Student Engagement & Disruptions
We know how frustrating it can be when students aren’t engaging at the level you’d like, especially when you’re putting so much effort into your lessons. If you have just started these classes, please be patient, it may take some time for the class to get set up and ready to join from their end.
Of course, we’d love to see every student logging in, turning on their cameras, and actively participating. Unfortunately, virtual learning can come with many challenges that are outside of our control—technology issues, home distractions, lack of accountability, and more.
Your main focus should be on the students who are showing up.
- If students are disruptive, start each class by muting everyone and encouraging participation through the chat. Use frequent, purposeful questioning to spark responses and engagement.
- Give students time to answer—but don’t be discouraged if you’re met with silence.
- Go ahead and model the thinking and provide the answer to keep the learning moving.
- Make sure your tone is always supporting and encouraging.
Remember, you’re also teaching for the recording, and every student is responsible for watching it and completing their work, even if they aren’t active during live instruction.
Please make it clear to students that:
-Recordings will be published and they are responsible for the content.
-Assignments not turned in will receive a zero, which will impact their grade.
-You’re available to support them, but accountability lies with the student.
In the meantime, keep lifting up the students who are logging in and doing their best. A little praise and encouragement goes a long way toward building connection and motivation in the virtual classroom.
Technology Issues
The best thing you can do is continue teaching to the best of your ability. You’re doing the right thing by meeting students where they are and building their skills from that point. These tech issues are out of your control, but your consistency and calm presence make a difference for students. Please ensure you let your POD know about the technology issues (by submitting a help ticket). Your pod will communicate these challenges to the school to provide support and see if we can assist in troubleshooting the issues.
Here are a few tips to help navigate things:
- Give students a few minutes at the start of class to get settled, but don’t wait too long—let them know you’re going to begin so they learn to value the instructional time.
- At a minimum, you should be projected on the screen so students can see and hear you clearly. That visibility alone makes a big impact.
- If possible, mute all students and have the facilitator or TA sign in and unmute to serve as your voice in the room. Just know that if it’s loud, that may not help much—so keep expectations realistic.
- Use the chat box as a tool—encourage students to type their questions and responses there when audio isn’t reliable.
Keep going—you’re doing great, and your effort is absolutely noticed. Let me know if you need anything specific from me or want to brainstorm more ways to support your students.
Students are Not Showing Up
First check the district website or the school’s official social media pages, as they usually post schedule updates there.
Second, you can also reach out directly to your in-class facilitator, who can confirm if there’s a schedule change or event affecting today’s class.
To stay on track going forward, make sure you're referencing the school calendar either from PLI Connect or the school’s website, and syncing those key dates to your Google Calendar.
If you have done these checks and students still are not showing up, please submit a help ticket to let your POD know. They will get in touch with the school to ensure students are logging in soon.
It’s a great way to stay ahead of schedule changes and holidays.
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