How to Stay Connected With Teachers During Distance Learning
How to Stay Connected with Teachers During Distance Learning
The move to online learning because of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought some tough challenges for both students and teachers.
One of the biggest problems has been keeping good connections and clear communication in a virtual setting.
Since we can’t meet face-to-face, it’s really important to discover new methods to create and keep positive relationships with our teachers.
This post will look at different strategies and tools that students can use to stay in touch with their teachers while learning from home.
Make the Most of Communication Tools
Many schools now use special communication tools for online learning.
These can include:
– Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Google Classroom, Canvas, or Blackboard
– Video call platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams
– Messaging apps like Remind or ClassDojo
To keep in touch with your teachers:
a) Get to know these tools: Spend some time learning how each platform works and how your teachers like to use them.
b) Check your notifications often: Turn on notifications for these tools on your devices so you don’t miss any important messages or updates.
c) Use the right communication methods: Know which platform to use for different types of messages (like email for longer notes and chat for quick questions).
d) Stay professional: Even in casual chats, keep a respectful and professional tone in your messages.
Join Virtual Office Hours
Lots of teachers have virtual office hours during online learning.
These times are great for students to ask questions, get help with assignments, or just check in.
To make the best use of office hours:
a) Plan ahead: If your teacher wants appointments, make sure to book a time early so you can get the help you need.
b) Bring questions: Go to office hours with specific questions or topics you want to talk about.
c) Be on time: Make sure to log in when your class starts and be ready to go as soon as your time begins.
d) Follow up: After the class, send a quick thank-you message and highlight any important points or tasks you need to remember.
Get Involved in Online Classes
Joining in during virtual classes not only boosts your learning but also keeps you connected with your teachers.
Here are some tips:
a) Turn on your camera: When teachers can see you, it helps them feel closer to you and understand how you’re doing through your expressions.
b) Use the chat feature: If you’re shy about speaking, you can type your questions or thoughts in the chat.
c) Join the conversations: Take part in class discussions, respond to questions, and share your ideas when it’s your turn.
d) Stay focused: Try not to do other things while in class. Pay full attention to the lesson and your teacher.
Hand in Your Assignments on Time
Turning in your assignments on time shows that you care about your class and respect your teacher’s schedule.
It also gives you a chance to get feedback and interact more.
To keep up with your assignments:
a) Use a planner or an app: Write down due dates and set reminders to help you remember.
b) Break big projects into smaller steps: This makes the work feel easier and helps you avoid rushing at the last minute.
c) Talk to your teacher early: If you’re having trouble meeting a deadline, let your teacher know ahead of time to discuss possible extensions or other options.
d) Pay attention to feedback: When you get your graded work back, read your teacher’s comments carefully and use them to do better next time.
Ask for and Use Feedback
Feedback is super helpful for improving your work and staying connected with your teacher.
To get the most out of feedback:
a) Request specific feedback: If you’re confused about something in your work, ask your teacher for more details.
b) Use their suggestions: Show your teacher you appreciate their help by applying their feedback in your next assignments.
c) Clarify any confusing comments: If something isn’t clear, don’t hesitate to ask your teacher for more explanation.
d) Say thank you: Let your teacher know you appreciate the time they took to give you feedback on your work.
Share Your Learning Journey
Letting your teacher know about how you learn can really help them understand what you need and what challenges you face.
Here are some ideas:
a) Start a learning journal: Write down your progress, the tough spots, and your successes, and share some parts of it with your teacher.
b) Think about your assignments: When you turn in your work, add a short note about what you learned, what was hard, and any questions you still have.
c) Talk about how you learn: Tell your teacher what learning methods work best for you and what strategies have helped you in online classes.
d) Be open about difficulties: If you’re struggling with a certain topic or skill, let your teacher know so they can help you out.
Get Involved in Virtual Activities
Lots of schools are offering online clubs, sports, and other activities.
Joining these can help you connect with teachers outside of class.
Here are some suggestions:
a) Sign up for a virtual club: Find clubs that match your interests and are led by teachers you want to get to know better.
b) Join online school events: Take part in virtual assemblies, talent shows, or other events where you can interact with teachers.
c) Volunteer for online projects: Offer to help with school or community service projects that teachers are organizing.
d) Suggest new virtual activities: If you have an idea for a new online event or club, talk to a teacher who might want to support it.
