You can use one-on-one communication when you want to coach, supervise, and provide feedback. In this small setting, you can provide guidance on the students’ work and progress. You can also use it when you want to help your students feel seen and heard, therefore contribute to their motivation and involvement.
When communicating with one of your students, keep two things in mind:
- Think about both the method and the message when giving feedback. In an online context, especially when there is no video involved, things may come across stronger than intended.
- Not everybody is feeling comfortable using their camera. Although it’s highly recommended to use video calls, if students are not willing to, it is better to go for a regular call (or switch of all cameras).
Ways to communicate
- (Video) calling: You can use regular phone calls, Microsoft Teams, Kaltura Live Room or Zoom. When video calling, making use of screen sharing can support your message. Be aware that online meetings often take a bit longer than the ones in real life.
- Shared documents: You can use OneDrive or FeedbackFruits to let students collaborate in a document, but also to provide feedback on this document by adding comments or suggestions. Students can work with the given comments, or you can discuss these during a call when working in the document in real-time.
- Email: Content related feedback can also be provided through email, although you should consider that written feedback often comes across stronger and less nuanced. Therefore, it is recommended to book some additional time to elaborate on the feedback if needed.