The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do. When it comes to teaching and education, teachers must make it a point not to focus on the grades but on the effectiveness of learning and that will eventually lead to good grades and outcomes. Strategizing efficiently can help make a huge impact.
It is said that education is what prevails when what has been learned has been forgotten. An exemplary teacher understands the essence of education and incorporates different strategies to cater to the needs of the students. There are multiple strategies that teachers can adopt in the classroom. The more, the better, because students will get a lot of opportunities to explore and experiment.
There are different types of students in a classroom and using one specific teaching strategy will not be effective since what works for one group of students, may not work for the other. Hence, it is important to use a mix of different teaching strategies to ensure that the classroom is interactive and efficient. Today, we will be taking a look at five different teaching strategies that are super beneficial and effective.
Teaching is considered one of the most noble professions across the globe, and for a good reason. Teachers shape the future of our world by educating students not only in academic subjects but also in otherworldly matters. In a position with such great influence in someone else's life, a teacher must be aware of how to most effectively deliver the lesson. After all, efficiency is not measured only by the marks students score, but by how quickly and confidently these impressionable minds grasp the gist of a topic.
Here arises a dilemma- not every student in a classroom will possess the same personality and characteristics. A good teacher knows that in such a situation it is better to ditch a one-size-fits-all approach. Rather, here are 5 effective teaching strategies that experienced educators often apply in the classroom.
Five Creative Teaching Strategies
1.Visualization
Adding visuals to the concepts and classroom is never a dull idea. Visualizing a lesson will help students understand the concept better. Just think of it this way, students don’t usually forget the story of a movie but they often tend to forget what they learned in class. When you include videos, tables, charts, and likewise in the classroom, students will get a better understanding of the concepts that you are trying to convey. For example, no matter how well you describe the process of blood circulation, the students will be able to understand and retain the information better when you show an animated video of the same. Adding visual effects is a great way of spicing up a presentation. The same applies to classroom teaching. Adding visual elements such as pie charts, bar graphs, videos and so on can make an otherwise text-heavy curriculum more memorable.
2.Differentiation
As mentioned, there are different kinds of students and different types of learners in a classroom. Acknowledging this itself is a teaching strategy. Allocating projects and activities based on a student’s ability is a great way of teaching. This way, the student won’t feel overworked or burdened. More often than not, the comparison scale gets to the students and it stresses them out. Teachers and parents must ensure that no student feels worthless. Differentiation can be in the worksheets that you hand out, the assignments, and likewise. However, proper care must be taken while doing this. A student must not feel small. A creative way to do this is to adhere to their area of interest and ask them to come up with their own worksheet and assignment topics. At times, noting and accommodating differences in the classroom can be an effective teaching strategy. By dividing and grouping students it is easier to identify strengths and weaknesses and allot assignments based on the same.
3.Student Ownership
This is yet another teaching strategy that is super effective. Let your students lead your classroom for a day. This can be a weekly or monthly activity. The students will be taking the classes and calling the decisions. This way, they would feel that they have control and it will also help to establish a rapport. Not to mention the sense of belonging that this would create. A positive classroom environment is pivotal to effective learning. Often the power dynamic between teachers and students can become too rigorous. It is easy to forget that a teacher is responsible for more than just education, and building rapport is an essential step of the way. Student ownership focuses on giving back some of the power to students and letting them plan a monthly or weekly classroom activity.
4.Technology Led Classrooms
The importance of technology in education cannot be overstated. It has redefined education. From online classrooms to attendance management to digital flashcards, technology is helping to bring efficiency to the table. Teachers must leverage this and use technology to their advantage. Technology-led classrooms are a great teaching strategy. Students have access to numerous resources and they have more opportunities than ever. In a world where technology leaves a definitive mark, it is wise to also incorporate it inside the classroom. Many institutions have already taken this step with the addition of e-boards, virtual classes, digital flashcards, etc.
5.Inquiry-Based Instruction
This is a teaching strategy where the student is asked to understand the material and concept in detail. They do their research and gather the information that they can and then ask questions based on what they have understood or not understood. When it comes to teaching strategies, this is an effective one. The students get a sense of control and they will forage more into the concept which is a great thing.
There are countless teaching strategies that teachers can adopt. The point is to understand the students, the classroom and to devise strategies that gel with all these parameters. What works in one classroom may not work elsewhere. Teaching is a complex process and once the teacher sets their heart and mind to it, it is the most satisfying job! Usually, students look up to teachers as their fountain of information. However, as resources such as books, digital media and more become easily available, students can themselves research topics. Inquiry-based instructions provide students with an opportunity to explore beyond the curriculum.
Teachmint is keen on changing the future of education with its advanced LMS and ERP tools. With more than 20+ modules for educational institutions like admission management, attendance management system, performance management, and more; it is changing the teaching-learning experience.