Make Your Interactions More Personal
To create better connections with your teachers while still being professional, try these tips:
a) Share your interests: If you find out you and your teacher like the same things, bring it up when it feels right.
b) Remember key details: Pay attention to what your teacher tells you about themselves and bring it up later when it fits the conversation.
c) Show gratitude: Let your teachers know when you really enjoy a lesson or find their resources helpful.
d) Be yourself: It’s good to be respectful, but don’t hesitate to show your true personality when you talk to them.
Use Email Wisely
Email is super important for communication in online learning.
Here’s how to use it well:
a) Write a clear subject line: This helps your teacher quickly understand what your email is about.
b) Be brief and to the point: Clearly state your question or issue and give any needed background information.
c) Check your email before sending: Look for spelling and grammar mistakes, and make sure your tone is friendly.
d) Give them time to reply: Remember that teachers have a lot of students to communicate with, so they might not respond right away.
Form Virtual Study Groups
Getting together with your classmates in virtual study groups can help you stay connected with your teacher in a fun way.
Here are some ideas:
a) Exchange notes and ideas: Work with your friends to make sure you have all the important details from your teacher.
b) Team up to create questions: Collaborate with your group to come up with questions for your teacher, showing that you’re learning together.
c) Rehearse presentations: If you have group projects, practice together and ask your teacher for feedback as a team.
d) Talk about teacher feedback: Share and discuss the feedback you received from your teacher with your study group to help everyone understand better.
Use Digital Resources
Lots of teachers are putting together online resources to help with remote learning.
Engaging with these can show your dedication and give you more chances to connect with your teacher.
You can:
a) Comment on articles or videos: If your teacher shares resources online, share your opinions or ask questions to get involved.
b) Recommend extra resources: If you find helpful materials that go along with what your teacher has shared, suggest them to your classmates.
c) Create helpful content: Offer to assist your teacher by making study guides, summaries, or other useful materials for your peers.
d) Give feedback on resources: Tell your teacher which online materials you find most useful and explain why they help you.
Keep a Positive Mindset
Having a positive mindset can really help you connect with your teachers.
Here are some tips to remember:
a) Be patient: Technical glitches and other issues happen often in online learning. Try to stay calm and understanding when things go wrong.
b) Show excitement: Let your teacher know you’re interested in what you’re learning and appreciate their hard work.
c) Give support: Remember that teachers are also learning to adapt to new methods. A few kind words can really lift their spirits.
d) Look for solutions: If you face any problems, talk to your teacher about possible solutions instead of just complaining.
Adjust to Different Teaching Methods
Every teacher has their own way of teaching online.
a) Watch and adjust: Notice how each teacher likes to communicate and change your approach to match theirs.
b) Ask questions: If you’re confused about what a teacher expects, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.
c) Share helpful feedback: If a teaching style works well for you (or doesn’t), let your teacher know in a respectful way.
d) Stay open-minded: Realize that teachers might be trying out new strategies and be ready to go along with them.
Look for Chances to Connect One-on-One
Even though distance learning often happens in groups, finding ways to talk one-on-one with your teachers can really help build a better relationship.
Here are some ideas:
a) Ask for quick check-ins: See if you can set up short, individual meetings with your teacher every now and then.
b) Use breakout rooms: If your class has breakout rooms for smaller group activities, take the chance to ask questions or share your thoughts when the teacher comes to your group.
c) Get involved in individual projects: If your class allows for personal projects or presentations, take advantage of these to have more direct interactions with your teacher.
d) Look for mentorship: If you’re really interested in a subject, ask your teacher if they would be open to giving you some extra help or advice outside of class.
Be a Good Digital Citizen
Showing good digital citizenship can help you keep a positive relationship with your teachers. Keep these tips in mind:
a) Respect privacy: Don’t share personal details about your teachers or classmates online.
b) Give credit: When you use online materials for your assignments, make sure to properly cite your sources.
c) Think before you post: Before you send any online messages, think about how they might be understood by others.
d) Report issues: If you see any inappropriate behavior online, let your teacher or school administrators know.
Final thoughts
Staying in touch with teachers during online learning takes some effort and creativity.
To do this well, students should use communication tools, join online classes actively, ask for feedback, and keep a positive mindset.
This way, they can form and keep strong bonds with their teachers.
It’s important to remember that teachers are also facing challenges with online learning, so they will likely appreciate your attempts to stay connected.
While you try these tips, be patient with yourself and your teachers.
Making connections in a virtual setting can take time and might require some experimenting.
Be open to trying new things, share what’s working or not, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
In the end, the aim is to create a supportive and engaging learning space, even if you’re not in the same room.
By actively working to stay connected with your teachers, you’re not just improving your own learning experience but also helping to build a more positive and effective online learning community for everyone.
