[SUIS QingPu] 5 Methods that Bring Fun to Distance Learning

 Who Can Raise your 

 Hand the Fastest! 

First, the teacher randomly creates groups consisting of 3 to 5 students. When the teacher announces ‘start’, all students are instructed to write ‘1’ in the chatbox at the same time. The student who responds the slowest needs to answer the questions. You can choose to display the order in which students raise their hands on Teams.

In this game, the teacher can also select students to answer questions based on rules. The students enjoy participating in the game and the atmosphere is pleasant and full of laughter.

 Diversified Activities and 

 Stimulating Student Interest 

Communicative activities are essential for an English Class and should be more than single word memorization and practice.

We try to use a variety of media. During warmups, we watch videos clips from National Geographic, the Economist, British and American news, and TED Talks, so that students can be more exposed to native English.

Kahoot is a fun interactive platform that all students enjoy, and Quizlet is a word memorization software with several built-in word games and interactive competitions.

No. 3

 Interactive Experience – 

 Enhance class Interaction 

Our focus has been to make Microsoft Teams, our online/distance learning platform, a collaborative experience where students can collaboratively work on lessons. The classes are typically divided into three stages.

First, students are assessed on what they already know. Next, students work individually on a concept or on language objectives so that the teacher can assess their understanding. Finally, students collaborate by completing assignments, worksheets, or having a discussion.

In addition, students use the platform’s “Class Notes” to work together in groups. Here students are working together in a group of 5 to annotate a text.

No. 4

 Encourage Students to Share 

How do you evaluate students’ learning outcomes when teaching online? Certainly, it is more difficult through a screen. From time to time, students are asked to share their screens and summarize and reflect on the parts that have been taught – this helps them discover what they’ve learned and helps the teacher assess the quality of the students’ notes.

No. 5

 Homework Assignment 

Distance learning actually provides more variety in the ways that homework can be assigned. For example, in Chinese classes, students can work in groups to make a public service announcement, search for information, film scenes in a movie, and make edits. It is also possible to discuss various ideas and concepts in an online chatroom. We try to provide students with more free space to think and create.

There are challenges as well as innovation in distance teaching. Of course, we are looking forward to seeing everyone back to school!

High school teachers have recorded their exercises in a video. Let’s have a look! (By Mr. Perkins)