Efficient classroom delivery – advanced checklist
So, here we are. Let’s see if you can easily master more tools that the online environment can offer… here is an advanced checklist for efficient classroom delivery:
Diversify the way of answering questions: use verbal channels, the chat, available emoticons. After getting acquainted with all of them, keep each channel for a type of activity (e.g. clarification questions - in the chat)
Add milestones for interaction. Get to the level at which you call a specific student to answer, and know their specific answering channel (yes, they can talk or write or use another way of answering if the question allows).
Use the voting feature (AGREE - green checkmark, DISAGREE - red X) for checking understanding of a concept or to state their opinion. Give roles among students for counting the votes, for clarifying concepts and for concluding.
Use a gesturing “dictionary” (there is one presented in Module “Building self-confidence for online communication”). For example, start with the “raise hand” feature, when students want to say something, and slowly add other gestures.
Use breakout rooms and make use of all their features. Set a time limit, prepare already decided or open rooms tackling different subjects (where students can choose to go).
Use polls and easy-to-fill forms for testing students.
Use a pointer to draw attention of the students at a certain point on the presentation, when you use one.
Use more and more presentation tricks: for example, include in your presentation a “guess the phrase” exercise: choose a relevant phrase and replace some of its words with symbols; make students guess the phrase.
“Add a spark” - when you want to break the rhythm, choose an app and invite students to answer a question (about themselves or related to the lesson) - for example go to https://answergarden.ch/create/ and write what is their superpower. Then, you can have an open discussion related to all superpowers inserted and whose superpower is each one.
Have separate talks with particularised solutions for students that are not very active.
At last, some advanced reflection questions:
- Being aware of the distractions around them, how can you keep students’ attention on the screen as much as possible?
- How can you check if students feel safe, included, and recognized in terms of contribution, while you also handle the technical issues?
- How can you slowly explore and use all the features of your virtual classroom platform?