Zoom is a strong tool for direct instruction, but after a while, student comprehension goes down. Instead of relying on direct instruction for a full hour, use chat and breakouts to facilitate discussion.

Using the Zoom Chat to Encourage Questions

The Zoom chat is a good space for students to respond to key questions and ask questions. In general, you should assign a formative activity where students are required to do this at least once. It validates it as a form of conversation and helps ensure students will use it. Some examples include:

Quickwrite at the beginning of class -- "Describe what happened in [assigned reading]. Explain why/Connect this to an example not described in the reading."
Check-in after direct instruction -- "What questions do you have about [X]? Identify what's most confusing to you right now."
Backchannel -- "When questions arise, make sure to add them into the chat."

Note: Students may have trouble chatting if they've called in on a phone. Be sensitive to that if it's a required chat, and consider saying something like, "If you're not able to chat for whatever reason, send me an email or just speak aloud."

Using Zoom Breakouts for Small Group Discussion

For larger groups, the chat won't get everyone to participate. Use Zoom breakouts to facilitate small group discussions. Zoom breakouts will split students into groups, let you choose how long they talk, and let you dip in and out and monitor discussion. Some recommendations:

Give students a deliverable -- students will be alone for a good portion, so they'll likely need discussion questions or a topic
Consider directing them to choose roles -- tell them that one group member will be speaking for the group so that they know they need results. Consider asking one of them to take notes as well
Monitor carefully and equitably -- dip in and out of the groups to answer questions, but try not to get stuck lecturing. That group won't get time to talk with each other, and others may not get to ask questions at all. Consider using shared documents to monitor group progress and target specific groups.

Visit Enabling breakout rooms, or watch Pre-Assigning Zoom Breakout Rooms to learn more.