Hey, crew. Just started at a virtual school recently as an MTSS Math support teacher. I work with pull-out groups, but am seeing very little participation. Part of the challenge is that it’s a mastery-based approach, so you can’t give grades for participation. I’ve spoken with the core teachers and others about this issue, and everyone has bemoaned it as a major problem across the board. Probably worse for me since I just joined after returning from holiday break and I’m not the “real teacher”.
Has anyone found a way to improve engagement in the virtual environment? I’m really big on incentive systems, but have only used them the physical classroom.
I plan to meet with some other team members to discuss some ideas and would like to bring some options to the table. One idea is Classcraft, but I haven’t used it before. Shared it with a couple of them and they seemed interested, so that might be one solution.
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I teach virtually and use Classcraft. I have found that it works for some students, but it is honestly not the solution I thought it would be. I teach class of about 20 students and only 4-5 of them regularly participate by asking/answering questions or engaging in discussions. Another 10 will do most of the work and respond through chat when I ask them a question directly, but will never talk. The other 5 almost never respond or do any work. All the virtual teachers at my school struggle with engagement. The school has implemented PBIS events where students can earn points to have a game day, virtual talent show, virtual scavenger hunt and actually win prizes, however, it hasn’t made much of a difference as far as I can tell. I don’t mean to discourage you because there may be a good solution, but I just focus on the ones who do participate and hope I can come up with something in the future.
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I appreciate all that info. MTSS is like PBIS plus… I forget the other. I’m new to it and just making my way, so I’m going to find some solutions to make a difference, though I know 100% full-time engagement is not feasible. I know that it could get better at least.
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Look into BrainSTEM Metaversity. It’s a metaverse for K12 students. Students earn Brain Cycles that can be used to buy digital assets. It reminds students of Roblox, so they get excited about it
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I proposed lock-mechanism remote-controlled shock collars for all students to create participation incentives, but for some reason my admin wouldn’t allow it.
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When I did remote teaching I did the following:
gave fake “money”. So if you participated you get a $1 (posted in a Google slide shared document, they got to decorate and make their own but then closed for them to see only) and with that i give them points for participation (should have some system where it’s part of their grades)
i would ask them a question not related to class when I had them fill out worksheets, then i found memes i could shorten the link and give a “clue” or small bits of the link, this is how you answer the first question.
Overall i found that if you have a good rapport, laugh with them once in a while, not take anything too serious, and just make the best of it kids react to that and feel good about coming to you. Always give compliments even if it’s about the glasses they are wearing, a shirt, a question well answered, anything works. You can always ask them how you can make them participate more, they usually have good ideas. Hope this helps!