Starting out as a teacher may be a little daunting, but it is incredibly helpful to review tips and advice from those who are more experienced. Pre-planning lessons and lectures can go a long way in staying organized and keeping the class on track. Similarly, preparing oneself for possible disruptions and reviewing disciplinary tactics ahead of time can help teachers to cope with any difficulties in a calm and cool manner. All of this effectively adds up to a more involved class experience for everyone.

Teaching Tips

Learning new teaching tips can make a world of difference not only for the teacher, but for the students as well. Students learn well from educators who are excited and passionate about the subjects they teach.

  • Instead of standing behind the desk, move among the students to create a more dynamic atmosphere.
  • Encourage participation by asking questions instead of giving answers.
  • If students are having difficulty with a certain section, be flexible enough to explain or demonstrate the material in other, easier ways.
  • When planning a lesson, think laterally instead of linearly. This will help students to explore related topics and develop their own ideas.
  • Before the class ends, raise a thought-provoking question to keep students thinking about the topic.

Improving Teaching Techniques

Changing the teaching techniques that are normally employed can sometimes help students to gain a better grasp of the material. Adapt the teaching techniques to the students’ learning levels. For example, younger students may learn better visually while older students may benefit from simple metaphors and comparisons.

  • Use multimedia such as videos, still images or even real life objects to bring a lesson alive.
  • Allow students to work in groups. This will give them a chance to share ideas among peers with less apprehension than speaking in front of the entire classroom.
  • Ask students to perform short readings to better involve them in longer lectures.
  • Instead of holding a single lecture for the duration of the whole lesson, break it up into sections and student activities for a change of pace.

Discipline in the Classroom

Students learn best in a calm and tranquil atmosphere. To this end, teachers must act as mediators between disruptive students and enforce rules to maintain an ideal atmosphere. Students look up to the teacher as the leader of the group, so be prepared to act in this capacity.

  • The first day of class should include a review of rules and expectations, such as what time students are expected to arrive, homework deadlines, discussion etiquette and so on.
  • Students who make noticeable efforts to improve and maintain a positive environment should be praised.
  • Students who break rules or act disruptive should be spoken to firmly and without aggression.
  • Remember that a teacher who enforces rules is not necessarily a monster. On the other hand, acting in a firm but fair manner will make students respect them.

Online Tools and Techniques

Most children today are so used to computers and the Internet that it is practically second nature for them. Accordingly, it is helpful to incorporate online tools for classroom use to encourage them to research study topics independently. Do be aware that websites and online tools should first be vetted by the teacher to ensure that they are suitable for class use.

  • Before allowing students to work online, review safety issues and practices with them.
  • Avoid websites and tools that feature heavy advertising or inappropriate content.
  • Start a class discussion about the reliability of online content. Ask students to demonstrate the differences between reliable texts and amateur material.
  • Teach students to think critically and to properly assess material that they find online.
  • All students should be warned not to submit their personal details online and to consult with the teacher before registering to any websites.
  • Arrange webquests to help students explore a topic independently or in small groups.
  • Find online games or activities to give students a chance to learn about course topics in a less formal manner.
  • Discuss copyrights and plagiarism with students to ensure that they always give due credit when citing or using works by other people.
  • Use different types of online tools, such as podcasts and collaborative tools to help students change the way they work.
  • Post class content online so that students can refer to it at home as well. Encourage parents to browse through the content too so that they can be aware of what their children are studying.

Additional Resources