For a teacher to be effective, each and every student in the class has to feel comfortable and have a sense of belonging. The environment has to be conducive to learning. Students cannot concentrate, remain motivated and learn if they are intimidated or made to feel inadequate about themselves. A student should never feel like a question they have is stupid or that their question should not be asked for fear of being ridiculed either by the teacher or their classmates.
Effective teaching requires a conscious effort on the part of the teacher to ensure that the material being taught is absorbed by the students. Effective teaching requires the use of multiple forms of presentation, including the use of: boards or easel, power point presentations, video displays and student participation via interactive sessions including individual or group presentations. People learn in different ways, hence it is important to deliver the lecture in different formats to ensure that every student is given the maximum opportunity to learn.
Effective teachers are individuals who not only have the credentials to teach, but also have a passion for what they do. They are people who truly have the calling to teach. These are individuals who do not need any external appraisals, the direct feedback that they receive from the success rate of their students, not only in their class but also in their studies beyond their class; and from the kids, as the kids recommend them to their friends and speak highly of them. These are individuals who often have old students return to their classroom whenever they have the opportunity to do so, to pay them a visit.
What makes a good teacher good is their ability to reach each and every student in the class. It is easy to focus on the students who easily grasp the subject matter are focused or are vocal in class. Good teachers recognize the fact that some students need to be pulled out of their comfort zones and some need more stimulation than others. As a result, a good teacher spends the necessary time understanding the audience. Remember that a teacher in many ways is a like a leader, and as a result has to acquire the necessary leadership skills.
Good teachers are self-sacrificing. They work hard on mastering the skills necessary for effective communication and learn how to motivate students. Effective teachers are patient, they are not condescending, and they encourage questions and spend the necessary time to ensure that all serious students grasp the concepts. Effective teaching requires the use of a number of teaching styles, including: tables, graphs, pictures, videos etc. Effective teaching also involves participation by the students. Lastly, effective teachers are individuals who are committed to a life-long pursuit of learning. They spend the time and effort improving their skills by trying new things. They challenge themselves each year to reach greater and greater heights.
By: Mrs. CRISTINA I. NOJADERA | Teacher I | Orani National High School | Tugatog, Orani, Bataan
