As an educator you’re used to being in front of the class leading lectures, discussions, presentations and the like, all in the name of imparting a lesson or concept upon your students. To be the best teacher you can, it also helps to try being a student once again.
Your passion for education has motivated you to seek out ways to improve your teaching skills. That isn’t always easy, given the countless hours spent in and out of the classroom working on instruction, grading, lesson prep, meetings, conferences, and more.
Luckily, we have compiled an easy reference with suggestions for teacher’s improvement tactics and tools that you can use right now. These 10 strategies, divided into the in-classroom and out-of-classroom settings, are sure to help spark your curiosity as an education professional and guide you as you seek to improve your teaching methods.
We know that there is much more material to get through with students than there is time in the day, which often drives teachers to try to cram in as much as possible. Unfortunately, this rarely works, as studies show that students struggle to pay attention and fall off task when instructions lasts longer than 10 minutes.
Therefore, it’s impractical to try and teach a large concept all at once – not only will your students never retain all that information, they’ll stop paying attention just minutes into the lesson. Instead, it is vital that teachers today break down large concepts into smaller, more digestible lessons. Essentially, focus on the granular first and build to large concepts.
One method that helps teachers take big-picture concepts and make them small is the ADEPT method. The ADEPT method breaks your potential lesson into five simple steps:
Once you have laid the foundation and slowly built up your students’ knowledge base about a concept or subject, you have increased the odds they are absorbing the lesson and will retain it. This not only helps them do well in class, it helps you get through more material and have a more successful semester.
Technology is inevitably impacting your classroom one way or another, so why not leverage it to improve your teaching skills? Whether it be apps, games or tools, technology can and will change how teachers teach and students learn.
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services published a comprehensive report outlining their goals for technology’s role in the future of America’s classrooms. Reimagining the Role of Technology in Education states that, “educators will be supported by technology that connects them to people, data, content, resources, expertise, and learning experiences that can empower and inspire them to provide more effective teaching for all learners.”
This report also outlines four guiding principles teachers should implement to help them best use technology in education:
Technology also helps teachers adapt lessons into a teaching style known as Universal Design for Learning (UDL). The National Center on Universal Design for Learning and education nonprofit CAST recommends implementing various technologies and flexible learning environments to help teachers accommodate and reach more diverse learning styles. One Indiana school implemented UDL using technology and, since implementation, their graduation rates have increased 8% while overall AP class enrollment has also substantially increased.
Depending on your grade level and subject area, you are teaching students of different ages, genders, personalities, learning styles, socioeconomic circumstances and more. Appreciating those differences will pay dividends in the long run and help nurture an environment conducive to learning.
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Positive teacher-student relationships are shown to improve academic and social performance for students, according to the American Psychological Association. To help nurture the teacher-student relationship in a safe, appropriate and effective manner while also improving your teaching skills, try these strategies from the APA:
Parents are more involved in their children’s education than ever before, so why not use this to your advantage? Parents can be a valuable tool to improve student and teacher successes in the classroom.
Building these relationships starts from the very first day of school. Send home a note or even an email and make it very clear what your expectations are for both student and parent. This can help to nurture an open, honest and trustworthy relationship with parents from the get-go.
Technology is also helping to remove any communication roadblocks – both good and bad – between teachers and parents. With student emails and learning portals, parents can get instantaneous feedback on their child’s performance, and you as a teacher can communicate where and how parents can help them meet your expectations.
As the saying goes, “you don’t know what you don’t know.” Just as we cannot expect our students to retain all of the information they are taught, teachers should not expect to remember everything they have learned over the years.
One important and effective strategy to improve your teaching skills is to keep your knowledge fresh and current. Some suggestions to help:
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Constructive feedback is an essential tool to improve your teaching skills. When gathered from different perspectives – such as from your peers, leadership and students – you get an honest look at how you can become a better teacher. Here are some suggestions to help:
Being receptive to feedback will not only help you improve as a teacher, but will help students develop a positive perception of you as an individual. Students are smart and know when their teacher truly wants to help them succeed.
Two heads are often better than one, and this holds true in teaching. Collaborating with your colleagues can provide new perspectives, strategies, and support that can enhance your teaching methods. Here are some ideas to foster collaboration:
Working with colleagues not only improves your teaching skills but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose within your school.
Continual learning is vital for teachers to stay updated with the latest educational trends, technologies, and methodologies. Professional development can take many forms, including:
Investing in your own professional growth ensures that you remain an effective and inspired educator, capable of bringing the best practices to your classroom.
Self-reflection is a powerful tool for professional growth. By regularly examining your teaching practices, you can identify areas for improvement and celebrate your successes. Consider the following strategies:
Reflective practice helps you to be more mindful and intentional about your teaching methods, ultimately leading to better outcomes for your students.
Teaching is a demanding profession that requires significant time and energy. To avoid burnout and maintain a high level of effectiveness, it is crucial to balance your professional responsibilities with personal well-being. Here are some tips:
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance ensures that you remain energized and passionate about your teaching, which benefits both you and your students.
By implementing these 10 strategies, you can enhance your teaching skills, foster a positive learning environment, and ultimately improve the educational experiences of your students. Remember, the journey to becoming a better teacher is ongoing, and every step you take towards improvement makes a significant impact on the lives of your students.
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