Teaching a language online is obviously quite different from classroom teaching, although we can adapt many of the same materials from the classroom for online teaching. Unlike classroom teaching, where you might only include one game in the lesson and the onus would be to write down new vocab and grammar rules into books, I include plenty of games to keep students’ interest.
Peer-to-peer work via the breakout rooms is also motivating as students tend to want to interact with each other, which is understandable. So I use this to my advantage – only allowing them into breakout rooms when I’m happy that they understand the concept and instructions they need to carry out the roleplay or language game.
Generally this method is proving successful and I’m finding that as the teacher-student relationship grows, that online teaching is more rewarding in some ways than classroom teaching. I can deal with disruptions quickly, while support from the management team is swift and friendly. I feel supported and trusted to manage students learning in this new way and I’m enjoying seeing my pupils grow in confidence and ability.