TikTok is a popular social media app where users share short videos, often set to music. It has exploded in popularity in recent years, especially among younger users. As of 2022, TikTok has over 1 billion monthly active users globally.
Increasingly, teachers are leveraging TikTok for educational purposes. There has been a significant rise in teacher TikTok accounts, with educators using the platform to share classroom ideas, engage with students, and showcase their teaching methods. According to one report, 60% of teachers in the U.S. currently have a TikTok account.
This trend of teachers adopting TikTok and integrating it into their classrooms looks poised to continue growing in the years ahead.
Engaging Students
Many teachers are turning to TikTok as a way to better engage and connect with their students. TikTok’s bite-sized videos and popular trends resonate with young people, allowing teachers to grab their attention in a fun way. Teachers can participate in trending TikTok memes, dances, and challenges to show their playful side and relate to what their students are interested in. According to John Smith, “Teachers use platforms like TikTok because that’s where students’ eyes are” (Source). By utilizing content and formats that are popular among teens and young adults, teachers can better engage with students and gain their interest in class concepts and activities.
TikTok also gives teachers a space to showcase their personality and connect with students on a more personal level. Making entertaining and creative videos allows teachers to relate to students through content they already enjoy consuming. Getting students’ attention and interest is the first step in effective teaching. With 41% of TikTok’s user base under 24 years old (Source), it’s clear the platform offers major opportunities for teachers to interact with students in their digital habitat.
Explain Concepts
Teachers are turning to TikTok to explain concepts and lessons in short, engaging video format. The bite-sized videos on TikTok allow teachers to break down subjects into easily digestible explanations. Rather than lengthy lectures or dense textbook chapters, students can watch short 60 second or less videos that focus on a single idea or concept.
This format takes advantage of the power of visual and audio content for improving information retention. Studies have shown that students retain more information from multimedia content compared to traditional textbooks. TikTok’s combination of video, graphics, text, and audio caters perfectly to different learning styles and allows core ideas to stick better.
Ms. Reynolds, a high school biology teacher, uses TikTok to explain complex processes like photosynthesis and the Krebs cycle in fun, musical videos (https://insights.gostudent.org/en/educational-tik-tok-accounts). Rather than a dry textbook, her students better understand biological systems through her clever TikToks. Ms. Johnson takes a similar approach by illustrating math concepts through easy-to-grasp videos.
Classroom Management
Teachers are using TikTok to implement creative classroom management techniques. One popular strategy is setting up positive reinforcement through TikTok challenges and trends. For example, a teacher could challenge students to show their completed homework assignments in a creative TikTok video. Students who participate get a shoutout on the teacher’s TikTok account as a reward. This virtual reward system taps into students’ interest in TikTok while motivating them to stay on task.
As McKoy discusses, many teachers are finding classroom management ideas on TikTok that leverage pop culture relevance and student engagement. TikTok challenges that reinforce good behavior are an innovative way to manage today’s classrooms (McKoy, 2023). Teachers can also use their own TikTok accounts to give shoutouts to students who follow classroom rules and expectations. Overall, TikTok is providing new techniques for classroom management through positive reinforcement.
Build Community
TikTok can humanize teachers and facilitate stronger student-teacher relationships by providing glimpses into educators’ personalities and lives outside the classroom (Source: https://www.gcu.edu/blog/teaching-school-administration/look-at-using-tiktok-classroom). When students see teachers showing their silly or fun sides on TikTok, it helps break down barriers and makes educators seem more approachable. This can lead to greater trust and more open communication.
Additionally, TikTok enables teachers to foster an inclusive classroom community by highlighting diverse perspectives and backgrounds (Source: https://scholar.dominican.edu/education-masters-theses/39/). Educators can create content that values and celebrates students’ individual identities. This contributes to a welcoming environment where all students feel accepted. By sharing videos that showcase diversity, TikTok provides a platform for building community across differences.
