Classroom management is one of the major concerns that teachers have. Academic performance, learning outcomes, behavior and a lot of things depend on classroom management. Online classrooms are different from traditional classrooms. How can one make sure that the management is seamless and the outcomes are fruitful? Controlling a classroom can seem difficult. Bringing in a sense of calm and discipline is most certainly not an easy task. Online classrooms can be a little trickier than traditional ones. It goes without saying that online classrooms are significantly different from traditional classrooms. So, how do teachers get a sense of control and hold in online classrooms? Today, we will be looking at how teachers can control their online classrooms effectively.
How To Control Your Online Classroom- 5 Tips
Before we move ahead with the topic, it is important to understand classroom management. What is classroom management? Classroom management refers to the wide assortment of skills and strategies that teachers use to keep students attentive, engaged, mindful, on task, and focused during a class.
Effective hold over an online classroom spring from good classroom management. Here are five amazing tips that would help teachers gain control over their classrooms.
1.Do a Trial Run of the Online Teaching App
If you are shifting to online teaching or have shifted recently, it is of paramount importance to introduce the platform to your students. Uncertainty will create chaos and cause unnecessary issues in the classroom. In order to avoid this, conduct a session with your students wherein you guide them through the online teaching app that you have chosen and talk about your expectations from them. This will help to avoid confusion and will bring clarity. Whether you use a free online classroom app or a paid app, it is important to keep this point in mind.
2.Follow a Routine
Online classrooms are infamous for being drab and boring. You can add the necessary zest by introducing entry routines and activities. The routine can be something as simple as doing a stand-up, sit-down game. This will help to take off the lethargy from students. It is common and normal for students to be lethargic during online classes because they are in the comfort of their homes. A proper routine in place will help you and the students alike. There are a lot of online classroom websites that will help teachers focus on these things.
3.Talk, Don’t Yell!
It is impossible to create a classroom with zero issues whatsoever. There would be issues that pop up. The teachers should handle it effectively. Respect that comes out of fear is short-lived whereas respect that comes out of love and affection cannot be destroyed easily. As teachers, it is important to understand that yelling does not work in the long- term. You need to create a rapport with your students and inculcate a sense of belonging in the minds of the students. This cannot be achieved if you lose your calm and start yelling. Studies have shown that yelling is a sign of a lack of control and what you want is to regain control. When you talk out the issues and problems in the classroom, your students will feel that they are being treated as equals and this will help you go a long way in terms of discipline in the classroom.
4.Encourage Participation and Questions
When the online classroom gets out of control and you feel that no one is listening, just stop the classes and look at your students. This is a trick that teachers have been using since time immemorial and it works like a charm. Ask them to talk to you and ask questions such as how they would rate your class, what is the one thing that they love about, and likewise. This will help to make the students more involved and interested in the classes.
5.Be Confident
Since online classes are relatively new realms for a teacher, they might feel less confident and might be skeptical. If the teacher appears unconfident or hesitant, there’s a fair chance of students not listening or being restless. To be confident, you have to prepare for the classes beforehand, have a lesson plan and teach with the aim of conveying the concept rather than finishing the syllabus.
Online classrooms present teachers with new challenges and opportunities. Teachers have a chance to widen their reach and be more efficient. The key is to jump the hurdles effectively and then, you will be able to ace online teaching. Hope this blog helps you to regain control of your online classroom. Stay tuned for more important information pertaining to online education and EdTech.
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