Strengthen your teaching presence
Teaching is performative, and the way you present yourself through your posture, gestures and voice can greatly impact how students perceive you. Educators are the primary point of contact for students and play a crucial role in building a sense of belonging to a learning community (Stone & Springer, 2019). Therefore, it is important that educators create, through their classroom presence, a learning environment in which students feel comfortable to take the necessary risks to participate and learn effectively.
Create a welcoming learning environment
When teaching online, place the camera at eye level to create the sense of direct engagement with the viewer. Place yourself in the centre of the frame. Leave some space above your head and try to include your shoulders in the frame. Position any notes you will refer to during the video near to the camera so that you can maintain eye contact with the camera when you look at your notes. Acknowledge students by name as they enter the space.
For more tips on using multimedia to connect online, explore Using multimedia on Teach HQ.
First impressions matter. On arrival in the classroom, make students feel welcome and greet them by name.
Use Body Language
Tone of voice
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Eye contact
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Gestures and movement
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Active listening
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Pausing
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As an academic, strive to be approachable and accessible to your students, providing clear channels of communication and encouraging interaction. Maintain a positive and patient attitude, emphasising the value of mistakes as learning opportunities. Share your enthusiasm for the subject matter, highlighting aspects of each session that excite you, and actively engage in forums to shape discussions and gain insights into students' learning needs.
NoteCreating a dynamic and inclusive learning environment begins with setting clear expectations for student behaviour and interactions. By involving students in co-creating these expectations, a strong sense of community can be fostered, instilling shared responsibility and cultivating a productive and supportive classroom atmosphere. |
Effectively communicate these goals and behaviours, ensuring students comprehend the rationale behind them, and maintain consistency in enforcing expectations while providing regular feedback to help students gauge their progress. Revisiting and reminding the class of their social contract throughout the semester further reinforces a positive and respectful classroom culture.
