6 Most Effective Strategies to Engage Students during Online Learning

Many students are resistant to online learning and find it difficult to remain engaged. However, several strategies can be employed to keep students interested and on task. In this post, we will discuss six of the most effective ways CrunchGrade tutors use to engage students during online learning:

• Establish a routine for class and stick to it

One of the best ways to ensure that an online class runs smoothly is to establish and stick to a routine. Routines help students know what to expect and can reduce anxiety. They also provide a framework for a class so the teacher and students can easily move from activity to activity. Although it may take some time to get used to, following a routine makes teaching life for online tutors much easier in the long run.

Our teachers:

1. Choose a time each day for a class that works best for both teachers and students.
2. Stick to the same routine each day so that students know what to expect.
3. Avoid changing the routine without warning, unless it’s absolutely necessary.
4. Make sure both the teacher and students have all of the materials they need before class starts.
5. Encourage students to be independent and self-sufficient.
6. Reward students who follow the routine and are respectful of their classmates and teacher.

• Get to know students – create a personal connection with each one

It’s important for students to feel connected to their teachers. A personal connection can help foster a greater sense of engagement and motivation in the classroom. To know students, our tutors take time to talk with them and learn about them. This doesn’t mean just finding out their names and what classes they’re taking. Our tutors go beyond that and find out about their interests, family, dreams, and goals. When a teacher creates a personal connection with each student, it helps build a rapport that can make learning more enjoyable for both of them.

Our teachers:

1. Make a list of questions to get to know students better.
2. Ask them about their hobbies, interests, and family life.
3. Share some personal information about themselves with their class.
4. Connect with them on social media.
5. Let them know that they’re always available to help with anything they need.
6. Encourage them to ask questions in class, and answer any that they can.

 

• Use multimedia resources to keep students engaged and interested

When it comes to keeping students engaged in class, multimedia resources are a great way to do just that. Whether it’s using videos, images, or interactive tools, these resources can help keep students’ attention focused on the lesson. Not only does this help make learning more interesting for students, but it can also lead to better comprehension and engagement.

Our teachers use:

1. Infographics: You can create fun infographics for K-12 students using websites like Piktochart or Venngage.
2. Memes: The best websites to create quick memes are Make A Meme and Meme Generator.
3. Images: Find high-quality images on sites like Unsplash, Pixabay, or Pexels.
4. GIFs: GIFs can add some fun and levity to a lesson. The best site to find GIFs is Giphy.
5. Educational videos: Use websites like YouTube, Vimeo, or TED to find videos that will be interesting and engaging for your students.
6. Podcasts: If you want to try something different, why not try using podcasts in class? They can be a great way to keep students engaged and entertained. Check out NPR’s Education website for some great ideas.
7. Audiobooks: If you’re looking for a way to get students hooked on reading, try recommending audiobooks before or after class. They can be a great way to get students excited about books and help improve their reading skills. You can find audiobooks on sites like Audible, Librivox, and Storynory.

• Encourage student collaboration and discussion

As teachers, we want our students to be engaged and enthusiastic about the material we are presenting in class. One way to achieve this is to encourage student collaboration and discussion. By working together, students can share their ideas and learn from each other. This not only helps them understand the material better but also prepares them for collaborative work environments after graduation. 

So how do we get our students talking? We often use the following strategies:

1. Promote student collaboration by providing opportunities for students to work together in pairs or small groups.
2. Encourage discussion by asking students questions and requiring them to provide answers.
3. Provide a variety of tasks and activities that allow for different levels of student engagement.
4. Model positive collaboration and discussion skills for your students.
5. Reward students for working collaboratively and discussing ideas respectfully.

• Provide feedback on student work regularly

 

We do not just give students a grade and move on. We take time to explain why we gave them that grade and what they could do to earn a higher score next time. Not only does this helps them learn better but also shows them that we’re interested in their success.

We:

1. Establish a routine for providing feedback.
2. Give specific, constructive feedback.
3. Avoid giving negative feedback that is vague or unhelpful.
4. Encourage students to ask questions if they don’t understand our feedback.
5. Reward students for their efforts, even when they make mistakes.
6. Are patient and keep our expectations realistic.

• Be flexible and willing to adjust your teaching methods as needed

No matter how experienced or knowledgeable our online tutors are, we always encounter new situations and students who require different methods of teaching. We are flexible and willing to adjust our approach as needed to help all students learn and achieve success. We respond to the ever-changing needs of our classroom by experimenting with new methods while remaining consistent with the basic concepts that have proven successful for us in the past. With a little bit of flexibility and creativity, we can successfully teach any student who connects we us online.

We:

1. Are not afraid to try new things in the classroom. We sometimes dress up as a character from a book we are reading, or try alternative endings to a story to get students thinking.
2. Are open to feedback from your students and colleagues.
3. Are willing to make changes as needed.
4. Stay upbeat, even when things get tough.
5. Remember that teaching is a challenging but rewarding profession.

Talk to a CrunchGrade tutor to find out how online classes can help you excel!