Most of us do not like change, but sometimes it is necessary. Just like when we were thrown a curveball when the pandemic hit. Teachers and students were forced to take a new direction to learning. When the pandemic hit, it quickly showed that teachers were not ready to teach online. Preparing quality lessons became a challenge and worksheet upon worksheet was being pushed, and teachers began filling students’ time with practice websites to teach new skills.

Teaching remotely has been looked at as an inconvenience rather than an opportunity, but it does not have to be this way. Research has shown that doing something in quantity never supersedes quality. So why do we think that producing quantity material would work for education? It doesn’t. We must focus on preparing quality lessons.

The number one problem students are still facing while working remotely is lack of motivation, or is it just with schooling?

We know that students are on their cell phones 24/7. They surf the internet for things that motivate them and technology has become addicting. Then why are they checking out when learning remotely for school? One simple answer, lessons are lacking quality.

Webster’s definition of the word “quality” is a high level of value or excellence. It is fair to say that every teacher wants and values a high level of excellence for their students. So how can we, as teachers, make this happen?

Teachers must think of students differently. What are their minds drawn to? What motivates them to learn? What does their future look like? Let’s consider the ways in which students are spending their time. They’re investing most of the day in a technological world and are comfortable using technology. Most students are talking to their friends through texting or video chat, and they are spending countless hours watching YouTube or TikTok videos.

Approach lessons with the mindset of how students are engaged.

So, if teachers would incorporate the ways students are choosing to engage with others, such as through the use of technology, it goes without saying that students would become more engaged. Most teachers are using Zoom and Google Hangouts, which has kept the personal relationship between teacher and students ongoing. But have you thought about running a classroom blog? This can be shared among teachers, students, and parents, which will keep everyone on the same page.

Working together on project-based lessons also encourages students to engage with one another. It is a place where they can offer their own opinions and learn to work together. And, as a teacher, you will be able to gain a new perspective on how students are thinking.

Ask yourself this question, “Would I be motivated to learn if I did the lessons I assigned?” If the answer is yes, great. If the answer is no, then students are not interested either and it’s time for a change. So, the next time you go to create your lessons, keep in mind Webster’s definition of the word quality and strive for a higher level of excellence.

Are you ready to expand upon your lessons? Module 3 – Now That’s A Good Lesson! – provides the tools necessary to teach virtually any aged student with lessons leading to Inquiry and Discovery-based learning.