5 Tips for Teachers Teaching While Wearing a Mask.😷

    

 

 On 18th January, 2021, teachers in Ghana reported to school for face-to-face classroom teaching and learning with masks on; a new set of norms and safety protocols.  This is arguably the first time in this country whereby teachers and students have to wear masks teaching while lessons are in progress😷! With this ‘new normal’ here are some of the main challenges to teaching while wearing mask, as well as strategic tips for overcoming them.

Masks hide facial emotions. With masks on, students lose the ability to interpret and use specific facial expressions which support learning.

Masks impede speech and sound legibility. Masks filter speech and sound. Discussions are fundamental pedagogies in education; masks can restrict teaching and learning as a result. The inability to hear clearly becomes even more of a problem in bigger size classrooms.

Teachers wearing masks create fear. For some students the teacher wearing mask brings fear and panic as this is a new norm to them

Here are tips for teaching while wearing a mask

1. Choose the right and clear mask. A good mask for teaching is one that fits well. You must be comfortable underneath your mask because comfort will facilitate better communication. Clear masks are necessary for deaf students and those who are fearful of teachers in masks.  The mask must not be too tight 😷

2. Drink lots of water. Water with lemon and honey are your new best friends. They help soothe tired vocal cords and so, when you are giving your voice a rest, make sure you hydrate adequately.

3. Build in plenty of time.  Each day when you aren’t delivering direct instructions, rest your facial muscles and voice.

4. Decide on an attention-getter that doesn’t strain your voice. Instead of shouting to get your students’ attention, teach them a different attention-getter. This might be clapping, a raised hand, a bell, or a tone you play when it is time for the class to quieten down and focus on your instructions.

5. Provide written supports as you teach. Consider providing written supports as you speak. This might be notes you write or project on the board. Either way, make sure to emphasize your main point by putting it in writing.

Remember to give yourself a break. Teaching while wearing a mask is difficult. Teaching during a pandemic is really hard. The most important part of our job is to connect with students. slow down, take a deep breath, and know that you’re doing great job.

This is a new challenge that teachers are expected to overcome. We have always overcome! And with these tips, it will soften the blow of the current pandemic to teaching under a mask. We will stop at nothing to get the best for our students and help build a better nation with a quality human resource.