Studying online has always been a challenge. The fact applies not only to student participation but teachers. According to studies, the idea of an online class is totally different for a teacher and a student.
To most learners, a virtual class is limited to the screen. You get the chance to study from your comfort zone and save stationery expenses. Some students may also enjoy multitasking. It is how the hire someone to take my online class trend came into being.
On the other hand, but teacher may find an online class less interactive. All you get is a screen of less active students with lost dedication and zero participation. For this reason, many tutors look for ways to increase class participation.
Below is a list of some helpful ways to help teachers do so.
Tips To Increase Online Class Participation
Not every student is mischievous or ignorant about studies. Many individuals find it difficult to engage in online classes. Also, some students find online discussions less helpful and boring.
It is why tutors must follow a few smart tips to encourage class participation.
Turn On the Camera
Conducting an online class with no video from the student side is awful. It often feels like teaching the laptop or meaningless thin air. Also, the teacher stays unaware of any activity happening on the other side. You will not be able to identify if a student is focusing in class or not.
Many people take advantage of the virtual class by turning off their cameras. To make sure a student is present on the other side or not, cameras are important. Hence, make it a rule for students to turn on their cameras throughout the class.
Point Out Random Students
During traditional classes, teachers adopt the rule of asking random questions to different students. Most of these queries are related to the current or previous topics. As a result, students concentrate throughout the lecture to answer every question correctly.
You can do the same in an online class too. Call the names of random students and start asking topic-related questions. Make it a rule to mark present only if an answer is given correctly. It will encourage students to stay active throughout the online class.
Conduct Individual Student Conferences
Focusing on every student is nearly impossible during an online class. You only get a little time to connect with active students who are excited to participate. Teachers can, therefore, conduct one-on-one conferences with every individual. It can help students to interact with the tutor.
Many online learners are not confident enough to participate in a virtual classroom. They feel more comfortable during a private conference. You may be able to solve their problems in a personal conference.
Allow Off-Topic Conversations
Having a friendly space is necessary for an online classroom. You cannot fill the discussion with more than the required educational details throughout your lecture. Hence, try to make general discussions at times about different topics. You can welcome students to share their career plans.
Engage with students and keep a day for off-topic discussions. It will engage students and increase their interest in your class. Students also try to skip traditional classes when they offer ‘too much knowledge.
Make Things A Little Controversial
A classroom with countless agreements and zero debates will soon become boring. Try to make your class a little controversial to light up the fire. Not that you start to fill it up with politics and bashing. Slip an aspect about a topic that may bring different views from every student.
A hot topic from the industry or a piece of breaking news can also lead to disagreements. All you have to make sure of is to keep the debate friendly enough. Do not pin anyone in a way that things go out of your control.
Take Help from Google Collaborator
Google Classroom is a great place to start a question-and-answer session in a virtual class. It lets you create a shared Google Doc with individual slides for every student. You can generate a question on the document and ask your students to answer individually on their respective slides.
But you have to act smart if you want to prevent cheating. Try to prepare questions that mean students‘ perspectives. This way, they won’t be able to copy from each other’s slides.
Engage Students in Online Games
Entertainment is a necessary factor in every class. It is better if you engage students through some of their favorite ways. Just like a traditional class have indoor games, a virtual class can have online games too. Hence, bring interest in the class by playing some educational or fun games.
Check the response of every student during the game. It will help you examine which game you can bring more interest in the class. This activity will also create a friendly bond between you and the learners.
Announce Valuable Student Rewards
Most often students look for motivation from the teachers. Of course, participation rewards are one of the best ways to do so. Also, it will help you appreciate every student for their interest. Try to give bonus marks for volunteering in the class.
You can also provide help in a complex assignment or friendly assistance in a project as a reward. Many students start working harder to gain extra marks. You can benefit from this and keep your students active.
The Bottom Line
Students always want someone to take my online class. But the most obvious reason behind it is their lack of interest. If you bring more fun to the classroom, students may look for ways to attend your class even in their busy schedules.
You can sway the thought of skipping your class from every student’s mind. Practice these successful tips and enjoy the visible change in your class. Teaching active students will also keep you active!
