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Keeping students engaged and motivated can be tough even in the best of times. Throw in a global pandemic and a shift to remote learning, and it can feel downright impossible. But don't despair! By tapping into your students' interests and embracing a little creativity, you can keep the learning (and fun!) going strong.
Let's dive into some practical, teacher-tested strategies to keep your students engaged, no matter where learning takes place.
Tapping into the Power of 'You': Building Connections in a Virtual World
Remember, behind every screen is a student who misses the social connection of the classroom just as much as you do. Before diving into academics, prioritize building relationships and creating a sense of virtual community.
- Start with a Smile (and a Check-in): Begin your online sessions with a warm greeting and a quick check-in. Use platforms like Flipgrid to have students share a bit about their day or something exciting happening in their lives.
- Embrace the Power of 'Seeing' Each Other: Encourage the use of webcams during live sessions if possible. Seeing familiar faces can make a world of difference in creating a sense of normalcy and connection.
- Remember the 'Little' Things: Just like in a physical classroom, acknowledge birthdays, celebrate successes (big or small!), and take time for virtual 'show and tell' to keep things light and engaging.
From 'Ugh, Homework' to 'Challenge Accepted!': Injecting Fun into Learning
Here's where your creativity comes in! Think outside the traditional textbook and tap into your students' passions to transform learning from a chore into an exciting adventure.
- Embrace the Power of Play: Remember Connor Corey's approach? He motivated his students with everything from silly dances to water balloon fights (all tied to achieving academic goals, of course!). Think about what makes your students tick and find creative ways to weave those interests into your lessons.
- Turn Learning into a Game: Gamification isn't just for elementary school! Use online tools like Kahoot! or Quizizz to create interactive quizzes and review games that tap into students' competitive spirits.
- Challenge Them (and Yourself!): Set fun, achievable goals and attach exciting rewards. Think TikTok dance challenges (starring you!), silly dress-up days, or even a virtual 'Wheel of Doom' (inspired by Connor's ingenious idea) where students spin to determine a fun activity.
Khan Academy: Your Secret Weapon for Personalized Learning
Khan Academy isn't just a fantastic free resource for students; it's a powerful tool for teachers to differentiate instruction and support students at their own pace.
- Identify Learning Gaps and Provide Targeted Support: Use Khan Academy's assessments to pinpoint areas where students need extra help. Assign practice exercises and videos tailored to their specific needs.
- Encourage Mastery, Not Just Grades: Shift the focus from simply completing assignments to truly understanding concepts. Encourage students to retake quizzes, watch videos multiple times, and ask for help when needed.
- Celebrate Growth and Effort: Recognize and celebrate students' progress, no matter how big or small. Khan Academy's progress tracking tools make it easy to see how far students have come and acknowledge their hard work.
Navigating the Challenges: Special Education and Beyond
Remote learning presents unique challenges, especially for students with IEPs and those without reliable internet access or devices. While navigating these challenges requires collaboration with your school and district, here are some strategies to keep in mind:
- Prioritize Communication and Flexibility: Maintain open lines of communication with parents, guardians, and support staff. Be flexible with deadlines and assignments, recognizing that students may be facing a variety of challenges at home.
- Adapt and Modify: Work with your school's special education team to adapt assignments and provide appropriate accommodations for students with IEPs. Explore alternative formats like audio recordings or simplified texts.
- Advocate for Equity: If you have students lacking access to technology or reliable internet, work with your school and district to find solutions. This might involve providing devices, offering printed materials, or exploring community resources.
Remember, You've Got This!
Teaching remotely in the midst of a global crisis is no easy feat. But by focusing on building relationships, making learning fun, and leveraging tools like Khan Academy, you can create a positive and engaging learning experience for all your students.
Keep experimenting, stay connected with your students, and don't be afraid to embrace the unexpected. You've got this!
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