Effective In-person English Teaching Strategies in Online
Classes Saeide Badali
Urmia University
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant shift towards online learning, which has raised questions about the effectiveness of traditional in-person teaching strategies in online classes. In-person teaching strategies, such as lectures, discussions, group work, and hands-on activities, have been the cornerstone of traditional education for many years. However, the shift towards online learning has forced educators to reevaluate the effectiveness of these strategies in a virtual environment. This article aims to analyze the effectiveness of applying in-person teaching strategies in online classes, while also highlighting the importance of effective teaching strategies for online learning using descriptive-analytical method. The article begins with a brief overview of the shift towards online learning and the importance of effective teaching strategies in this context. It, then, discusses learning styles and the effectiveness of in-person teaching strategies in online classes, followed by a discussion of effective teaching strategies specifically tailored for online learning. The article concludes with a discussion of the challenges and considerations associated with effective online teaching and provides recommendations for further research. Keywords: Teaching Strategies, Online Slass, In-person Class, Effectiveness 1.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a significant shift towards online learning, with millions of students around the world attending classes virtually (Khan and Parasad, 2020). Also, many educational institutions faced transitioning from traditional in-person teaching to online classes. This shift has led to questions regarding the effectiveness of traditional in-person teaching strategies in online classes. While inperson teaching has been the norm for many years, the shift towards online learning has made educators question whether these strategies are still effective in a virtual environment. With this in mind, this article aims to explore the effectiveness of in-person teaching strategies in online classes, while also highlighting the importance of effective teaching strategies for online learning. For this purpose, it is very important to review in person teaching strategies in advance. 2.
REVIEW OF IN-PERSON TEACHING STRATEGIES
The followings are three main teaching strategies (active, collaborative and experiential learning) and five very important teaching strategies for in-person classes. 2.1 Active Learning Active learning is a teaching approach that involves engaging students in the learning process through activities such as group discussions, problem-solving, and simulations (Eison,2010). Active learning has been found to be effective in improving students' critical thinking skills, retention of information, and motivation to learn (Freeman et al., 2014; Prince, 2004; Walker, Brooks, & Baepler, 2014; Nelson & Crown, 2014). Active http://icll.bcnf.ir Page 2 learning strategies are important in any classroom setting, whether that be in-person or online (Wilson, Pollock & Hamann ,2007). Active learning can be an effective strategy to teaching English, particularly for developing students' language proficiency and communicative skills. In an active learning environment, students are engaged in activities that require them to actively use the language, rather than simply listening to lectures or reading texts. Some examples of active learning activities for teaching English include: 2.1.1 Role-playing exercises where students act out real-life scenarios and practice using English in different contexts. 2.1.2 Group discussions where students work together to discuss and analyze texts, express their opinions, and practice their speaking and listening skills. 2.1.3 Peer teaching where students take turns teaching each other a new concept or skill in English. 2.1.4 Collaborative writing where students work together to write a story, essay, or other type of written work. 2.1.5 Project-based learning where students work on a long-term project that requires them to use English to research, plan, and present their work. Active learning can help students feel more confident and motivated to use English in real-world situations. 2.2 Collaborative Learning Collaborative learning is another teaching strategy that involves students working together in groups to solve problems, brainstorm ideas, and share knowledge. Collaborative learning has been found to be effective in improving students' communication skills, teamwork skills, and problem-solving abilities (Chopade et al., 2018; Kirschner et al., 2018; Lou, Abrami, & d'Apollonia, 2001). Collaborative learning activities can help students develop their language skills by providing opportunities for them to practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing in a supportive and interactive environment (Yavuz & Arslan, 2018). Some examples of collaborative learning activities for teaching English include: 2.2.1 Group discussions Students discuss a topic or text in small groups, working together to express their ideas, opinions, and perspectives. This can help students develop their speaking and listening skills, as well as their ability to analyze and interpret information. 2.2.2 Peer editing Students work in pairs or small groups to review and provide feedback on each other's written work. This can help students improve their writing skills, as well as their ability to give and receive constructive criticism. 2.2.3 Group projects Students work in teams to complete a project or presentation that requires them to use English to research, plan, and present their work. This can help students develop their language skills, as well as their ability to collaborate and work effectively in a team. 2.2.4 Role-playing exercises Students act out real-life scenarios and practice using English in different contexts. This can help students develop their speaking and listening skills, as well as their ability to use English in practical situations. http://icll.bcnf.ir Page 3 Collaborative learning can help students develop important social and communication skills that will serve them well in their future academic and professional pursuits. 