Do you feel like your students are disengaged?  Are you finding it more difficult to connect with them?  The classroom is a critical place for students to feel socially connected to school, and these connections are a precursor to learning.  Here are some suggestions to help keep your students engaged and restore the joy of teaching.  

  • Introduce yourself to the class—not simply as the teacher but as a human being.  Share your interests, hobbies, and what you like to do in your spare time to help students see you as a relatable person and build rapport.
  • Arrive a few minutes early to class or stay late to converse with students informally. This shows your interest in them as individuals and that you have time for them.
  • Greet each student by name as they enter your classroom. Small gestures like this can help students feel less like a number. 
  • Show your enthusiasm for the material you are presenting by building on what  the students have already studied. Activities, labs, and discussions all provide opportunities for an interactive experience and social connections.  
  • Help students connect with each other by incorporating ice-breakers, giving prompts for small group discussions, and encouraging the exchange of contact information for getting notes after an absence.
  • Use a social-annotation tool like Persuall or Hypothesis. Provide some of your own annotations in advance or highlight some passages you want your students to respond to.
  • Punch up your PowerPoint to keep students engaged.  Keep font size large and select visuals to drive home your point.  The right picture is worth 1000 words!

Doing our best to help you do your best!

Interested in learning more?  Check out the TLC to find more articles, upcoming workshops, and teaching tips.  Or make an appointment for a 1:1 consultation!