Tips from Giskin Day

Giskin Day is a Principal Teaching Fellow at Imperial College London. She is the course director for the intercalated BSc in Medical Sciences with Humanities, Philosophy & Law. Giskin was awarded the Imperial College President's Medal for outstanding contribution to teaching in 2015 and was made a National Teaching Fellow in 2016. She believes in playing for education.

"Keep your face to face sessions to 45 minutes max – it’s surprisingly intense."

"When you are lecturing online, learn to be comfortable with silence after asking a question. There is always a silence, because students are worried about talking over each other

"To keep students engaged, set 5 minute tasks every now and again. Make sure you know how to manage questions (hands up functions) on Zoom and Teams. Do at least one fun thing!"

"Always outline the structure of the session at the start with rough timings – participants need to know what they are in for, and when the tea breaks will be."

"‘A collective clap or virtual high-five at the end of a session can boost everyone’s spirits and seems more collegiate than just summarily ending a call."

Giskin Day is a Principal Teaching Fellow at Imperial College London

"When you are lecturing online, learn to be comfortable with silence after asking a question. There is always a silence, because students are worried about talking over each other

"Always outline the structure of the session at the start with rough timings – participants need to know what they are in for, and when the tea breaks will be."

"SMILE!"