EFFECTIVE VIRTUAL CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT: TIPS FOR TEACHERS

The process of ensuring that classroom lessons run effectively and smoothly without any behaviour or activity from either the teacher or students, that compromise the delivery of instruction can be referred to as classroom management. It is imperative for teachers to ensure effectual classroom management because it supports the conventional execution of curriculum development and the development of top-notch teaching practices leading to a successful teaching environment.

As education keeps evolving, digital education burgeons in leaps and bounds. Unlike the traditional classroom setting, virtual classes present novel challenges and this is due to the separation of the teacher from students. In this respect, it is extremely important for teachers to continue to apply effective management approaches and teaching methods to maintain the same level of class management and curricular activities they see and feel in their face-to-face classrooms. Class management is effective when students conduct themselves in an appropriate manner, are able to work well with each other and their teacher’s discipline is effective on them.

Effective class management is a significant factor for developing a thriving academic environment for students to engage with their studies and work to the best of their ability. Just as there are varied approaches in pedagogy, teachers can employ different approaches in managing their virtual classrooms.

To improve your virtual classroom management and make it worthwhile, teachers can adopt the following tips:

• Lesson Plan: Just as it is done in the traditional classroom setting, have lesson plans for your virtual sessions and start the class prepared. Having a lesson plan does not only boost the teacher’s confidence because he or she is prepared for class, it keeps students on track and engaged. For effective engagement, you can seek their opinions and ideas about the structure of the lessons.
• Set Rules: It is necessary for teachers to set rules and expectations concerning discipline during lessons, student engagement, deadlines to assignments and projects, dress code, use of gadgets during class sessions, use of polite language etc. Be sure to explain to the class their duties and responsibilities regarding the lesson’s structure, class routine and the study process. Additionally, you need to show them how to use the chat features such as the ‘raise hand button’ when they want to ask or answer a question or express an opinion.
• Student Engagement: Encourage your students to participate fully in the lessons and to ask questions. You can do this by developing class activities such as teamwork projects and class competitions to get everyone involved.
• Friendly Atmosphere: Create a friendly atmosphere but ensure everyone follows the established norms. A friendly atmosphere during virtual classes helps to keep student at ease and interested in the lesson. In addition, a friendly atmosphere promotes positive attitude in class.

Good classroom management during virtual lessons helps both teachers to be respected and heard; also, it ensures discipline and facilitates a thriving environment for teaching and learning