Do you struggle with getting your students excited for Zoom class? Running a remote classroom comes with unique challenges and requires a different approach from handling an in-person classroom. The good news is that you can encourage your students to get involved and stay engaged, even in a virtual Zoom setting, by adopting new strategies for classroom management. Here are four helpful Zoom classroom tips to try out.
Make it Fun, Interactive and Include Activities
Once you’ve mastered the basics of using virtual technology for your classroom, such as figuring out how to set virtual background in Teams, it’s time to plan a slate of activities that will actually keep students engaged. Remote classrooms run the risk of becoming monotonous or boring, so incorporating fun activities is an easy way to spice things up. You can use interactive activities that can be adapted for any age group or topic. Some unique activities to consider putting on your syllabus include the following:
- Trivia
- Scavenger hunts
- Class jeopardy
- Polls and/or surveys
- “I Spy” games
- Interactive graphics
- Virtual flashcards
Leverage Breakout Rooms
When you’re trying to run an effective virtual classroom, breakout rooms are your best friend. Group projects and activities are often a cornerstone of the in-person classroom, and the way you can replicate that experience in Zoom is by using breakout rooms with immersive view Zoom backgrounds.
Try incorporating breakout rooms into classes at least once per week. These rooms allow students to get to know each other in a smaller setting, and may even encourage shyer students to start speaking up. They can also be an effective tool in helping students review material before an exam.
Use Tailored Communication Technology To Get Students Involved
You’ve likely already become familiar with using virtual backgrounds for Google meet, but have you taken the time to master other virtual methods of communication? Staying on the same page with students is key in a remote setting, so you can get students involved by reaching out to them via several different online communication methods. These could include:
- Chat boxes
- Online messaging platforms
- Dedicated class websites
Assign Creative and Engaging Homework
Lastly, assigning homework that gets students excited to come to class is key in keeping up student morale. Try to think outside the box when it comes to homework. For instance, you could:
- Ask students to conduct a survey in their area
- Provide a creative writing prompt to get students thinking deeply about an issue
- Assign group project and asks students to create engaging visuals for their presentations
- Ask students to find a piece of current news on the topic of your class, bring it into the Zoom class, and explain it to their classmates
When running a Zoom class, it can sometimes feel challenging to help your students stay engaged or get involved in the course. Fortunately, it may be easier than you think to get your students excited for class. Even in a remote environment, the right approach can make all the difference. Try out these helpful classroom management tips to encourage your students to truly look forward to your Zoom class.
