Modern Classrooms are built on blended, self-paced, mastery-based learning. This means that students often work independently or in small groups, moving at their own paces and building mastery as they go.
This does NOT mean that Modern Classroom teachers should eliminate whole-group instruction altogether. On the contrary! When students have a default mode of learning that empowers them to develop authentic mastery, the strategic use of whole-class instruction can lead to even more meaningful learning experiences.
To get the most out of whole-class instruction, consider:
Starting each class with a short whole-class activity. Review content from a previous unit, share announcements or shout-outs, discuss the importance of academic skills (note-taking, asking questions, etc.), or explore what's on your students' minds. And if one day you don't have much to do as a whole class, just skip it! This time can be valuable for building relationships and classroom culture.
Plan whole-class activities well in advance. Let students know when they'll convene as a whole group, and what they must do in advance to prepare. This way, students will show up to the whole-class activity ready and eager to learn! Not only does this set a helpful marker for students in terms of deadlines, but it also gave them a bit of extra motivation: they'll learn more from the whole-class activity if they are ready for it. Chances are you'll enjoy it more too.
Ultimately, once you know that your students can teach themselves through your videos, you are free to spend your time in class -- whether one-on-one, in small groups, or with the group as a whole -- building relationships and nurturing community. And, of course, having fun, too!