超越屏幕：教师如何真正激励和吸引在线学生

Every online teacher has had this experience. You pose a question, wait for a moment, and expect a response. But instead, there is silence.

 

Maybe a single student responds. Maybe no one does. You wonder if they are actually thinking about the answer. Or maybe they are watching YouTube on another tab.

 

Online education has created numerous opportunities for students worldwide. Because of online education, students are able to attend school anytime and from anywhere. They are able to do so at their own pace. And they can do so by accessing education they might not have otherwise. There is a problem, though.

 

According to UNESCO, more than 1.6 billion students in over 190 countries were affected by school closures and shifted to remote or online learning at the peak of the global education disruption.

A problem that teachers are going to have to solve. A problem that is going to require teachers to think creatively. The problem is how to keep the students engaged when they are sitting at home with phones, snacks, siblings, and the entire internet competing for their attention. The truth is that engaging online students is not about being a technology expert. It is about creating those points of magical engagement, when all the students want to be a part of the class.

Building Connections and Noticing Their Talent

The best way to engage students is by making them feel noticed. In physical classrooms, teachers are able to connect more with the students. They are able to notice the students. But how does one bring about those magical moments without the physical presence of the students? Just using the name of the student or something that the student said earlier in the day could change the entire mood of the class.

 

 

For example, the teacher could ask the students something like, “Justin, how was your football match yesterday?” And instantly the student is awake. Instantly, the student is engaged. Instantly, the entire class is engaged because they are actually a part of the class.

Speak Less, Talk More

Another effective engagement is: talking less. How come? Because when a teacher speaks for a long time, students start losing interest. This may happen because their concentration starts to fade.

 

Instead, replace the talk with a conversation. Ask your students what they think about a topic. Ask for their opinions, in their own words. If they realize that their thoughts matter, they start participating in a more active manner.

There’s Nothing that a Light Joke Won’t Accomplish

Humor can work wonders in an online classroom. A light joke, a funny example or even laughing at a small mistake can work wonders in an online classroom.

 

 

Students tend to remember teachers who possess a good sense of humor. The environment of the class should not be such that it looks too serious or too tense.

A Little Mystery Goes a Long Way

One more trick to engage students in an online classroom is to remain a little mysterious. Do not reveal everything at one go. Create hooks for the students and light sparks in their interest.

 

 

For example, you could begin the class by saying something like, “Today, we are going to discuss something that affects all your lives. But I am sure that all of you are unaware of it.” And at once, students are interested in knowing what it is.

Keep it Fun, Repetition is Boring

Variety is also necessary among online students. Repetitive activities in class may cause boredom. Mixing activities may help bring back the enthusiasm in the class. On one day, students may discuss ideas. On another day, students may have a challenge to solve.

 

Studies suggest that students lose focus within 10–15 minutes during long online lectures.

 

At times, students may work together on a project. These activities may help students stay focused in class.

The World’s all About Feedback

Feedback is another significant aspect of motivation. Make the students feel that they will definitely be rewarded for their efforts. That’s why, if you praise the students on their work and improvement, definitely, their confidence will get a boost.

 

 

 Work-Life Balance for the Little Ones? Why Not!

We also need to keep in mind that these online students are not ‘just online students’. They, too, are individuals who may be facing so many distractions at home. There may be disturbances in their personal life as well.

 

 

They may not be mature, but still, these teenagers need that balance between their school and home. Teachers, therefore, should understand that it's important to remain patient and considerate.

We’re All Social Beings After All!

Another way that teachers can use to engage students is by increasing group interactions. When students discuss various topics with each other, they start identifying with one another. This way, they make friends with like-minded classmates, their thoughts expand, and they learn how to enter healthy competition with contrasting opinions. And that’s how the classroom becomes more lively for them.

 

 

The online classroom will be full of energy and enthusiasm. They will be able to participate more willingly.

 

The screen may be between the teachers and the students physically. But it does not have to be between them emotionally.

 

When the teachers move beyond the boundaries of just teaching and become creators of experiences, the students will no longer be just observers. They will be the participants.

 

And that is when the online learning will come alive.