worry or fear over their futures, avoid making blanket reassurance statements, which can invalidate their concerns. Instead, be honest and encouraging.
Every teacher encounters hiccups, but with remote instruction, problems are more likely to arise. Technology can malfunction. Instructions can be unclear when they’re given remotely. Students may not understand how to properly reach out and ask for help when they need it.
When developing your lesson plans, try to anticipate these problems. When giving instructions, consider attaching screenshots and pictures to make them easier to understand. Keep your lessons simple by keeping digital tools to a minimum. Additionally, try to work with the existing resources your students already have available to them.
It’s also important to have a flexible backup plan in case your technology fails. Create backup lesson plans in Google Docs that you can access even when your virtual classroom is unavailable. You could also pre-write an email containing links to student activities that can be sent in your absence.
No matter where or how you teach, the health and well-being of your students should always come first. When a student’s physical or emotional health suffers, so too does their ability to learn.
Here are some ways you can set the tone in your classroom and show students that you care:
Don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. Set an example for the kids by talking about your own self-care practices.
All teachers know the value of routine. Routines help set expectations for the day and give your lesson plans structure. With remote learning, routines are especially important because they make life easier for students.
Let your students play an active role in creating classroom routines. Host regular morning meetings where students can brainstorm ideas for class. Students are more likely to follow class routines when they helped establish them.
Set an agenda for the day and keep it in an easily accessible location, just like you would in a physical classroom. Little things like greeting students when they log in to a live session can also go a long way in promoting a sense of normalcy with remote learning.
Remote learning has been challenging for many educators. However, technology has also opened many doors for students and their teachers. Students who would normally be too shy to raise their hand in class may be more likely to speak up in a virtual environment. Teachers who want to incorporate new technology into the classroom are now more emboldened to do so. On that note, we hope you’ve found some of these tips useful for your virtual classroom.
About NSHSS
Since 2002, NSHSS has supported young academics on their journey to college and beyond as they prepare to become the leaders of tomorrow. The mission behind NSHSS is to recognize academic excellence and honor high-achieving students, providing them with the resources and network to excel in college, career and community. In doing so, NSHSS connects members with global events, scholarships, college fairs, internships, career and leadership programs, partner discounts, and more. Discover what makes NSHSS worth it to student members and how you can get involved.
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