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West Virginia University Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities
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Classroom Management Tips

Online Classroom Management Tips

The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities and CARE Team are dedicated to ensuring a productive, safe virtual classroom for all students and instructors.

Establish Classroom/Course Expectations

  1. Communicate expectations early and often and provide these expectations in multiple places for easy reference (e.g., on the course syllabus, within the learning management system)
  2. Use general etiquette and ask students to do the same (e.g., mute microphones when not speaking, raise hand virtually to ask a question, turn off camera if you’re stepping away)
  3. Review privacy guidelines (e.g., recording classes)
    1. Recording of classes is not prohibited – and may even be encouraged – but students should be reminded that inappropriate use of recordings is a violation of WVU policy.
  4. Discussions (e.g., you can disagree with others but should do so respectfully and constructively)

Examples of Disruptive Behavior

  • Offensive/inappropriate discussion posts or submissions
  • Harassment of others, either inside or outside of the course space
  • Inappropriate or concerning behavior in a synchronous session
  • Confrontational classroom or group discussions
  • Inappropriate or confrontational email communications or telephone calls

Managing Disruptive Behavior

  • Monitor all course spaces, especially if you provide students breakout discussion areas to chat and collaborate
  • React promptly to offensive commentary or content
  • Encourage students to communicate instances of disruptive behaviors
  • Document consistent and repetitive disruptive behaviors and report these cases promptly either to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities or CARE Team

Escalating Concerns about Disruptive Behavior

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