Interactive Teaching Methods Used in Classroom

The methods of teaching have taken a paradigm shift from the archaic teaching methods to the modern day interactive teaching techniques. The one-way communication module has been transformed into a two-way communication process where a teacher/lecturer seeks active participation from their audiences i.e. students. This not only develops the interest of the learner but gives ample opportunity to a teacher to experiment with new techniques and methods of teaching. An active interaction incorporating series of activities amongst the students or between a student-teacher makes even a boring topic or a lesson more interesting for the students.

Modern day educationists truly believe that outdated teaching methods are by gone and a switch must be made to interactive teaching methods, which is definitely the call of the time. Schools today need to put this into practice to make learning more interactive and fun for students.

 Ways To Have Active Interactions In Class

Duplex Communication Technique
 

Teachers must observe duplex communication mode in class. It means students must interact with teacher while discussing a topic.  It does not mean that the teacher should keep on asking redundant questions rather should encourage them to come forward, speak, participate and share their thoughts on the subject.

Regular Discussions In Class 

It is not easy to engage students in the lecture every time. It is difficult to keep them motivated. Discussions while teaching is considered being one of the best teaching methods. It makes classroom teaching more interesting and more interactive.

Making Topics Interesting Does Help

No matter what you may do to catch attention of students but sometimes they just aren’t interested about it.  Challenge is to make it interesting for them by associating it to their lives and things around them.

Quizzes, Elocution and Demonstrations 

Quizzes, elocution and demonstrations can be held in classes to make teaching interesting. Teaching through live demonstrations is an integral part of the classroom sessions, providing an effective combination of visual, textual and PowerPoint-based teaching. It will provide unique learning experience to students.


Educating With Real Life Examples 

Teaching while quoting real –life examples is one the best interactive methods. This not only helps children to understand better but they are able to relate to it in an easier way.


For example, if a teacher is teaching computer science giving examples of the latest computers and laptops in the market or talks about Microsoft, flaws of windows 7, etc- even if they are not included in the syllabus. It helps students to understand in a better way.  Similarly, the teacher must focus more on practical application rather than theoretical knowledge of the subject. There is no point in memorizing hundreds of pages from gargantuan sized text-books if you don’t understand what it really means and how it can utilized.  Theory taught should be kept succinct, and extra stress should be given on the practical.

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 Teachers To Prepare Syllabus

A successful course creation depends upon planning that precedes it. There are a number of things that a teacher must keep in mind while drafting a syllabus. The syllabus must be constructed in such a way that it proves to be useful for the students. 

Preparing Syllabus: 

The planning must be done in advance before academic session starts. A teacher must take time and outline the syllabus well in detail. The course goals, its structure, assignments, reviews must be defined properly. Also, syllabus is important from the point of view that it communicates your teaching approach to the students. 

Generate Interest: 

The syllabus should be student friendly. It should stimulate interest in students regarding course and its topics. It should be intriguing for students. Also, keep in mind that colleagues, administrators, parents and others interested in your course will read your syllabus. 

Reference Guide:

The syllabus also acts as reference guide for students. It should be an informative material, which students can consult from time to time. Also, it should contain logistical information such as course name and number, prerequisites etc.  

Presentable: 

The syllabus should also seem presentable for students. The layout and topography of the syllabus should be such that it becomes easier for students to comprehend. There must be an updated footer in the document. 

Essential Information:

The syllabus must contain essential information like - Course title, number, sources, name and contact information of instructor(s). In addition, indicate how students should contact you, whether by e-mail or by phone.

Assignments And Exams:

You also need to describe briefly about assignments and exams related to subjects. Include deadlines for major assignments, papers, presentations and projects. Even mention deadlines for any initial drafts and other preliminary work for convenience of students. Indicate the nature, date, and length of any exam.

Student Resources:

You need to list the resources for the students. Mention books and journals that students need to refer while studying a subject. Include information about any available lecture notes or videotapes of lectures.

Supplementary Material:

Also, hint students if you are going to provide any supplementary material along with the main syllabus. Also, provide tips for exam preparation and even online resources to students. 

