At the start of 2020, little did we know that the world would witness the greatest disruption to life in recent times. From businesses to free travel, everything felt the strain of COVID-19. One such sector that felt the sting more than others is the educational sector.
School children are of an age where sitting across a computer screen can be cumbersome, and paying attention can be a herculean task. As teachers are set up in a different space, students may find it difficult to comprehend the teacher and feel engaged easily. This problem needs a solution so that even during such distressing times, our young ones receive quality education.
We can achieve this by implementing certain techniques that can boost productivity and engagement.
Read on to find out some excellent techniques from our experts:
- Personal Interaction: Interacting with students on a one-to-one basis can be a great way to get to know each other better and break any tension. The teacher can clear doubts, ask them questions regarding the topic, and increase engagement levels. The interaction need not even be completely on topic. It can just be an effective way to get to know pupils better.
- Assign Activities to the Student: We need to realize that students are attending classes from the comfort of their homes. This might cause lethargy and laziness to a certain degree. Students may make up excuses to bunk classes or sleep in. We need to stay on top of this by giving active assignments to the students regarding topics and asking them to submit them after each class or during the class. This way, we motivate them to attend classes in order to complete assignments.
- Classroom activities: Students do not see each other during this pandemic, and we know that socializing and forming friendships are an integral part of holistic education. This can be done by forming small groups during class hours and allowing them to brainstorm the solution to a problem presented. It can boost teamwork, paving the way for coordinated problem-solving.
- Be Flexible: Virtual classes may not engage students as much as a live class would. Remember to make the classes flexible by connecting syllabus topics to real-life events and, if possible, literature. It helps students understand subjects like Science easily.
- Rewards: Utilize a period in a week to reward students for their engagement in the virtual environment and attendance. The rewards can be in the form of a speech, co-curricular activities, or just a simple introduction to who they are.
One needs to understand that these techniques are not easy to implement and will take time. It requires teachers and faculty of great skill to engage students and go above and beyond for the betterment of their students. This is only possible in schools that promote a holistic approach to education.
Alif Global School, The best international school in Calicut, Kerala, is an organisation that strives to achieve excellence in learning and helps your children carve out a unique niche for themselves.