How to make online classes easier to students?

One of the main challenges for online TEFL teachers is how to keep the attention and motivation of students during our online classes. My approach to making classes easier is to have activities filled with fun that are age-appropriate. Besides, we can take short breaks to drink water, do some relaxation stretches, or whatever else students prefer to do. Therefore, I also offer shorter classes that last for 26 minutes. It is crucially important to avoid strain from prolonged staring at monitors. The part of making it feel good during class for students is to have an ergonomically designed working environment such as good armchair holders at the right angle and not sitting too far apart from the desk. That also helps avoid body straining that lowers students’ attention, causes frustration, and early saturation with the class. All those factors may contribute to students’ dissatisfaction with the class. Studies have shown that breaks and ergonomics of the working environment are important for students’ overall satisfaction with the class. If you have more questions, feel free to write us HERE.

Another challenge is the functioning of teleconference software such as MS Zoom and Skype as they have limitations. We need to update our operating systems (Windows) regularly to have relatively smooth internet connections. When software bugs occur, it is recommended that we restart our computer and step out of work for some time to rest, too. That time is useful for refreshing our bodies. Some stretches may also be done meanwhile or some of our favorite, relaxing music may be listened to. The most important thing for students is to accept it as a fact that we do not live in a perfect world and that both we and our computers need to recharge our batteries. We should keep a positive attitude as our class will be continued and finished after that.

Additional factor of importance is the teacher’s openness to change. To help my students follow easier online classes, I speak at a slower pace, announce words clearly, provide written pronunciation hints,  and patiently repeat whatever is left unclear. I am very welcoming of all your questions and suggestions. Furthermore, I am flexible to adjust the class to new learning needs that may suddenly appear during it. That is helpful for students’ adjustments and successful participation in online classes. If you would like to find more please visit our Facebook page.