7 Mistakes Instructors Can Avoid Next Semester

As instructors, you’re likely just now beginning to breathe after the intense, pandemic-defined winter and spring semesters. With some jurisdictions loosening restrictions, the chances of returning to in-person learning in the fall semester are higher than they’ve ever been.

Yet, amid that hope, it’s impossible to forget how abrupt and extremely challenging the shift to virtual teaching was for students and instructors. A recent open letter to students from three Canadian professors exposed their hardships and missed dynamics, from the energy in a room to hearing before-class chatter, to witnessing students’ ‘aha’ moments.

Acknowledging those challenges is extremely valuable. You can learn and carry lessons forward into the fall semester when inevitably some form of digital learning will occur. After celebrating your exceptional efforts and successes, it’s worth taking a moment to consider these seven lessons learned.

Lesson #1: Don’t try to fit too much into the course

Instructors who thought an in-person class syllabus could be transferred untouched into a remote environment soon discovered this wasn’t the case.

Not only were students facing a new learning environment (yes, younger generations, too, can struggle to learn new digital processes), but they were also managing the stresses of the pandemic. The ability to absorb information and to concentrate was often cited as a problem, particularly for students who are also caregivers.

Consider cutting your syllabus when it’s virtual. Focus on key concepts instead of a wide look at the subject. Your students will be engaged when they feel they can better manage the course load. And they will leave your course retaining more information.

Lesson #2: Don’t expect the same participation and turnout rates

Learning online during a pandemic presented a host of new challenges. Students may have children, sick loved ones, or elderly dependents to care of – and likely in the room next to them. Interruptions when learning online are expected and frequent, as you likely know from your own experience.

Without the ability to do activities and gather socially, students weren’t sitting at home waiting to devote that ‘extra’ time to studies. Testimonials from over this past year have proved that mental health struggles and personal commitments require just as much, if not more, of students’ energy and time than pre-Covid-19.

If a student missed a class or failed to post on a discussion board one week, it’s likely other concerns and commitments won the battle for that student’s capacity in that instance. And that’s okay as long as learning goals are met.

Lesson #3: Take advantage of digital tools and design features

Expecting students to approach their educational experiences as different types of consumers than they are in their personal lives (on social media, watching YouTube, etc.) is a large misunderstanding.

Making your course easy to navigate, quick to scan, and as nice to look at as possible will help engage students. The great news is that many learning management systems and video calling platforms are built to make using user-friendly tools easy. Talk to your IT department if you’re not sure how to adjust things like your class page settings. It will be well worth your time!

Lesson #4: Connect with students

Students attend university to learn and make friendships with peers and instructors. By making the effort to connect with students and build a professional relationship with them, you’ll help grow their engagement in your course and their education.

Your encouragement has a lasting positive impact. Many professionals can quickly recall how an encouraging instructor helped them set upon the path that led them to their current role.

Consider motivating each student to book a one-on-one meeting with you at a couple of points during the semester. They’ll feel connected and supported. And you’ll benefit, too – you’ll know who you’re lecturing to through the Zoom tiles!

Lesson #5: Make resources (and lectures) easily and readily available

Many instructors shirk recording synchronous lectures. Will students skip class or avoid paying attention during the live virtual lecture if they have access to recordings?

The reality is that students have always skipped class and zoned out during lectures. But by recording your synchronous classes and posting them, you’re more likely to increase your students’ engagement. Not to mention, you’ll lower their stress levels.

For example, students who are navigating home distractions will be able to revisit a lecture to catch what they may have missed. And students with accessibility needs will be able to view or listen to the lecture at their playback speed.

The benefits are extensive. Posting lectures increase the interaction time students have with your content.

Lesson #6: Don’t use the same approach for every student and every class

Every student has varying learning penchants and needs. Though it’s not possible to attempt to address every single preference, meeting students’ needs is certainly something instructors are committed to trying. Teaching online provides a great opportunity to meet those requirements.

First, though, instructors must ask students to communicate their needs. Only then can you adjust how you use your learning management system and other digital tools to provide the resources students need to succeed.

It could be as simple as recording and posting a synchronous video, as mentioned above. Or perhaps you collaborate with your institution’s IT department to automate lecture transcriptions or get insights from accessibility services, so your PowerPoints are easy for every student to read.

Lesson # 7: Ask for help

Instructors encourage students to ask for help when they are struggling. You put in a lot of energy and time into advertising your contact information and office hours. So, consider your advice and don’t struggle alone.

Higher education institutions have teams who are waiting to support you through IT, academic, accessibility, and even personal challenges. Take advantage of them. You have a lot of demands on your plate, you’ll help yourself and your students better enjoy your course if you find assistance whenever possible.