Online classes have become mainstream now, especially since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Even though most schools have continued the offline classes again, online classes remain a crucial part of modern day learning.
But this change has brought in new challenges for teachers on how to conduct remote classes efficiently and effectively. Tutors, even the experienced ones, are struggling to find the right solutions.
Moreover, the fears of failing to conduct an efficient class are real because you never know when your students, with their eyes still wide open, conveniently tune in to Netflix.
To understand the issue completely, let’s first discuss the problems tutors usually face while trying to conduct online classes smoothly-
- Lack of motivation in students
You might’ve heard people advising to only study at your study table and not do other activities like having meals, playing video games, etc.,as learning requires a focused environment. Since studying at home invites more distraction, learning at home becomes bit more difficult.
- Logistical challenges
Online teaching requires teachers as well as students to have laptops/PCs, stable internet connection, and remote connecting tools, amongst others. This can be a huge challenge as even a minor disruption in the network connectivity can disturb the flow of the class.
- Digital divide
It’s a fact that the internet is yet to make inroads into every nook and cranny of the country. There are many remote areas which don’t have either internet or any online device to access it, making it impossible for online classes to reach these areas.
- Less facilities for children with disabilities
Many schools, in their traditional setup, have provided facilities for people with special needs but since online tutoring is at its nascent stage, we can hardly expect the same.
- Distractions
One of the biggest and perhaps the most annoying challenges that teachers face while conducting online classes is constantly distracted students. It’s not completely their fault either. Using electronic devices for taking classes makes them susceptible to the many distractions that the internet has to offer like constant Whatsapp messages, Snapchat notifications, webseries, video games, etc.
All this sounds scary, doesn’t it? But do you know what is scarier? Not beefing up your virtual tutoring game to rise to these challenges! But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. It is time to keep your students at the edge of their seats and buckle them up for effective learning with our tips on tutoring.
Are you worried about your career as an online tutor? Do you think it is an unsafe career? Read our blog here to find out: Is Online Tutoring Jobs Safe? A Reality you Need to Know!
We present to you a capsule of ideas to make virtual tutoring easier!
1. Create mindfulness
A learning experience should be a calm one; it should not be chaotic. Thus, you can start your daily lessons with prayers or spread positive energies across screens. This gives the students a sense of mindfulness and keeps them fresh throughout the lessons.
2. Deliver bite-sized
Today’s generation has their brains wired to process information for short bursts of time. Imagine those eyes staring at the screen for long hours; this makes their attention span shorter. Thus, delivering bite-sized lessons is a super tip! Plan lessons in small chunks to ensure that the information can be grasped at ease. This will help the students to recall and review information.
3. Spaced out content
Content that is cramped up in the spaces looks like word diarrhea and triggers the brain to skip it. Thus, ensure that the information which is presented in front of the bubbling students has a good format and is spaced out neatly. You can deliver content in different formats including, text, videos, and panel discussions.
4. Bridge the gap
There are scores of students who have different learning capacities and knowledge. As a tutor, it is significant to ensure that all the students are on the same page. Thus, bridging the knowledge gap by introducing basic concepts and touching the base after regular intervals of time is crucial. Give a combination of guidance and direction to propel learning.
5. Respect your space
The digital era and work from home are all about pings, alerts, calls, and reminders. You need to keep your distance from devices, which may distract you, and ask your students to follow the same.
6. Repetition schedule
Merely listening to comprehension can be very difficult for students; thus, repetition of content would ensure that the learning process is reinforced. Toss away the idea that repetition is eating your teaching time; is it merely making it stronger.
7. Make time for fun
“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”! This phrase stands true when it comes to virtual lessons. Especially when the interaction is limited, the classes can get monotonous. Thus, make sure that there is a reason your students look forward to your class. Have 5 minutes for virtual engagement by including rapid-fire rounds or team games to make the session fun
8. Consider visual entertainment
An overload of information would make the class very boring, thus ensuring that you have tabs for visual entertainment to keep the students hooked. This will help the students to rest their eyes on visual entertainment away from the bombardment of monologues.
