5 Steps for Improved Teaching

Given the fact that it is the start of a new year, perhaps its time to rethink and reevaluate how you teach, how you think about teaching and how you can be better at it.

Here are some ways for more effective lessons in the classroom.
Ask better questions. Questions are usually asked in schools during exams and discussions. But Richard Garlikov, an educational writer, tackles "The Socratic Method: Teaching by Asking Instead of by Telling", explaining another purpose for asking questions. He said that questions have three purposes:

1. 2. 3.

to develop an interest in the topic to act as a map for self-recognition of reaching milestones of understanding to find out what students know and do not know.

This last purpose is the main crux of his article; he wants questions to be asked differently to find out a students understanding of a subject matter. Most of the time, students only know they dont understand something. If a teacher differentiates questions, this something or the aspect of the lesson will be known to both parties. To become an improved teacher for 2008, it helps to have the inclination to look for problems in student comprehension and to know what usual student misunderstandings are. Relate to students. In an article by Christine Canabou, a Haas School of Business professor named Sara Beckman was quoted as saying if she wants to change the way students think, it was best to engage them at their level. She said that part of her aim was to make students learn something about themselves and how they perform in teams. Despite her being a tough grader, she has received Berkeleys annual Distinguished Teaching Award for great feedback from students who seem to appreciate her effort. Learn how to listen. Sometimes in a teachers haste to cram all the aspects of the lesson into one class hour, he or she forgets how to listen and experiment. Try to create time for face-to-face interaction. This results to lessons that are more relevant to their knowledge and experiences. Encourage teamwork. A lot of experiences and self-realizations can be had on the part of the student when asked to work in a team. Maximize learning by something called experiential learning. Play games that give students a chance to interact and focus on the subject matter for best results. Make them think. Cramming lessons in the allotted time period for the class can sometimes get monotonous. Give them time to reflect on their lessons because sometimes, in order to accelerate learning, it is important to slow down.

For more ways to improve your teaching there is always professional help. Research for Better Teaching was founded by Jonathon Saphier, and it is training and consulting group dedicated to the teaching profession. Their website offers online courses, training services and books that can help you with your goal. There are a lot of other ways to become better at your craft. It just needs Skill and Will. Sources: Canabou, Christine. (n.d.) Four Ways to Be a Better Teacher. Retrieved January 2, 2008 from http://www.fastcompany.com/articles/archive/0107.html Garlikov, Richard. (n.d.) Using questions to teach better. Retrieved January 2, 2008 from http://www.garlikov.com/teaching/usingquestions.html n. a. (n.d.) Research for Better Teaching. Retrieved January 2, 2008 from http://www.rbteach.com/rbteach/about.htm (Published 07 January 2008, Smart Schools Program)