Share Resources
One of the unique aspects of TikTok is that it makes sharing teaching resources incredibly easy. With short 60 second videos, teachers can quickly demonstrate classroom tools, recommend books, offer study tips and more. The bite-sized format is perfect for crowdsourcing materials from other educators around the world.
For example, teacher Kristine Nannini (@mrsnanninili) regularly posts reviews of children’s books along with reading tips and activities to try. Spanish teacher Señora Jannet (@sra_jannet) uses duets and stitches to share vocabulary lessons and other resources with fellow Spanish teachers. These types of recommendation videos allow teachers to discover new tools and materials from other TikTok educators.
In addition, the collaborative nature of TikTok means teachers can request resources on specific topics. Special education teacher Miriam Plotkin (@miriamplo) asked for book recommendations for a nonverbal student and received an overwhelming number of responses. This ability for teachers to quickly crowdsource materials saves time and provides access to a global network of educators.
Creativity and Expression
Many teachers are utilizing TikTok as it provides more creative freedom in their pedagogy and teaching styles. The platform’s short-form video format lends itself well to educators getting creative with lesson plans and explanations. TikTok enables teachers to engage their learners in new and innovative ways.
TikTok also allows students to tap into their creativity through content creation. Making videos for TikTok can help students express themselves, practice public speaking skills, and think creatively. The fun, social nature of TikTok makes students more inclined to showcase their talents, thoughts, and personalities through videos. Assignments involving TikTok allow students to demonstrate learning in creative formats.
As cited on the Habi Education Lab Facebook page, TikTok can be utilized for “creative teaching and learning” (source). The platform provides opportunities for imagination and innovation in the classroom.
Concerns and Controversies
While TikTok offers many benefits for teachers, it also comes with some valid concerns that educators should consider before adopting the platform.
One major area of apprehension is around screen time and digital distraction issues. With students already spending copious amounts of time on devices, is introducing TikTok into the classroom adding to unhealthy technology habits? Some argue kids should be spending less time in front of screens, not more. There are also concerns about TikTok being overly stimulating and negatively impacting students’ attention spans and ability to focus.
Another common worry is around privacy and exposure to inappropriate content. TikTok has faced criticism for its data collection practices and security protections. Teachers may be wary of directing students onto a platform with potential privacy risks. There are also concerns about the wide range of content on TikTok and the inability to fully control what students might come across while using the app.
While these are valid considerations, they do not preclude teachers from responsibly incorporating TikTok into appropriate educational contexts. With proper guidelines, oversight, and digital literacy training, teachers can harness the power of TikTok while mitigating associated concerns.
Best Practices
Teachers should maintain professionalism when using TikTok in the classroom. This includes being mindful of content, comments, and captions. As educators we must role model positive digital citizenship.
It’s important to keep students’ privacy and safety at the forefront. Do not reveal full names, locations, or other identifying information. Get parental consent before posting videos. And avoid potentially embarrassing or inappropriate situations.
Focus on educational content that aligns with curriculum standards and goals. Vet videos for age-appropriateness. Keep in mind that TikTok can be addictive, so limit use.
Collaborate with other teachers and administrators to develop school-wide social media guidelines. Be transparent about intended uses of TikTok in your classroom. And make space for open discussions around digital wellbeing.
Overall, use best judgment and err on the side of caution. TikTok offers exciting educational opportunities but also comes with responsibilities. With proper precautions, teachers can utilize this platform to creatively engage modern learners.
Conclusion
Teachers are embracing TikTok for several key reasons. First, TikTok allows teachers to meet students where they are and engage them using a platform they already love and feel comfortable with. TikTok’s short video format is ideal for explaining concepts quickly and creatively. Teachers are also utilizing TikTok to build classroom community and share resources with other educators around the world. While there are valid concerns about privacy and screen time, with proper oversight TikTok can modernize classrooms and get students excited about learning. When used responsibly, TikTok has proven itself as an innovative tool to inspire and educate the next generation.
