6 Unbeatable Tips
To Being
A Great Teacher
As in any profession, however interesting or challenging, a sense
of ennui creeps in once routine sets in. The teaching profession is
no exception. Educators need to constantly find ways and means to
stimulate themselves and their students. Here are 6 tips that should
aid you in being a Great Teacher:
- Stimulating Environment
Wordsworth said 'The Child is the father of the Man'. By that,
he meant that children discern everything around them in their
un-adulterated magnificence and are as yet untainted and
un-influenced by grownups. Keeping that in mind, provide students
with an environment, where they are endowed with ideas, information
and where they can share their points of view unhindered, without
fear of judgment or criticism. Who knows what new perspectives
might be revealed to you in the bargain?
- Out-of-the-box Thinking
Encourage children to raise questions. For students, their teacher
is always right and they place unwavering faith in him/her. This
unquestioning faith may cause them to accept facts as they are
laid out to them. Get students to probe and look for answers beyond
the obvious. Once again, their answers might be a revelation to
you.
- Motivation Guide
Be a Morale Booster! Get students to believe in themselves and
appreciate their efforts, however small, however trivial. A teacher's
belief - positive or negative, has tremendous impact on their
minds. Be their sounding board. Observe, participate and contribute
in their endeavours.
- Experiential Learning
In the words of Aristotle, 'The things we have to learn before
we do them, we learn by doing them'. Nothing works better than
experiential learning, so involve students in interactive activities,
such as games, quizzes, simple experiments that test theories,
dramatics. The level of participation will be enjoyable for both
you and the students. In addition, the potential that students
display will be enlightening, unlike rote learning, which will
only test their retention of text book knowledge.
- Short Breaks
Students have a low attention span. Offer them breaks at regular
intervals in the form of activities, a quiz for instance, or icebreakers.
This is a sure fire way of ensuring you get the attention you
deserve.
- Positive Thinking
Finally it is up to you as their teacher to set the mood. If you
are feeling low or edgy, they will sense it. Ensure that you exude
a positive demeanour and energy in what you do. Your student's
attitude will reflect your own attitude towards learning. Their
response to your class is your report card.
|
