A lot of kids can enjoy learning as long as their teacher puts the right amount of effort into it. Teachers who use effective teaching methods and strategies can make a world of difference. Students are a reflection of what they learned at home and in school, and often shape them in how they teach their children too. Here are some of the more useful approaches teachers use to inspire children to learn.
Teach Critical Thinking Skills
Most students think that studying is all about memorization, but rote learning does not help every student reach true learning. Teachers must use lessons and encourage students to develop critical thinking skills. Critical thinking encourages students to compare, contrast, and eventually make a decision based on a rational analysis of a situation. It helps them improve their problem-solving skills, which they can apply in the real world.
Encourage Reading
Reading can make a huge difference in your classroom. It would be best if you gathered a good collection of school books that encourage children’s interest in reading and school. In Singapore, you can buy primary school books online, but there are also public libraries that encourage students to expand their reading list.
In the classroom, encourage students to share their favourite stories or books. Set aside a time where they can be quiet and enjoy the time for reading. Imagination is essential for creativity, and nothing makes a person more imaginative than reading a good story.
Encourage Learning Activities
Teachers should create activities that encourage participation. Even if the students listen to you in class, it might not be their learning style. Some students learn more from experiential and kinesthetic learning. Combine lectures and activities that will encourage all kinds of learners to participate. Ask questions later to see if they missed anything.
Quick Revision and Discussion
Students learn best when they share their ideas too. Ask your students simple questions about the previous lesson to make sure that they fully understand it before moving on to the next topic. Encourage them to express their thoughts and provide “what if” scenarios if it helps them understand the lesson.
If your classroom is noisy and rowdy, it can disrupt the flow of learning – even the more behaved students can have a hard time learning if their learning environment is uncomfortable. Use that energy by encouraging them to create short plays or musicals of what they learned in the lesson. This makes for a quick and fun review, as well as encourage play and good humour in class.
Try to make interactive, fun reward charts for your students to reward good behaviour. The charts make them understand what is good behaviour and they can get a small reward at the end of each week. You can give out prizes if they behaved well each day by not giving them homework on the weekend, or they can play a fun game.
Your students should love learning, and you should make it a goal to let them know something new each time they leave your classroom. Follow the tips above to help grow your students’ knowledge!