Effective Classroom Management is the cornerstone to successful education of students. These days with the rise of the virtual classroom, teachers all around the globe need to re-strategize with virtual classroom management skills to manage connectivity issues, limited social cues and reduced attention spans. Read about how Miss Tiffany strategized effectively to handle her virtual classroom.
“It was the first week of online teaching, Tiffany was determined to help her students adjust and transition smoothly into the online classroom. Although she was nervous and concerned about how she would manage her housework along with school; she had planned her weekly routine which included time for work, rest and leisure time. Tiffany wanted to ensure her student would participate actively with enthusiasm during her lessons, so she began her classes by introducing ‘academic hygiene’ to the students. Her lesson plans were well-structured and dedicated time for fun, discipline, discussion, revision and evaluation. She asked her students for feedback after each month, which helped her improve her strategies. She was concerned about the quieter students being left out of the classroom activities, she wanted everyone to feel included. So she thought of a creative strategy where every student got a chance to be a group leader for one activity each day. Tiffany also made the most of the various tools available online to convey different concepts, attending to the audio, visual and kinesthetic learning styles of all her students. By the end of the term, she noticed that her student’s curiosity had grown, attention was maintain and motivation to perform well had risen. Little did she realize that the virtual classroom strategies would boost the progress of her students and her own confidence to manage the classroom”
What helped Tiffany effectively manage her classroom? Let’s take a deeper look at these three virtual classroom management skills Tiffany used to create a vibrant classroom dynamic:
1) Ensure Academic Hygiene and Preparing the learning space: This involves giving the students specific instructions about minimizing distractions (such as excessive noise, toys, online games, extra tabs etc.) it also involves engaging in mindfulness activities students and setting ground rules of classroom do’s and don’ts. Creating a student handbook with all the necessary details prevents chances of miscommunication or misdemeanor. Collaborating with parents to ensure they have a designated study space with good lighting to avoid digital eye strain as well as follow a routine so they have time to unwind.
2) Create a balanced structure of fun and work: This involves establishing a balanced routine which helps students predict the flow of the lesson and mentally prepare themselves to engage actively in discussions. The structure enables time management by dedicating appropriate time for student involvement, interaction, learning and revision.
For example, if your class goes on for an hour try following a template such as this:
Use the first 10 minutes for activity – which helps channel students interest and excitement for the topic of discussion. Students respond better when you have gathered their attention.
Then the next 20 minutes involves an interactive discussion with audio-visual and kinesthetic elements of learning. Make sure you engage with students using reflective questions. These activities also boosts student inclusion and confidence. You can use videos, comics, songs, story examples with frequent questions to maintain student interest while conveying the lesson.
The next 15 minutes for revision and assessment using online tools for evaluation.
The next 15 minutes for concluding the lesson. This involves giving reinforcing good behaviour, answering lesson doubts, and homework planning. Use this time for any constructive criticism which can be done separately in break out rooms to avoid singling out any student.
3) Self-care and student care: building a positive bond with your students is the key to helping them overcome their negative learning beliefs. In order to be emotionally available to your students, you need to attend to your own emotional wellbeing and manage stress well. Read more about it on this article:
Did you find these tips helpful? Read more articles on optimizing the virtual classroom experience. Comment down below to share your personal experience with the virtual classroom!
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