Supporting Student Interaction in Class
Stephanie Sterling
Embedded Files
By the end of this lesson, readers should be able to:
Recognize the importance of student interaction in class during a pandemic
Describe different strategies and methods to incorporate into every day learning in order to promote student interaction
Introduction
Student interaction is essential to a successful classroom. Examples of general student interaction include partcipating in group discussion, working together with peers, answering questions, sharing, etc. My topic focuses on navigating the the challenges that come with virtual learning while trying to actively encourage student engagement. Christenson, Reschly & Wylie (2012) suggest that student interaction is “the glue that links important contexts to students to outcomes of interest.” Students gain much more out of the education system if they thoroughly engage with their peers. This is especially important during a pandemic since resources are already so limited.
Introducing my Interviewee
My interviewee is a 3rd grade elementary school teacher from Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Christine has been a 3rd grade teacher for 11 years. This is her first year teaching virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Christine enlightened me on some of the struggles she and her students have faced during these unprecendented times.
Throughout my interview with Christine, she informed me of the struggles she faced within virtual teaching. She mentioned that at the beginning of virtual learning, calling out, goofing around, and turned-off cameras were just a few obstacles she was faced with during class. Christine says she understands more than ever that “positive reinforcement is essential for situations like this.” She now tries to encourage positive engagement that will help the student themselves, as well as their peers. This suggests to promote positive behavior/interaction and beneficial “call-outs." Christenson et al., (2012) touch/touched on this subject by suggesting that students engage more when they are given a choice or “freedom of speech without consequence.” The biggest take away from this information is that students react based on the teacher’s energy. If a teacher is promoting interaction and encouraging them to speak with each other, ask questions, call out, etc, they will feel more comfortable doing so.
Take Away #1
Take Away #2
Another challenge Christine faced while virtual learning was the camera issue. How do we encourage our students to be fully present and engaged with the class by turning their cameras on? Each day, Christine had a “different class theme” -- one day is orange themed, the next is blue, then it’s red, etc. She encouraged all of her students to wear the said theme colored shirt in hopes they all come to class excited to see each other’s outfits for the day. This resulted in a 100% success rate and happier, more engaged and excited students. Coming up with new ideas in order to make school fun can be tricky, but Christenson et al., (2012) believe that “student perspective is reflected in the framework of engagement.” If students enjoy virtually logging onto school every day, it will result in more motivation to learn and interact with each other.
Christine realized that “getting students to positively interact in class was a challenge but also recognized the important benefits from it.” Cristenson et al., (2012) believes that the amount of student interaction gages the amount of motivation present. While it is situational, studies show that the less engagement there is, the more motivation the students lack (Christenson et al., 2012). When a student lacks motivation and drive to learn, it’s common to not interact with their peers or teachers. That’s why, in the eyes of David Johnson (1981), it is essential to call on every student, engage with them, and promote peer discussion/activities in order to keep them motivated and willing to participate.
Take Away #3
Conclusion
From the information I’ve gathered, student interaction during a pandemic is challenging, but the reward is crucial. According to David Johnson (1981), teachers can encourage student interaction by trial and error; discovering and experimenting with new ways for students to engage. I have learned that student interaction is directly linked with student motivation, therefore is directly linked with their grades. In order to have an impactful class, encouraging student interaction is required for student success.
Review
1) Which of the following is considered essential student interaction?
A. Participating in group discussion, answering questions, debating with peers, sharing, etc.
B. Playing during free time
C. Texting peers after school
2) How can teachers make virtual learning more enjoyable?
A. Rewarding students with candy
B. Getting creative and actively engaging with students during class time with new ideas, different tools and fun activities
C. Making participation a grade
Multiple Choice Answers
Multiple Choice Answers
1) A
2) B
References
Christenson, S. L., Reschly, A. L., & Wylie, C. (Eds.). (2012). Handbook of research on student engagement. ProQuest Ebook Central https://ebookcentral.proquest.com
JOHNSON, D. A. V. I. D. W. (1981). Student-Student Interaction: The Neglected Variable In Education. Educational Researcher, 10(1), 5–10. https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189x010001005
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