How to Use Google Classroom as a Teacher (Step-by-Step Guide)
5 min. read
Published on
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial team. Read more
Learning how to use Google Classroom as a teacher is essential for managing digital learning efficiently, whether you’re in the classroom or teaching remotely. This free, web-based tool helps teachers distribute assignments, communicate with students, and keep everything organized in one place.
Below is a simple, step-by-step guide that shows exactly what to do, starting with the easiest tasks and moving to more advanced tools.
How to Use Google Classroom as a Teacher
Create Your First Class
Why this matters: Every workflow in Google Classroom starts with a class.
Steps:
- Go to classroom.google.com
- Click the “+” button in the top right and select Create class
- Add your Class name, section, subject, and room
- Click Create
Tips:
- Use clear names like “Grade 8 English Spring 2025”
- You can create different classes for each subject or group
Invite Students to Your Class
Why this matters: Students need access before they can view assignments or materials.
Steps:
- Click the “People” tab
- Click “Invite Students”
- Add student emails manually OR
- Share the class code from the Stream page
Tips:
- For a complete student-side walkthrough, see this guide on how to use Google Classroom as a student
- Remove students anytime from the People tab
Share Announcements on the Stream
Why this matters: Stream is like a class bulletin board for real-time updates.
Steps:
- Click the “Stream” tab
- Select “Share something with your class…”
- Type a message and attach files or links
- Click Post
Examples of what to post:
- Homework reminders
- Announcements
- Meet links
Create and Assign Classwork
Why this matters: All teaching materials, assignments, and quizzes live under the Classwork tab.
Steps:
- Go to the Classwork tab and click “Create”
- Choose one:
- Assignment: For tasks with due dates
- Quiz Assignment: Integrated with Google Forms
- Material: For readings or videos
- Assignment: For tasks with due dates
- Organize content using Topics
Tips:
- If you’re using supplemental teaching apps, check out some of the best education software for interactive tools and learning platforms.
- Use the Schedule option for future posts
Use Google Forms for Auto-Grading Quizzes
Why this matters: Automatically grade quizzes and save time.
Steps:
- Choose Create → Quiz Assignment in Classwork
- Open the attached Google Form
- Add questions, correct answers, and point values
- Enable “Collect email addresses”
- Return to Classroom and finalize instructions
Grade and Return Assignments
Why this matters: Track and respond to student work in one place.
Steps:
- Click on an assignment from the Classwork tab
- Select a student’s name to open their submission
- Enter a grade
- Leave a private comment
- Click Return
Advanced Tips:
- Use rubrics for consistent grading
- Add common phrases to the Comment Bank
Export Grades or Sync with Sheets
Why this matters: Organize or back up grading data outside of Classroom.
Steps:
- Open the Grades tab
- Click the gear icon and select Copy all grades to Google Sheets
- Or download as .CSV to upload into your school’s system
Email Students or Groups
Why this matters: Communicate directly about assignments, feedback, or absences.
Steps:
- Go to the People tab
- Check the boxes next to student names
- Click the email icon to launch Gmail with pre-filled addresses
Tip: Great for contacting students with missing work.
Host Live Classes with Google Meet
Why this matters: Run video classes without leaving the platform.
Steps:
- Click the class Settings (gear icon)
- Under General, toggle Generate Meet link
- Copy it to the Stream or click Join to launch the session
Security Tip: Disable the Meet link after the session ends to restrict access.
Monitor Student Progress
Why this matters: See who turned in work, who missed deadlines, and who needs help.
Steps:
- Open any assignment and view submission status
- Use the Grades tab to compare performance across tasks
- Click on any student to view their full history
Reuse Old Posts
Why this matters: Save time by repurposing previous materials.
Steps:
- Click Classwork → Create → Reuse Post
- Choose from your current or archived classes
- Edit as needed and repost
Organize Materials by Topic
Why this matters: Helps students (and you) stay organized in longer courses.
Steps:
- While creating classwork, click Topic → Create Topic
- Group items by units, weeks, or subjects
Examples:
- Unit 1: Geometry Basics
- Week 3: Reading Comprehension
Enable Guardian Summaries
Why this matters: Keep parents in the loop without extra work.
Steps:
- Go to the People tab
- Next to each student, click Invite Guardians
- Enter a parent or guardian’s email
Note: Guardian summaries include due dates, missing work, and class updates. Admins may need to enable this feature first.
Bonus Tip: Enhance Teaching with Whiteboards
If you’re hosting live lessons or remote tutoring, consider using a whiteboard tool for online teaching to improve visual clarity and engagement during class time.
FAQs
Stream is for real-time announcements. Classwork is where you post assignments and quizzes.
Yes. Use the People tab to add another teacher by email.
Yes. They’ll be marked “Late” but you can still review and grade them.
Click the three dots on the class card and select Archive. This keeps your class content safe but removes it from active view.
Final Take
Google Classroom makes it easier to teach, assign, grade, and communicate without jumping between platforms. Start with the basics like creating your class and posting assignments.
As you become more comfortable, take advantage of time-saving features like rubrics, comment banks, and guardian summaries. Everything is connected and streamlined so you can focus on teaching, not juggling tools.
User forum
0 messages