Synchronous Teaching Strategies

Synchronous teaching allows instructors and students to interact in real time through technologies such as video conferencing, live chat, and virtual collaboration tools. Whether delivered as a fully online course or as part of a hybrid learning experience, synchronous sessions provide valuable opportunities for connection, engagement, feedback, and community building.

While live sessions can replicate some aspects of the traditional classroom experience, effective synchronous teaching requires intentional design. The most successful online meetings prioritize interaction, active learning, and meaningful participation rather than extended lectures. By combining thoughtful planning with engaging activities, instructors can create dynamic learning experiences that support student success.

This guide provides strategies for preparing and facilitating synchronous learning experiences, engaging students in meaningful ways, and using technology to support collaboration and learning.

Preparing for Synchronous Online Teaching

Thoughtful preparation helps ensure that live online sessions run smoothly and provide meaningful learning opportunities for students.

Become Familiar with Your Technology

Before teaching synchronously, spend time exploring the tools you plan to use. Practice common tasks such as:

  • Sharing your screen
  • Using the chat feature
  • Creating polls
  • Managing breakout rooms
  • Uploading and sharing files
  • Muting and unmuting participants
  • Monitoring participant reactions and raised hands

The more comfortable you are with the technology, the more attention you can devote to teaching and student engagement.

Use Live Class Time Intentionally

Synchronous class time is most effective when used for activities that benefit from real-time interaction. Consider reserving lectures, readings, and content delivery for asynchronous learning and using live sessions for:

  • Discussions
  • Collaborative problem-solving
  • Case studies
  • Questions and answers
  • Peer feedback
  • Application of course concepts

This approach maximizes student participation and reduces passive learning.

Respect Scheduled Meeting Times

When planning synchronous activities, adhere to the scheduled course meeting times. Consider supplementing live sessions with asynchronous activities before or after class to extend learning without increasing screen fatigue.

Providing reminders and sharing materials in advance can help students arrive prepared and ready to participate.

Prepare Students for Success

Students may have varying levels of experience with online learning technologies. Provide clear instructions about:

  • How to access meetings
  • Where meeting links are located
  • Expectations for participation
  • Available support resources

Whenever possible, maintain consistency by hosting meetings through Canvas.

Establish Clear Class Norms

Creating shared expectations early in the semester helps foster a productive and inclusive learning environment.

Consider addressing:

  • How students should ask questions
  • Appropriate use of chat
  • Participation expectations
  • Attendance policies
  • Camera and microphone expectations
  • Professional and respectful communication

Clear expectations reduce uncertainty and help students engage more confidently.

Plan for Flexibility

Students may encounter technological, personal, or environmental barriers that affect their ability to participate in live sessions.

To support accessibility and flexibility:

  • Record sessions when appropriate
  • Share materials before and after class
  • Provide alternative participation options
  • Incorporate asynchronous learning opportunities

Offering multiple pathways for engagement helps ensure all students can participate meaningfully.

Building Community in Online Courses

A strong sense of community can increase engagement, participation, and student satisfaction. Taking time to establish connections early and maintaining them throughout the semester can significantly enhance the online learning experience.

Use Icebreakers Strategically

Icebreaker activities help students become comfortable interacting with one another and establish a welcoming learning environment.

Examples include:

  • Student introductions
  • Small-group discussions
  • Shared interests or experiences
  • Course-related reflection prompts

Breakout rooms can be especially useful for creating low-pressure opportunities for interaction.

Incorporate Social Check-Ins

Brief, informal conversations can help strengthen relationships and create a more engaging classroom atmosphere.

Consider inviting students to:

  • Share a customized virtual background
  • Recommend a book, podcast, or streaming show
  • Post a meme or GIF that reflects their mood
  • Discuss weekend plans or recent experiences

These activities help humanize the online environment and encourage participation.

Maintain Connection Throughout the Semester

Community building should not end after the first week. Regular opportunities for interaction and collaboration help sustain engagement and support student success throughout the course.

Engaging Students with Course Content

Active participation is one of the greatest strengths of synchronous learning. Incorporating a variety of engagement strategies can help students stay focused and connected to course material.

Invite Guest Speakers

Guest speakers can provide diverse perspectives and connect course concepts to professional practice or current events.

Encourage students to prepare questions and actively participate in discussions.

Watch and Discuss Content Together

Sharing videos, demonstrations, or other multimedia resources during class can create shared learning experiences.

To encourage engagement:

  • Provide guiding questions
  • Pause periodically for discussion
  • Ask students to reflect or respond in chat

Facilitate Application Activities

Use breakout rooms to allow students to apply concepts through:

  • Case studies
  • Problem-solving exercises
  • Debates
  • Scenario analysis
  • Collaborative discussions

Following group work, bring students together to debrief and share insights.

Encourage Backchannel Communication

The chat feature can provide an additional avenue for participation, especially for students who may be less comfortable speaking aloud.

Use chat to collect:

  • Questions
  • Reactions
  • Reflections
  • Resource links
  • Responses to prompts

Demonstrate and Model Thinking Processes

Screen sharing and virtual whiteboards can be effective tools for modeling problem-solving and demonstrating complex concepts.

Pause periodically to ask students to predict outcomes, suggest next steps, or explain reasoning.

Vary Discussion Formats

Different students engage in different ways. Alternate between:

  • Whole-class discussions
  • Small-group conversations
  • Partner activities
  • Individual reflection

Providing multiple opportunities for participation creates a more inclusive learning environment.

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