Student Moderators

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Have you ever considered using student moderators in your virtual classroom? If no, you may want to reconsider. Student moderators can be used for a variety of reasons:
  • You see a student not participating in class. You could ask that student to help you identify questions in the chat box to help you in class. By giving students a little responsibility, you will see them rise to the occasion, and they will be more focused in class. Also, this will help with the students mastery of the material because they will be actively participating in class.
  • You have students that are excelling in your class, but they are getting board. If this is the case, you could ask them to run a breakout room in your virtual class. They can share their screen, talk to other students, teach a portion of a class, run a small group session in a breakout room, etc... This will help your high fliers pay attention in class because they will be busy helping students. Also, this will help your high fliers identify areas of the content they may not be as strong in.
  • Maybe you notice somebody is paying attention, but they are a little shy. By allowing them to take on the responsibility of a moderator, you could help break that bubble, and it allows them to interact with students.
When choosing moderators, make sure you do this thoughtfully. You don't want a student to shut down on you. I would recommend sending out a survey at the beginning of the semester to see who would like to volunteer to be a moderator. Then, I would do this again mid-semester. Some students may become more comfortable in your class as they get to know you and the other students which will cause them to want to become moderators. In the survey, list a variety of moderator jobs that will be available:
  • Running part of a class
  • Running a tutoring session
  • Managing the chat
  • Welcoming students to class
  • Running a breakout room
  • Keeping track of the time
  • Taking attendance
  • etc.
You will be surprised with how many students will volunteer for this opportunity. Students love to be "The Teacher." Also, I know it is hard to release control to students, but...
  1. this will help with student participation.
  2. this will free up some of your time during class (VERY helpful!!!).
  3. this will allow some students to feel more comfortable because they are talking to another student.
If a student did not volunteer, and you notice they are not participating in class. Give them a call or send them a text (Google Voice is great for this) asking if they would like to be a student moderator. Reaching out like this will help those students feel included, and the parents will probably be excited that you want their son or daughter to have this responsibility (It is a positive). Overall, make sure to offer moderator opportunities to all of your students, not just your high fliers. These opportunities can make a big difference in your class atmosphere and culture. Also, it will help engage students.

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