2.3 Experiential Learning Experiential learning involves students learning through hands-on experiences such as field trips, internships, and service-learning projects (Mooney & Edwards, 2001). Experiential learning has been found to be effective in improving students' practical skills, critical thinking, and creativity (Kolb & Kolb, 2018; Schön, 1987; Yardley, Teunissen & Dornan, 2012). Experiential learning activities can include role-playing, writing stories, and participating in virtual debates (Brady & Voronova, 2023). Some examples of experiential learning activities for teaching English include: 2.3.1 Field trips Students visit museums, cultural events, or other places where they can practice their English skills in real-life situations. This can help students develop their language skills, as well as their cultural awareness and understanding. 2.3.2 Service learning Students engage in community service projects that require them to use English to communicate with others and complete tasks. This can help students develop their language skills, as well as their sense of social responsibility and civic engagement. 2.3.3 Simulations Students participate in role-playing exercises or simulations that require them to use English to solve problems and make decisions. This can help students develop their language skills, as well as their critical thinking and decision-making abilities. 2.3.4 Project-based learning Students work on long-term projects that require them to use English to research, plan, and present their work. This can help students develop their language skills, as well as their ability to collaborate and work effectively in a team. Experiential learning can help students develop important life skills that will serve them well in their future academic and professional pursuits. Below are some other teaching strategies English teachers can apply in their classes. 2.4 Visual Aids Using visual aids such as diagrams, charts, and illustrations to help students understand complex concepts. Visual aids can also make the learning process more engaging and memorable (Pateşan, Balagiu & Alibec, 2018). 2.5 Technology Integration Incorporating technology into the classroom by using interactive whiteboards, digital tools, and multimedia presentations. Technology can help students learn in a more engaging and interactive way (Eiland & Todd, 2019). 2.6 Personalization Personalize learning by recognizing the unique needs and interests of each student. This can be done by offering choices in assignments, providing individualized attention, and by creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment. 2.7 Feedback: Provide timely and constructive feedback to students to help them improve their understanding and performance. Feedback can be given through in-class discussions, written comments, or one-on-one meetings (Mohamed Gebril, Brillan & Seth, 2021). http://icll.bcnf.ir Page 4 2.8 Classroom Management Maintain a positive and structured classroom environment by setting clear expectations, establishing routines, and addressing disruptive behavior in a constructive manner. A well-managed classroom can create a safe and supportive learning environment for students (Shewark, Zinsser & Denham, 2018). 3.
EFFECTIVE TEACHING STRATEGIES FOR ONLINE CLASSES
Given the limitations of traditional in-person teaching strategies in online classes, educators must incorporate effective teaching strategies that are tailored to the virtual environment. Researches have shown that effective teaching strategies for online learning include active learning, student-centered approaches, and the use of technology in general (Cummings, Mason, Shelton & Baur, 2017; Singh, 2011). 3.1 Active learning is an approach which can be effective in online learning too, because it allows students to collaborate with their peers and engage in hands-on learning activities that are tailored to the virtual environment. Some active learning strategies that can be effective in online classes are discussion boards, where instructors can pose questions related to course topics or projects and students can respond and engage in discussion with their peers; polls and quizzes, where students assess their understanding of course material and instructors can use online tools to create and administer polls and quizzes that allow students to respond to questions related to course material; interactive lectures; flipped classrooms; collaborative projects, and simulations. 3.2 Student-centered approaches which are another effective teaching strategy for online learning. This approach emphasizes the needs and interests of students, allowing them to take charge of their learning experience. Examples of student-centered approaches for online classes include self-paced learning, personalized feedback, and individualized learning plans. 3.3 The use of technology which is essential for effective online teaching. Technology can be used to create interactive learning experiences, engage students in the learning process, and provide students with access to resources and support. Examples of technology-based teaching strategies for online classes include video lectures, online quizzes, and interactive simulations. Also, it is important for educators to know about various effective online teaching strategies that they can use to engage students in a virtual environment. Here are some examples: 3.1 Asynchronous Learning Asynchronous learning refers to a self-paced learning model where students can access course materials and complete assignments at their own time. This strategy allows students to learn at their own pace, which can increase engagement and motivation. 3.2 Synchronous Learning Synchronous learning involves real-time interaction between students and teachers. This strategy includes live streaming lectures, group discussions, and online office hours. Synchronous learning can help students feel connected to their peers and teachers and can provide immediate feedback. 3.3 Multimedia Tools Online teaching can be enhanced using multimedia tools such as videos, audio recordings, and interactive simulations. These tools can help students understand complex concepts and engage them in the learning process. 3.4 Gamification Gamification involves using game-like elements in the learning process. This strategy can increase motivation and engagement by making learning fun and interactive. http://icll.bcnf.ir Page 5 3.5 Online Discussions Online discussions provide a platform for students to share ideas, collaborate with peers, and receive feedback. This strategy can promote critical thinking and improve communication skills. 