Though teaching may feel a little different this year, students still need the same takeaways from their educational experience. Of course, students need to learn content, but that isn't all. Middle and high school students strive for deeper engagements and lifelong connections. Making connections with students during distance learning is a necessary, albeit challenging, endeavor. There may be a wealth of physical space between you and your students, but the connections you make can be very tangible!
making connections over a digital platform may seem nearly impossible, but there are many ways to connect with students (and facilitate connections among students) while teaching online. While students are faced with more challenges than they've previously experienced, fostering these connections is more important than ever.
How to Connect with Students During Distance Learning
- Digital Check-Ins: Show your students that you are there for them in the most literal way possible! Hold digital office hours or reach out to students by email. Provide opportunities for student feedback and engagement. Most importantly, always be approachable and make your commitment to your students known! Knowing they have someone in their corner will surely motivate them to greatness. Check out these Digital Student Check-In Forms.
- Getting-to-Know-You/Icebreaker Activities: Take the time to get to know your students on a deeper level. Just as if you were teaching in the classroom, spend time introducing yourself to your students, and affording them the same opportunity. Allow students to share with the class, fully investing themselves in the digital experience. Provide small group or partnered activities to foster student relationships, as well.
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Students are faced with more challenges this year than they've ever known. Academics are hard enough! This pandemic induces fears, social anxiety, and uncertainty. Providing a digital escape for students can be so beneficial to help ease their stress and anxiety.
- Humanize Yourself: Don't be afraid to show your students that you are human too! In this trying time, they need validation that they are smart, successful, and full of possibilities. It may be hard for students to keep up with assignment deadlines or submission requirements, but try to be as understanding as possible. Allow students a tad bit of leeway or own up to a mistake to show them that you aren't perfect either!
- Set Clear Expectations: While you should be as forgiving as possible, remember that expectations are vital to an efficient and effective classroom community. Students need structure, especially in this crazy time. Though you should afford a bit of empathy in some situations, setting clear expectations (and following through on them!) is so important to help students feel a sense of normalcy and commitment to learning.
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Use this time to rework your in-class expectations and policies! Mold them to fit the digital work. Keep what works and toss what doesn't...and don't be afraid to make modifications throughout the school year. Everyone understands the need to be flexible during this time period, so find what works for you and your class and implement policies that serve your common goals.
It may seem easier to download some digital-ready resources and let students work independently or at their own pace. But students are craving normalcy just as the rest of us are! Take the time to show your students that they matter to you, and use your opportunity as a teacher to form and facilitate connections that will propel your students further into success and happiness.
