How to Make Online Maths Classes Effective for Secondary School Students?
As a parent, you want to make sure that your child is getting the best education possible. You may be considering enrolling them with an online math tutor so they can get ahead or keep up with their peers. But you may be wondering, how effective are online math classes for secondary school students?
Here are some things to consider:
1. Secondary school students have limited focus and attention.
This is especially true for boys. They are more likely to be easily distracted and have shorter attention spans than girls. So, it’s important to choose an online math class that is interesting and engaging. Otherwise, they are likely to get bored and give up quickly.
Theme-based or story-based classes are usually more engaging for secondary school students. They are also more likely to remember the concepts if they are presented in a way that is relatable to their everyday lives. Some popular themes for online Maths classes for Aussie students include space, sports (such as soccer or basketball), and animals.
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2. Online Maths classes need to be interactive.
Just like any other class, online Maths classes need to be interactive to be effective. That means there should be a mix of activities, such as videos, games, quizzes, and puzzles. This will keep the students engaged and help them to better understand the concepts.
In secondary schools, students get introduced to Math topics like Algebra, Geometry, and Calculus. So, the online Maths class must cover these topics interactively. The best online Maths classes will have a balance of different activities to keep the students engaged throughout the lesson.
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3. Online Math classes should be flexible.
Secondary school students have a lot on their plate. They may have after-school activities, homework, and exams to worry about. So, the online Maths class must be flexible enough to fit into their schedule.
Some classes are offered in a self-paced format, which means the students can log in and complete the lessons at their own pace. This is a good option for students who have a lot of other commitments.
Other classes are offered in a live format, which means the students need to be available at a certain time to participate in the lesson. They are a good option for those who would like a teacher or a mentor to guide them through the concepts.
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4. Online Math classes should be affordable.
You don’t want to spend a lot of money on an online Maths class that your child is not going to use. There are many free or low-cost options available, so you should be able to find something that fits your budget. Just be sure to check the reviews before you enrol to make sure you’re getting a quality class.
One or more free demo classes should be offered before you make a decision. This way, you can try out the class and see if it’s a good fit for your child.
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5. The child should be able to interact with the teacher freely.
In a school setting, teachers mostly follow an authoritative teaching style where they lecture the students and the students listen. This may work for some children, but others may find it boring or hard to follow.
In an online academic support setting, the child should be able to ask questions and discuss concepts freely with the teacher. The teacher should also be able to adjust their teaching style to suit the needs of the child. This way, the child is more likely to engage with the material and understand the concepts.
6. Is the class backed by AI-based analytics?
It is not mandatory, but it is good to check if the class is backed by AI-based analytics. AI can help to identify the areas where the child is struggling and recommend specific activities to help them improve.
Some of the insights artificial intelligence can offer in an online Math class setting are:
- The amount of time spent on each question
- The average time taken to complete the lesson
- The areas where the child is struggling
- The types of questions the child is getting wrong
Some classes also offer real-time reports that show the progress of each student. This is a helpful tool for both parents and teachers as it allows them to track the child’s progress and identify any areas that need more attention.
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7. Learning beyond the classroom strategies can be implemented here.
In an online Math class, the child is not limited by the four walls of a classroom. This means that the teacher can implement creative and innovative teaching strategies to help the child understand the concepts.
Some of the strategies that can be used in an online Math class are:
- Using real-world examples to explain concepts, such as using a simulated trip to the grocery store to teach fractions
- Setting up group projects where students can collaborate and learn from each other
- Visual aids to help explain difficult concepts
- Games and puzzles to make learning fun and interactive
8. Recognition is important for secondary school students.
It’s important to recognise the achievements of secondary school students as they are working hard to transition into adulthood. In an online Math class, the child can receive recognition in the form of awards, certificates or even a simple ‘well done from the teacher. This will help to motivate them and keep them engaged with the class.
Positive criticism is equally important. If the child is struggling with a concept, what words you use as a teacher, what’s your body language while saying them – all these things matter. Be encouraging, be positive and be specific in your feedback so that the child knows what they need to work on.
For example, instead of saying ‘you’re not doing well in this class, try ‘I can see that you’re finding it difficult to understand this concept. Let’s work on it together and I’m sure you’ll get it.
Also, read – 5 Biggest Challenges of Modern Education and How to Address Them
9. The online Maths class should have a community feel.
In a school setting, the child is surrounded by their peers and they develop a sense of community. This is important for the child’s social and emotional development.
In an online class, the child may not have the same opportunity to interact with their peers daily. However, the class can create a sense of community by holding regular meet-ups or social events. This will help the child to feel connected to their peers and supported by the class.
This aspect of online education becomes even more important when schools are closed. During these times, it’s essential for the child to feel a sense of community and belonging.
10. Personalization is key to an effective online Math class.
Each child is unique and they learn in different ways. It’s important to personalize the online Math class to suit the needs of the child. This means incorporating their interests, learning style and pace into the lessons.
For example, for an aboriginal child, the class could incorporate aboriginal stories and artwork into the lessons. For a child with a visual learning style, the class could use more infographics and videos. And for a child who is struggling with a concept, the class could provide extra resources and support.
Whether you have a gifted child or a child with specific learning difficulties like dyscalculia, personalization is key to an effective online Math class. It ensures that the child is engaged and motivated. It also allows the child to learn at their own pace and in their own way.
When it comes to finding an online Maths class for your secondary school student, there are many things to consider. But if you keep these tips in mind, you should be able to find a class that is effective and affordable.