3.6 Personalization Personalizing the learning experience can increase student engagement and motivation. This strategy includes providing individualized feedback, creating personalized learning paths, and offering opportunities for self-reflection. 3.7 Formative Assessment Formative assessment involves providing feedback throughout the learning process. This strategy can help students identify areas for improvement and can increase motivation and engagement. By using these strategies, educators can create a collaborative and engaging learning environment that meets the needs of their students. 4.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF IN-PERSON TEACHING STRATEGIES IN ONLINE CLASES In-person teaching strategies, such as active learning, collaborative learning, experiential learning, and hands-on activities, have been the cornerstone of traditional education for many years. However, the shift towards online learning has forced educators to re-evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies in a virtual environment. While some educators have attempted to use these traditional strategies in online classes, the results have been mixed. Chen (2021) believes that while the strategies in in-person classes may not suit online classes, they can be effective in combination to different teaching strategies (Chen, 2021). Some researches have shown that traditional lecture-based teaching methods are not as effective in online classes as it is in traditional classrooms (Means et al., 2013). This is because online learners tend to have shorter attention spans, and they require more interactive and engaging learning experiences to remain focused. Additionally, online learners may face distractions that are not present in traditional classrooms, such as interruptions from family members or roommates, which can make it challenging to stay engaged in the learning process. Similarly, group works and hands-on activities, which are completly effective in traditional classrooms, may not translate well to online learning environments. This is because online learners may find it more challenging to collaborate with their peers and engage in hands-on learning activities. These activities need to be tailored based on the needs of online classes. Additionally, technical issues such as slow internet connections and limited access to specialized equipment can hinder the effectiveness of these types of activities in online classes. 5.
CHALLENGES AND CONSIDERATIONS FOR EFFECTIVE ONLINE TEACHING While effective teaching strategies are essential for online learning, educators must also consider the challenges and considerations associated with online teaching. One of the significant challenges of online teaching is student engagement (Dixson, 2010). Online learners may feel isolated and disconnected from their peers and instructors, which can make it challenging to stay motivated and engaged in the learning process (Priyadarshini & Bhaumik, 2020). Moreover, online learners may face technical issues that can hinder their learning experience, such as slow internet connections or limited access to specialized software or equipment. Another consideration for effective online teaching is the need to establish a sense of community. Online learners may feel disconnected from their peers and instructors, which can make it challenging to establish a sense of community and promote collaboration and teamwork (Deale & White, 2012). Finally, effective online teaching requires a different set of skills and competencies than traditional inperson teaching. Educators must be able to use technology effectively, provide personalized feedback, and create engaging and interactive learning experiences tailored to the virtual environment.
STRATEGIES SUGGESTED FOR ONLINE TEACHING
While the literature on the effectiveness of in-person teaching strategies in online classes is limited, there are some practical recommendations that educators can follow. Here are some effective strategies for teaching online: 6.1 Interactive whiteboard technology Using virtual tools to share notes, images, videos, and additional resources with students. 6.2 Gamification Incorporating game elements into lessons, such as rewards and challenges, to make learning more engaging and motivating. 6.3 Synchronous and Asynchronous teaching methods Combining live, virtual classes with self-paced, independent learning to maximize student engagement and retention. 6.4 Collaborative learning Encouraging students to engage with each other through online discussions, chat rooms, and collaborative projects to build fluency and confidence in English. 6.5 Personalized learning Tailoring lessons to each student's individual language level, learning style, and interests to maximize engagement and learning outcomes. 6.6 Error-correction feedback Providing corrective feedback to students' errors to help them refine their grammar and usage of English. 6.7 Audio and Video recording Encouraging students to practice their pronunciation and speaking skills by recording themselves and receiving feedback from teachers or peers. 6.8 Real-world application Providing authentic, real-life situations where students can practice communicating in English, such as role-playing and problem-solving activities. 6.9 Visual aids and Infographics Using images, graphs, and videos to supplement text-based learning and enhance students' understanding of complex concepts. 6.10 Task-based learning Assigning English language tasks, such as writing an essay, preparing a presentation, or conducting an interview, to develop students' critical thinking, researching, and language skills. 7.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the effectiveness of in-person teaching strategies in online classes is still unclear. The shift towards online learning has raised questions about the effectiveness of traditional in-person teaching strategies in online classes. While some believe that traditional teaching strategies may not be as effective in virtual environments, effective teaching strategies tailored to the virtual environment exist, such as active learning, student-centered approaches, and the use of technology which can help ease the teaching process. However, effective online teaching requires educators to consider the challenges and considerations associated with online teaching, such as student engagement, establishing a sense of community, and developing the necessary skills and competencies. 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