Why is visual entertainment is a necessity?
- Fun-filled activities motivate students to learn better
- It helps improve healthy competition amongst students
- It keeps the enthusiasm alive
- Small rewards go a long way in encouraging students
- Use of visual media in teaching – a sure-shot strategy to fun-Filled learning
- Memory Recall – Extra assuring benefit of fun-learning
- Lastly, education can be made more effective
9. Use expressive body language
Body language is a very powerful tool. We had body language before we had speech, and apparently, 80% of what you understand in a conversation is read through the body, not the words
Deborah Bull
It is convenient to switch off the camera and deliver lessons; however, to give a personalized touch to the class, you need to be virtually present there. Make sure you are dressed well, use hand gestures and facial expressions to pack your class with zeal and zest.
10. Pause and shoot questions
Monotonous lessons pack their minds with a sheer burden; we surely don’t want that. Rushing through chunks of information merely clogs their brains; what can be a better solution? Pause and ask away questions. There is something affirming about the answers, which give you a clear idea that the students are on the same track as you!
11. Encourage team collaboration
Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much
Helen Keller
Collaborative work always leads to open discussions and opens the gates of their minds to welcome different perspectives. Push the young minds into the pool of thinking, and you will be surprised with the novel ideas and archaic beliefs that they have. Inculcate alternative thinking and watch your students climb up the graph of thinking and learning.
12. Review learning outcomes
Imagine investing hours of time, effort, and energy to deliver lessons with zero outcomes. Thus, it is very important to review the learning outcomes. Shoot impromptu questions, set up debates on specific topics, or give them virtual class activities.
Quick Read: How Einstein, Feynman & Tesla managed to learn anything, and you can do too!
BONUS TIME!
Here is something for you, we have got a capsule of ‘bonus ideas‘.
- Give students the topic in advance so that they can conduct their research and come back with chunks of information
- Explore each tangent of a lesson to keep all the students on the same page
- Ask repetitive questions where your students made a mistake in the past
- Add extra external links to ensure that students can stay engaged even after the virtual class comes to an end
- Allow your students to start a debate and express their views to keep them connected
- Use a string of apps and software to make the process of learning fun and easy
- Bring experts from industries to the virtual class to introduce a new perspective
Being an online tutor sounds much easier now, doesn’t it? Well we have made a list to give you all the more reasons to make a switch to this career- Why You Should Switch To Online Teaching?
What equipment do I need for my online classes?
A strong, stable internet connection is a prerequisite for a good online class. Your computer/laptop should be equipped with a webcam. Microphone and speakers. You’ll also need to download a video conferencing app like Zoom, Google Meet or Skype.
Is online tutoring technology hard to use?
Students have become accustomed to online classes especially after Covid-19. Considering that, it shouldn’t really be tough for either students or teachers.
Is it tough for students to focus during online classes?
Keeping students’ attention is a real problem during any online class since students have a lot of options by which they can avoid being mentally present in the class. To deal with this issue, tutors should come up with innovative ideas to keep the student glued to the classroom for example, use visuals , keep asking questions, use expressive body language during teaching, etc.
How can I connect to my students more during online classes?
Even though online classes lack the factor of physical presence, many students feel more comfortable raising questions or asking doubts in such a setting as they’re more comfortable at home and don’t fear anyone’s judgement.
Final thoughts
Entering the new advanced era may bombard you with a plethora of challenges; however, we’re sure with these swarms of ideas on virtual tutoring, you can make learning fun and engaging. Are you ready to bring in energy and passion for strengthening the foundation of online learning? Fret not; we vouch to resolve all your dilemmas and bombard you with ideas that work.
You can also check out our blogs where we keep posting content that you, as an online tutor, would find useful!
