True Classroom Interaction is Reborn

There is little doubt that the one element unwillingly neglected during the two years of online lessons was interaction, and not only amid students, but also among other actors: colleagues had to reach agreements and discuss work while taking care of their personal affairs, and institutional communications were also greatly disrupted. Naturally, as teachers, we were mostly concerned about what happened to our students.

Now, the context is changing. Schools have taken on face-to-face lessons again, and many are working through a hybrid model that enables students to follow lessons at home in real time. Some elements of online instruction remain, such as the use of Learning Management Systems. The situation, therefore, is quite complex and requires reflection and good decision-making from us teachers if we want to regain some normality.

One urgent task that we must consider while planning our lessons is to ensure we will provide as many opportunities for meaningful interaction during class as possible. Whether by asking questions to students or having them work in pairs or groups, it will be crucial for our lessons to highlight the difference between virtual and face-to-face… or else some students might wonder why their lessons did not continue to be held online!

The second urgent task is to carefully consider the context of our teaching to make sensible decisions. For instance, if asynchronous online instructions will be used, the activities presented should provide the raw materials for activities that will require students to make decisions, solve problems or bridge information or opinion gaps. Another possibility is that students may be free to attend lessons from home while their peers are in the classroom: how could we ensure that they will have chances to address their teacher and classmates, and the other way around?

The time has come for interaction to regain its rightful place in our lessons. Let us not miss the opportunity to make a difference!

Now it’s your turn:

What activities could work in your new context to promote interaction among your students?