If you’re having a difficult time getting a large class engaged online, maybe you can try to “divide and conquer.”
Details
Professor: Dr. Sophia Marco
Subject: HIS111 – Philippine History
Feedback & Comments
- Be sure to take into account your students’ schedules! Try sending out a survey or bringing the idea up in a synchronous class before proceeding.
- We highly recommend regularly using Canvas’ calendar & announcements function or Google Calendar, to make sure everyone is on the same page re. the schedule.
- We suggest giving students wiggle room in attending these smaller classes, as scheduling them on different days/time slots puts them at risk for conflict with other classes.
- In Dr. Marco’s case she allotted 10 points per session: 5 for attendance, 5 for recitation. If a student could not attend, but would let her know in advance, she would still give them 5 points. In addition, since synchronous classes were 15% of the final grade, technically a student could still pass the class as long as they excelled at other aspects of the course.
- Note that this is for online synchronous classes – professors can still consider using them alongside their face to face classes, however, communication and planning with students is key. In this case it may be best to have them as optional, consultation-like sessions.
U.N.I.T.A.S. Design Principles demonstrated in this design pattern:
| U.N.I.T.A.S. Design Principles | Application |
| Understands the learner | Doing synchronous sessions this way allows the professor more opportunities to speak one-on-one with more students, and better address their individual needs. |
| Thoughtfully done | By dividing the class, there is an opportunity for richer discussions as well as more opportunities for students to participate and engage. |
| Achieves learning goals | Students are able to clarify their questions and discuss answers with their classmates and professor, which allows for better learning. |
