I never thought that in my first year of being a teacher I’ll be in a situation that allowed me to experience online teaching. I decided to make this as an opportunity to prove that any teacher can create interesting and effective online learning. There are currently many challenges that may restrict teachers, but not those who are willing to provide the best for their students and support them even with limited resources. I used many strategies to involve my students in this process rather than only assigning homework and quizzes. Every day, before I post the online video of each lesson, I prepare a post with an inspiring quote or advice to start their days with motivating power. I take care of very small details that someone might think is pointless, but I believe that my students will feel it and love it. I always insure that my posts looن colorful and attractive and include a nice theme. Before every unit, I post an introduction about the unit and tell the students how interesting this unit will be. In addition, after each lesson I engage the students by selecting interesting ideas from their lessons by posting critical and attractive questions for them to answer. Moreover, after each homework, I post clarification points to let students learn from their mistakes. I try to implement the praising systems within the Microsoft Teams to praise those who are fast in solving the daily homework correctly. Also, I have designed best lesson summary competitions, and I was amazed with their work and drawings. To recognize these students, I send them a certificate of appreciation after the Competition. My approach with my students is not only focusing on the academics, but I try to work on a holistic teaching approach in involving them with creative activities. I made for my students a video to motivate them and give them advice about how they can utilize their time and improve their skills while staying safe at home. One of my Teach For Qatar colleagues and friend, Reem, and I, prepared an exciting challenge for our students that they absolutely loved. We created the ‘Handwash Challenge’. I created a series of videos on including requirements to participate in the challenge and an overview about coronavirus and how to protect ourselves by practicing good handwashing. I also sent them a video produced by the Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health showing the correct way in handwashing. I encouraged the students to create an awareness video themselves as well. I combined all the students’ work in one video and circulated it to all of my three classes. I created a link to let everyone vote for the best video. The video of my students’ work was also shared by a famous influencer in Qatar, which excited them and gave my students great recognition for their hard work. We chose three winners, and prepared nice gift collections for them and sent it to their houses. I also prepared a video to thank everyone who participated in this awareness challenge and shared the video to all parents of my three classes. Many parents were so encouraged to let their students participate in other future competitions.
I am glad that I was able to continue to engage and develop my students' skills despite distant learning, and I am enthusiastic about any new educational developments. I am sure that as Teach For Qatar Fellows, we will overcome any challenges that face us because we will never give up on our students.
