Understanding Student Engagement

Give more help at first and then withdraw the support as the student becomes more confident.

"I would make them do the lesson themselves because they were capable of that. But then I would go over the review portion of it. Then I would start weaning them off of that. If they got one wrong I would go over it with them. And then, I even stopped doing that, and I literally just kept an eye on their grades." — Parent of Online Learner

Plan time at the beginning of an online school year to get your child oriented. Teach them how to access course material, turn in an assignment, and check due dates and grades.

"They're getting better at staying on task, paying attention, and managing time. But in the beginning that was definitely a thing, like I've had to teach them how to set their alarms, and make sure that they stay accountable for themselves for attendance, and make sure that they're participating." — Parent of Online Learner

Involve your student in managing the daily schedule.

"I have him set timers for himself... to remember at this time I log in for my next live session or at this time I need to switch gears and start working on this other thing." — Parent of Online Learner

When something goes wrong, don't immediately step in and solve the problem for them.

"There's other times he's like, I don't get this like I'm so lost, and so I tell him that you got to pay attention. Go back, look at her work. Look at your notes. You're not just writing to write them. You need to write them and comprehend them." — Parent of Online Learner

Teach your student how to use the course materials to get help.

"You have access to your notes. You have access to the teacher's notes. And you can re-watch the zoom class because he records every class." — Parent of Online Learner

Have your student figure out what they are being asked to do.

"Write the question out. Look at the pieces. Look at what you need to do. Really think through what your teacher said." — Parent of Online Learner

Have your student practice seeking help from a teacher.

"If you're having a problem with [the teacher] moving too fast, you can email her. Or, there's like a little chat sign that says, 'Slow down.' You need to do that, you know." — Parent of Online Learner

Require students to be accountable.

"If the kids are older, I'm kind of empowering them to do more of this themselves and make sure you're checking grades every week. Make sure that you're not having something that's missing or outstanding. Make sure that you're really engaging in classes." — Parent of Online Learner

Help student learn to skills to manage emotions.

"My fifth grader gets frustrated and overwhelmed a lot. He kind of just shuts down. I told him, if that happens, put up your little restroom sign and take a break and shake it off." — Parent of Online Learner