We are, no doubt, aware that covid life is indifferent in all the possible ways. We don’t think the same way, don’t work the same way, don’t sleep the same way, and don’t study the same way either. Studies that were one of the most integral parts of one’s existence have now just become a formality.
As we conceptualized, studies not possible without paper, pen, books, etc., is just now a click away. Wow! That sounds amazing, progress, development, prosperity, revolution, and everything we wished we have now. Students get up in the morning, sit in front of the screen, listen to the teachers, note down the important things of the lesson, and boom, it’s done, with no efforts like waking up early in the morning, getting ready speedily, rushing to catch the school bus and so on.
Nothing but, do we even think that are the students actually getting educated? Online classes are just one-way communication where a teacher speaks, and children do whatever they feel like. This needs no evidence that students don’t find an online class as engaging as an offline one. Several complaints of parents have been noted in an open-ended survey, which mainly highlighted their child’s misbehavior and mischief during their online sessions.
Some unhealthy practices that students follow
- The early morning classes: Students preferably choose to complete their incomplete and disturbed sleep during the first class of the day. This can be due to the lack of interest in the particular subject or the teacher taking the class.
- Webcam and mics off: As most schools don’t ask their students to turn on their webcams and mics, the students take full liberty of it and, under no one’s supervision, do whatever they prioritize at that moment definitely not the class.
- No books: Ever wondered about studies without books or any other knowledgeable source. Surprisingly, a present lot of school-going students have made that possible. The students attend the classes with no books but with video games on other screens. Music and social media scrolling, of course.
- Sharing links: Instances of high-level naughtiness and mischief have also been recorded. Students shared their class links with students of other schools. While the session was going on, those students turned on their mics and webcams and played loud disco music, and also shared screens with obscene and vulgar pictures and videos.
- No guidelines: As per my knowledge, no strict guidelines were released for students for the online classes. Therefore, we face such scenes of misconduct.
With an environment being surrounded by potential distractions, keeping students engaged, motivated, and interested in their classes can be one of the biggest challenges teachers face online. This also can consequently reduce a teacher’s interest. They will also start taking it as a day-to-day task or just an easy source of income. They’ll just haste to complete the syllabus, in turn putting the student’s future at stake. The attitude and perception will not last long, and the teachers should question themselves as to how they can increase their students’ engagement and make them concentrate in the classes. Albeit, it’s not easy, not rocket science nonetheless.
Best tips and tricks
- Present your best self: Showcasing yourself as an energetic teacher will definitely be impactful. Address them actively, call out the names if necessary. This will develop a sense of attentiveness in other students that they can also be called out any time of the session. Communication is the key, we know.
- Reliable internet connection: In spite of the fact that we have shifted everything digitally, connection problems are a regular issue faced all over. Make sure your internet connection is strong enough, and there is no glitch in between the sessions. This may distract both the students and the teachers and result in disengagement.
- Ace the technology: The concept of online classes is new to everyone. Therefore, the teachers should well-train themselves with each and every tool, functions and file editors, etc. First of all, make sure you know how to use these virtual tools and take time to explain them to students so they feel confident with using them too.
- Find an inspiration: Finding what students get inspired by can be the crux of the matter. Once you know what keeps the students inspired and motivated to attend the classes will help you in more than one way. Students will themselves be eager to attend the sessions. Don’t be afraid to try new things with students. In fact, ask them for ideas.
- Set deadlines and goals: To keep a sense of meaning and purpose awake in students is to keep them updated about their goals and progress. Set short-term goals like at the end of every session, you can ask students to outline the main highlights of the session. For this, you can entice them with rewards.
- Interaction is the pioneer: There is no success where there is no word exchange. Encourage your students to be as interactive as they can. Clarify the doubts instantly. In between, you can raise random questions to any student. Silence just doesn’t translate anything in a virtual classroom and will give students perfect causes to drift their attention elsewhere.
- Make the sessions digestible: It’s always a good idea to keep a fast and short pace. Divide your lesson into small chunks and let them digest (understand) easily. A set of pre-planned activities will help you escalate the atmosphere from apathetic to enthusiastic. Let the time fly by. Keep the classroom so fantastic.
- Be brave: Never back down. Patience is the key. It’s noted that kids generally don’t have very long attention spans. It’s completely okay. Give them a break and be patient with them. Your tone and behavior can easily display your frustrations and aggression. Hence, be careful and dividing the class into short breaks and lessons will surely bring a difference.
We hope now, after going through these tips and tricks, you have created a strong foundation of how to keep the students engaged and the classroom full of energy. Undoubtedly, online environments can be challenging, but in some time, you can give your students the best experience possible.
