Teaching coding virtually comes with unique challenges. Between debugging code and explaining complex concepts, the last thing you need is classroom management issues! At Kidz Tech, we understand that virtual coding classes can sometimes feel like herding digital cats. Here’s how our tutors handle different types of challenging students.
Level 1 Difficulty: The Disappearing Coder
This student vanishes when it’s their turn to share their screen or explain their code. They claim technical issues or suddenly “lose connection” when asked to participate in coding exercises.
Solution: We make our coding classes highly interactive with real-time coding challenges that require constant engagement. Our tutors use visual programming aids, interactive coding environments, and pair programming techniques that make participation necessary and enjoyable. Students quickly learn that participating is more fun than disappearing!
Level 2 Difficulty: The Coding Nomad
This student connects from different locations every class – from the kitchen one day to the backyard the next. With unstable connections and changing environments, they struggle to focus on coding concepts and often miss important debugging instructions.
Solution: Our tutors establish clear “coding environment” guidelines that emphasize the need for a stable internet connection and distraction-free workspace. We explain how proper setup directly impacts coding success and provide a pre-class checklist for optimal learning conditions.
Level 3 Difficulty: The Screen Admirer
Some students discover their webcam’s fascination and spend more time watching themselves than watching code examples. They might be making faces or adjusting their appearance while missing important syntax explanations.
Solution: We channel this energy positively by incorporating “code and explain” sessions where students record short video tutorials explaining their code to others. This gives these students their camera time in a productive way, turning their love of being on screen into a learning opportunity.
Level 4 Difficulty: The Tech Show-Off
These students know how to change backgrounds, use filters, and join with usernames like “H4ck3r_Pro” instead of their real names. They spend more time playing with the platform features than writing actual code.
Solution: Our tutors harness this technological enthusiasm by assigning these students special “tech helper” roles during class. We might ask them to demonstrate useful platform features to the class or help troubleshoot when other students have legitimate technical issues. This redirects their energy toward supporting the learning environment.
Level 5 Difficulty: The Crowded Coder
This student never codes alone – there’s always a pet walking across the keyboard, siblings peering into the camera, or parents hovering in the background offering “help” with coding challenges.
Solution: We establish clear family boundaries by sending home a “Virtual Coding Class Agreement” that outlines expectations for all household members. We also incorporate family coding nights where family members are officially invited to participate, satisfying their curiosity while maintaining structure during regular classes.
Programming Success Through Classroom Management
At Kidz Tech, our tutors possess these teaching strategies and skills going into every virtual classroom. We understand that behind every “difficult” student is usually just a child trying to navigate the complex world of both coding and online learning. Our approach focuses on redirection rather than restriction, channelling students’ energy into productive coding experiences.
Whenever our tutors encounter a student who seems difficult, they remember that with the right teaching approach, every young coder can shine. By staying calm, being consistent, and finding creative solutions to behavioural challenges, we ensure that the focus stays where it belongs – on developing the next generation of coding superstars!
Kidz Tech Coding Club is Nigeria’s premier platform for online coding classes for kids and teens. We empower young Nigerian minds with practical programming skills through interactive, live online sessions tailored to different age groups and skill levels. Our expert instructors make coding fun and accessible for children across Nigeria.
