Discuss While You Teach

Discussing while you teach is considered as one of the best methods of teaching. It adds elements of interest and makes your teaching more interactive. Also, it provides a chance to students to participate in the classroom teaching and express their point of view in front of the teacher and other students.

A discussion in class involves the written or oral expression of varied points of view. It involves pool of ideas and thoughts which student shares with the class. An effective discussion can be kicked off after a presentation, project or an exam. It definitely helps students to understand the topic better. 

Teacher must make sure that everyone is allowed to participate actively. There shouldn’t be any unfairness and teacher must allot more chances to weak and shy students to express themselves. Also, a teacher must formulate a structure or form for discussions to students.

Things to keep in mind -

Friendly Atmosphere: 
Students must be comfortable in order to share their point of view with everyone. Teachers must make sure to create a friendly atmosphere, where varied opinions are accepted and presented respectfully.

Give Time To Prepare: 
Teachers must give time to students to prepare for the topic. They will be able to participate better and engage well in discussion if they have background and knowledge for the subject.

Regular And Continued Discussions:  
If discussions are held often, students feel more comfortable and understand the method of discussing better. Further, it boosts their confidence level. 

Design Protocol For Discussions: 
Teachers are required to act as a moderator while discussions are on in the class. Designing a protocol for discussions helps teacher to manage the class better.

Make Discussions Interesting: 
If discussions are made interesting it prompts students to speak out and express themselves. Also, it prompts them to speak with one another.

Small Group Discussion:  
Creating small groups of students for discussions is also a great idea. A teacher can create small groups in the class and provide students topics to discuss about.

Discussions In Writing:  
Penning down discussions is important in order to store important points for future reference of the topic. Also, while discussing teachers may use chalkboard to record the key points, ideas and questions.

Assessment:  
After every discussion, teacher must do assessment of the discussions held. Taking feedback from the students greatly helps.

If a subject or topic is taught using this method, one can be sure that student understands and remembers it for long. They grasp the topic well along with its meaning and terms.

Tips for Teaching on the First Day of Class

It’s perfectly natural to have some first day nerves. You needn’t worry, if you feel slightly apprehensive and anxious. For teachers it is important to develop good rapport with students and first day impressions plays a crucial role.

Do Research

Try and get as much information as possible about the new school, college or university. Understand its culture, ethos and policies etc. Also, it is vital to know about your job profile as teacher. More importantly, you should be well thorough with the subject you are teaching.

Get To Know Staff
 
You are beginning with a new job, it is important to have an introductory meeting with your team. Getting to know your staff and other teachers in the school and it will make you feel more comfortable. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You will not be expected to know everything about your new job. Try and make your support network. Ask other teachers for advice (they’ll be pleased to know that you value their opinions).

First Day Preparations:

No matter what, arrive early: Come early and prepare yourself for the first day. Plan in advance what you will do, so that you are able to have good connection with students in the first meeting. Also, it will make students will feel more comfortable, if you are organized and well prepared.

Begin with good introduction: Write your name on the board along with subject title you are teaching them. Also, make students introduce themselves. Let them know about your expectations related to class participation. Make students familiar with the sense of your teaching style.

Introduce subject and course material: Provide students good overview of the course and contents of the syllabus. Explain the course organization, requirements, major assignments, and policies. It will be beneficial for students, if you hand-over well-written, detailed syllabus for their reference. Also, explain in detail about number of exams, number and length of papers, books to read etc.

Provide an opportunity for students to ask questions: Let students clarify any doubts if they have regarding attendance or course. Make it clear to the students and tell them if you will keep track of the attendance and how you will grade them. Also, make them aware if you plan to engage students in class discussions. It is also helpful to explain to students why you value attendance and their participation in class.

Last but not least, make it memorable day for yourself – your first day on new job!!