Being a science teacher I strictly believe in the theories of evolution, evolve or dissolve or survival to the fittest. In fact, I would say ‘survival to the fastest’ and it’s true as long as we adapt all these new norms and train ourselves to be a better survivor. Thanks to the technology which has made our learning journey an interrupted ride and we can still continue our lessons in virtual classrooms.
Although, technology makes our classroom accessible to us in these unusual times but it also provides students with many more online gaming options or other online activities to distract them. It is a huge responsibility on us as teachers to make students engaged in the class. It has become a trial and error game for us where every day we make a new strategy to see how it works. Based on my experience I have tried to list down a few strategies that worked for me. Sharing these tips that may help other teachers in their online classrooms:
Make professional appearance:
Students draw energy from teachers and if teachers appear to be professional it makes their mood. Everybody wants to look at beautiful and happy face.
Dressing/ Attire:
You do not need to be formally dressed but something that makes your appearance professional and ready. Focus more on the top part since it will be visible in the camera like making nice hair will put an impression but wearing a pair of shoes is not needed since it cannot be seen.
Lighting:
Sunlight is a blessing, use it effectively. Sit near the window or in an open area where light is brighter, do not sit in a room under dim light it will make your appearance darker and invisible.
Welcoming gestures:
Always welcome them with energetic tone as they draw energy from us.
For example, ‘A very good morning to all of you’ or ‘Welcome to science class’.
Punctuality:
To be on time in the class should be the first priority of the teacher because we are not only teaching them academics but other life skills too for example discipline, punctuality etc. and for that we need to set an example first.
Skillful in technology:
It is the time to embrace new teaching models which are technology based. There are a few things that we may not be very familiar of, but try to learn these skills by reading online about it or watching YouTube videos, it helps a lot.
Promote ‘Active learning’
Online classes are not about traditional teaching where you need to fill up the time by lectures only. A good teacher should engage them by prompting short questions/ discussion that encourage them to think and take part in class.
Accessible by students anytime:
Since we have to completely go online during this pandemic time means we have no physical contact with our students as we used to have. Try to make yourself accessible to them by sending a small message or a study tip in your class group, otherwise if they have any question you may encourage them to ask by sending you a message on WhatsApp or any other means.
Teachers play a significant role in the classrooms and I feel as a teacher it is my responsibility to set an energetic and motivated virtual environment for my students where students feel like to come. Let’s embrace the world of online teaching happily.
