#8 Simple ways to make your teaching interesting.

 

“Those that know do

Those that understand teach.”-Aristotle.

 

As teachers our path is to guide. This line has been said many times.

Well, I am not writing this blog to motivate you or anyone else. My purpose today is to make the teaching learning process more meaningful and approachable by demonstrating that it is possible to get good results by taking a few mindful steps.

Teaching is a profession just like any other job in the world. What makes it different is that we are dealing with the next generation. So, we have to make a difference today to ensure a positive change in tomorrow’s world.

 

#1 Develop the art of story telling

All the business houses and start-ups are turning to story-telling to create an impact. From Amazon to Flipkart, the executives are trying to make sense by putting the numbers and mind-boggling figures into an interesting story.

They are using diction, tone, intonation, accents, dialects, etc. to make an impact with their stories to help them get that contract, or funding or to put their company on top.

Then why are teachers not using this basic skill in their classroom where this art was actually born?

We teachers actually have a copyright of this activity.

Story telling can be used to create and leave an impact on the child’s mind. This impact is termed as ‘learning value’ in the education jargon. This is one of the handiest of the tools but which is not used by most teachers. It is just because they feel that the lecture method which is ever prevalent is the best method of all.

 

Drop everything and practise storytelling to make the most of your time in the classroom and allow the best of the learning to happen.

 

#2 Note down your classroom victories

Each day teachers return home with a bundle of frustrations. They wait for their bosses to appreciate, or notice. Mostly it doesn’t happen because everyone is occupied with work and their own struggles and victories.

 

A teacher should go home, and note down all the victories of the day in a journal.

But honestly speaking, ‘What are victories of teachers?’

 

You listened to a story patiently.

You patted a back.

You allowed someone to share the tiffin.

You answered a parent’s call and gave a satisfactory answer.

You taught a particular topic very well.

All the students were smiling or were happy during your class.

The students raised or put up some amazing and difficult questions.

You assisted your colleague to complete the attendance work.

You lent a red pen to a teacher who needed to complete the corrections on time.

You just showed kindness by speaking gently and softly with the support staff.

 

The list is endless. Teachers, go on and record your victories.  

Celebrate you success everyday!

 

#3 Be determined to teach

Planning seems very good on paper. When you start implementing it, you see roadblocks, you feel tired, you forget to carry teaching aids, etc.

Many things come in the way of executing a plan. Just remember that plan well but execute it even better. Mere planning will not bring the results. Or it will not complete the syllabus on time. But proactiveness in acting out the plan will make everyone happy.

Don’t mind the noise, neither the disturbances or the fluctuating power, or the maid who comes with a circular, or the teacher who wants to ask you something at that particular time, or the noisy rain, or the grime and the sweat or the chill of the winters…

Just teach!

#4 Build a relationship

Invest the initial classes at the beginning of the year in building a relationship with the students. Never be in a hurry to teach. Your priority should be to have a relationship with your students. A good relationship will ensure that you are able to teach each and every concept with ease.

 

#5 Mindfulness

Be mindful of the emotions and the experiences which the students are going through. Look them in the eye. Talk to them. Listen to them. Give them solutions for their problems. Hear them out. Be patient. Pay attention to the details. Question, investigate if a child is sitting with a sullen face or is not in the mood.

Appreciate and praise if someone has drawn something or is looking up to you for a nod which says, ‘yes you have done it well’.

 

In short, BE MINDFUL in the classroom.

You can pay attention to all of the above only if you are mindful.

If you get pre occupied with a lot of records which are to be done, or to be submitted, or your own workload which seems boggling, you cannot be mindful in the present times.

 

You will miss out on the important emotions, feelings, achievements, failures, disappointments or wins of your students.

Grab them all-BE MINDFUL.

 

#6 Observe your peers:

If all the roads seemed blocked, then open your eyes and ears and go into the observation mode.

Yes, you heard it right. Stop working and just observe your peers. You will learn new way to do the same old things. You will learn smarter ways from your colleagues. Because most of them are working well ahead of their deadlines.

Everyone has a way of managing and organising their work. If you feel that you are not able to meet the demands of the profession, do observe how one your colleague who finishes his work fast and quickly is managing.

What are the skills and techniques that the teacher is using?

Now introspect and try to adopt some of the good techniques that you saw or spotted among the other teachers.

Go ahead-COPY AND PASTE.

#7 Enter with a smile

This one is pretty cool and simple. It is in your hands. It is just a thought that you have to carry. Just be mindful when you are in class. Wear that smile come what may. Don’t forget it. be kind to yourself and the class.

Enter the classroom with a smile.

 

#8 High energy level

Teachers or employees who keep up their energy during the day are happier than the other lot. It goes without saying that they are more productive.

The students also respond well to someone who speaks loudly and clearly rather than the one who finds it difficult to even raise a finger to complete the work.

Eat, munch, crunch, crush or move some muscles.

Do whatever it takes to carry a happy self to your workplace.

Nothing will work if you are an unhappy or dejected soul.