In order to fully engage in course material and learn to the best of their abilities, students need to feel that they belong in their classroom. Getting to know your students can go a long way toward establishing a positive classroom community. The following ideas can help you get started.
In an online environment, it can often be difficult for relationships to develop organically as they did in an in-person setting. For that reason, it may require more intentionality in creating and maintaining relationships in an online teaching environment.
Learn (and use) students' names
When you take the time and effort to learn your students' names, they feel more valued and included in the course. Encourage them to learn each other's names, too.
Give an opportunity for introductions
Take a couple minutes to introduce yourself to your students. Share your passion for the subject, how you got where you are in your career, and maybe even some fun facts about your personal life. (Students always love cat pictures!)
Give students the same opportunity to introduce themselves. This can either be done in the classroom, or via an online platform. Through their brief presentations, videos, audio files, written paragraphs, or even memes, students can let other know what is important to them.
Be available to students (and make sure they know how to contact you)
Let your students know that you're here to help them. Make sure students know how to contact you. Will you be holding online or in-person office hours? Should they contact you via email or another platform? How long should students expect you to take to respond? If they know when and how you are available to help them, they will be more likely to reach out.
Be prepared to support struggling students
Let students know that you understand they may be facing difficulties. Share information about university resources they can turn to for support (such as CAPS, SDAC etc.). Knowing that you care about their well-being can help them feel more comfortable in your class.
Be willing to acknowledge difficult societal moments and current events. Be flexible in working with students who may be struggling as a result of these events and may need extra time or help.
Teach enthusiastically
One of the best ways for students to get to know you is as you share your passion for your subject. They will feel your excitement and be able to connect with you over that.
Check in with your students
Consider applying mindfulness techniques to your classroom and check in with your students. For example, as everybody to share a word that describes how they are feeling.
Make sure course content is accessible and inclusive
Pay attention to the language used in your classroom. Make sure nobody is excluded by the words you or your students use.
Ensure that your course materials are accessible--caption videos, share documents that can be read by a screen-reader, etc. For more information on accessibility and inclusion, check out these resources.
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