Classroom Management Tips for Online Learning
Managing an online classroom differs significantly from managing an in-person environment. When students are home, we have the added challenges and distractions of having multiple separate learning environments. Here are a few quick tips for wrangling students' attention and keeping the learning going.
Students must have a clear understanding of the expectations. Review the expectations frequently. Please don't assume that students will remember the rules today because you reviewed them yesterday. Put the rules on the opening slide of your presentation. Before beginning the lesson, state the rules and clarify if needed.
While I do not encourage dwelling on yesterday's mishaps, I suggest reiterating the rules. For example, you might say, "We had several students with their cameras off during the discussion yesterday. One of our norms is that all cameras will be on during instruction. Yesterday, I gave points to all students that honored that expectation. I look forward to everyone honoring our norms today." That's it. Move on. One of the biggest challenges with managing an online environment is dwelling on misbehavior and losing instructional momentum. I recommend "catching students doing something good" to get others on board or to provide an acceptable model. In my experience, pointing out positive behaviors is more effective than pointing out what you don't want to see.
Features such as using chat, freedom to unmute, share their screen, and breakout rooms enhance learning. Students should know the expectation around using each. If abuse of these features occurs, it might be necessary to restrict usage. If that happens, don't make the restrictions permanent. Consider adding back the features over a few days if necessary. In extreme cases, it may be necessary to handle usage rights manually, for example, unmuting students when it is their turn to speak. Know your school systems' restrictions and make sure you honor them. If your school system restricts using breakout rooms unless an adult can be in each room, don't use them.
Handle signals, or electronic reactions can be used to engage students and manage behavior. Students can give you a thumbs up if they understand the assignment or use an emoji to show their feelings about a statement. Like everything else, correct usage of hand signals must be taught and retaught for students to use them effectively. If you plan to incorporate emojis, ensure students know their user expectations. For younger learners or learners new to online learning using online platform features, consider allowing a brief period for all students to explore and activate or drop a favorite emoji in the chat. This quick review will get their 'sillies' out of the way and allow you to proceed with instruction with less temptation for interruptions.
Focus on the positive. Tell students when they do a great job. Positive acknowledgment goes a long way. Look for ways to reward students' positive behavior. Using programs like ClassDojo rewards students points and ensures parents know when students are doing a great job. Students love a "Spirit Day," so consider having a crazy hat day or favorite t-shirt day if students follow the rules. Playing online games like Connect Four, Bingo, or any appropriate online game can be a fun way to motivate students and provide a way for students to interact with their classmates. The key to managing the fun is reviewing the rules of the class and the game before you start. It's also an excellent idea for you to play along and model the expectation.
Consider having a student lunch bunch, a time students can eat their lunch with you on your platform. A lunch bunch is a reward that can be transferred easily from in-person learning to online learning. Things like listening to music, watching short videos, or even the teacher featured in a Tic Toc video can be a reward. Playing music at the start of class to set the mood/tone for the day or hour ahead is another way to liven up the learning environment. As long as the rewards are school-appropriate, give them a try.
Relationships are vital for managing any learning environment. Take time to get to know your students. Gather data using surveys. Find out what they like. Ask your students what kinds of fun activities they would like to have online. Once you have some ideas, set a goal. If we have five days of …. We will…. Setting a goal will let students know their responsibility and how they can earn some fun time.
Share information about yourself. If you have a television show you enjoy (and you feel it's appropriate to discuss), a favorite sports team, or food, incorporate that information in your class. Seeing you as a person will help when you need to have difficult conversations.
Finally, don't be afraid to "reset the learning environment" if needed. If behaviors have moved to a place where they are distracting or taking away from learning in your classroom it’s time to have conversations and reset the learning environment. Stop everything and explain why you feel you need to reset the learning environment. Review the expectation and allow students to provide feedback. Answer questions and make a plan to move forward. That's it. Move on. Keep the learning going.
