Teaching Immersion Classes

Teaching in an immersion setting offers unique opportunities for connection, engagement, and real-time feedback. It also requires different facilitation strategies than online instruction. For instructors transitioning from online environments, intentional planning can ease this shift and help leverage the strengths of face-to-face learning. 

Shifting from Online to In-Person Instruction

Immersion teaching emphasizes presence, responsiveness, and interaction.

Plan for Real-Time Interaction

In-person classes move faster and tend to be less scripted than online modules.

• Build in pauses for questions and discussion
• Anticipate where students may need clarification
• Use verbal check-ins to gauge understanding
• Be flexible. Adjust pacing based on student response.

Leverage Physical Space as a Teaching Tool

Use the classroom intentionally by moving through the space, arranging seating to support interaction, and using whiteboards, a digital presentation, or physical materials to make thinking visible.

Facilitating Engagement in Immersion Classes

Face-to-face environments allow for immediate participation and feedback.

Use Active Learning Strategically

Short, structured activities help maintain focus and energy. Choose activities that work well in person.

• Think-Pair-Share
• Four Corners
• Polling questions with discussion
• Case studies or data analysis
• Concept mapping or diagramming
• Silent discussions

Read and Respond to the Room

Pay attention to non-verbal cues such as confusion, disengagement, or enthusiasm. Adjust your approach in the moment. Rephrase explanations, invite questions, or slow down as needed.

Managing Classroom Dynamics and Expectations

Clear expectations support a productive learning environment.

Establish Norms Early

Creating a shared understanding of expectations is essential to the success of in-person teaching. Expectations must be explicit from day one.

• Communicate norms for participation and discussion
• Set guidelines for device use
• Clarify expectations for attendance and engagement
• Reinforce respectful communication

Use Presence and Proximity

Your physical presence matters. Circulate during activities, use proximity to redirect off-task behavior, and employ silence or pauses to regain attention when needed.

Building Connection and Belonging In Person

Students benefit from feeling seen and supported in face-to-face settings.

Humanize Yourself and Your Students

Small actions can make a big difference in fostering a welcoming classroom culture.

• Learn and use student names when possible
• Share brief personal or professional context
• Acknowledge questions and contributions positively
• Normalize confusion and struggle as part of learning

Create Opportunities for Peer Connection

Use stable small groups, discussion partners, or collaborative tasks to help students connect with one another and build community within the classroom.

Assessment and Feedback in Immersion Classes

In-person environments support immediate formative feedback.

Use Informal Checks for Understanding

Low-stakes feedback loops help to gather real-time insight into student learning.

• Ask students to explain their reasoning aloud to their neighbor
• Use quick polls or show-of-hands
• Incorporate exit tickets or minute papers
• Address misconceptions immediately

Close the Loop

Summarize key takeaways at the end of class, connect activities back to learning objectives, and preview what’s coming next so students leave with clarity and confidence.

Additional Resources

• University of Delaware Center for Teaching & Assessment of Learning: Instructional Approaches to Maximize In-Person Class Time
• University of Michigan CRLT: Creating Inclusive College Classrooms