Many teachers are starting the semester virtually. Some of you will move on to face-to-face classes soon, others may be teaching online all year. So, what is important in starting the year off right if you must start virtually?
Since everyone is so unconnected, one of the first things teachers need to do is connect with the students. While I normally advocate establishing procedures in the first few days of school, I always want teachers to be at the door welcoming students to class, especially at the beginning of the semester. Sometimes this is difficult to do because there is so much paperwork to be done at the beginning of the school year, but kids need to know they are more important than paperwork. One of my mentors used to say, “Do not let people get in the way of the school business. People are the school business.”
This year, spend a little time talking to each student as they log in. As some students are trying to log in and others have not made it yet, you may get 30 seconds or so to speak to an individual student. Don’t waste that time saying, “We will get started when more students get on.” That makes it sound like the individual student is not important…what is important is the content and we won’t start that until more students get here….why would I waste my time on just one kid? While you are waiting, get to know the students who are there.
Now (back to my mantra) teach procedures and expectations. Although you will not be teaching your procedures for passing in papers, sharpening pencils, dismissal, etc. as you usually would, you do want to teach procedures and expectations for Zoom sessions or whatever software you are using. This may be the sign in procedure. Will there be an introductory assignment each day for them to get started on when they first sign in? What are your expectations for when class will start? Although I have encouraged you to use any time you have before everyone logs in to get to know students, you do not want to waste time each day waiting for students to log in. This may be acceptable on the first few days of class, but students need to know that you expect them to be at class on time, which means log in on time. Emphasize the rationale that what you are teaching is important and they need to know it, so you do not want to waste their time or the time of others waiting on everyone to log in.
Other expectations may include what register of language is required. For example, is formal English required in oral communication or will we be more informal since we are online? And what about written communication? Can we use text abbreviations like BTW, IMHO, and LOL or must we type everything out in English? Your school’s guidance and your tolerances are in play here. You might also consider what class you are teaching. If you are teaching English/Language Arts, requiring typed English will give you much more information in informal assessments of student ability than allowing text speak. However, if you are teaching math, you may be more interested in their ability to comprehend and perform the calculations and may allow texting for quicker chats.
So, as the semester starts, do not forget that your students are probably less connected to the school than they have ever been. You have the opportunity to connect with them. Each and every student you see on your screen needs a connection to you. Clearly, some will need that connection more than others, but make the effort. Be the connector and the connection.
Clark Cavin Consulting 