       

Review the syllabus carefully with the class. Inform students if you plan to make any changes in the syllabus. Announce or highlight changes in the class. Providing sample question paper is also very helpful. Last but not least -be as specific as possible

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Teachers: Guiding Light of Life

It is true when it is said that – teachers leave an everlasting impact on a student’s psyche. It happened with us. Didn’t it? Don’t we remember our teachers? Definitely we do and we would continue to do so as their memories are truly imperative. Teachers were significant part of our growing up process. We tend associate our school days closely with them. Not just teachers of higher standards but even primary school teachers are quite close to our heart.

From the very beginning, when we took initial steps into school, we regarded them as figures next to our mothers, who would nurture us and take care of us like a guardian. Teachers are given place of high regard as they are educators not just of our school life but of our whole life. Their teachings are not just restricted to the syllabus or course material but every one of us might have experienced this once in our life that we must have come across teachers who managed to change our perspective and outlook towards life. Certain words that our teachers say become our life’s guidelines. Those golden words act like a map that show us directions in our difficult phases of life.

Stature of a ‘Guru’

Our Indian culture and tradition truly gives stature of a “Guru” to a teacher. Guru, which is a Sanskrit word, is regarded as someone who has great knowledge, wisdom, and authority in a certain field, and one who imparts valuable knowledge to others (his students). This transmission of teachings from a teacher to a student is termed as guru-shishya tradition in India. This relationship is considered as pure and sacred, where student receives teachings with utmost respect, commitment, devotion and obedience.

In earlier days, it was considered important to find a teacher or guru who can impart transcendental knowledge in the right manner. In Hinduism, the guru is considered as respected person with saintly qualities who enlightens the mind of his or her disciple.  One of the main epic texts known as ‘Bhagavad Gita’ signifies guru- shishya relationship. One such popular dialogue in the battlefield between Lord Krishna (guru) and  (shishya) Arjuna, a Kshatriya prince outlines many ideals of Hinduism in this regard.  Here, Krishna narrates to Arjuna of the importance of finding a guru. Their relationship is considered an ideal one of Guru-Shishya.

Several saints and poets in India have expressed great views about the relationship between Guru and God.

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!!

Importance of Teaching Teamwork to Students

It is important to teach students that working in a team can improve their learning manifolds. As we all know team spirit is much needed skill in every sphere of life today. Be it your classroom or your workplace etc. Mentors can make students understand that team exercises are valuable learning experiences by careful guidance and planned out tasks for them.

Explaining meaning of team-work to students

Teachers need to define meaning of team-work to students so that they are able to adapt it well in their lives. Teamwork is joint action by a group of people for achievement of any specified task or goal. But here underlining point is that effective and efficient teamwork goes beyond individual accomplishments. The most effective teamwork is delivered when all the individuals in the group harmonize their contributions and work towards a common goal.

Why teaching teamwork is important to students?

Teamwork is important part of working culture today and many companies evaluate candidates on the basis of their capability to work in a group. One of the most important skills that employers look for is the ability of employees to work together. Often at times collaborative projects are implemented for the employees and it is where they have to prove their teamwork spirit. Therefore, it is important for students to learn to act in a team environment so that later on they can nurture this skill in them.

 Also, as per research students learn best from tasks which requires doing tasks involving social interactions. That’s why stress is on the fact that collaborative learning should be included in almost every classroom, but teachers at times struggle with having students work cooperatively. This is where understanding how to teach effective teamwork becomes a crucial task for the teacher.

Helping all students to share in a pair

Sharing is also another way of developing team spirit in students. Teachers can engage students in activities that require sharing. For example, always try and include group share or other method of sharing projects in the classroom.  Other method is making students use group mapping activities for brainstorming in the early stages of a new project. Also, encouraging interacting with each other while working on the project. 

Sharing brings broad-based positive reinforcement that helps kids to overcome confidence and self-esteem issues. Moreover, sharing teaches and reinforces good social skills.

Experiential Teaching Methods

The term ‘experiential’ basically means learning and development based on experience rather than receiving it through listening or study of theory. The expression 'hands-on' is further used to describe such teaching which its greater form is.  

Experiential teaching is such model which promotes learning by doing and by receiving first-hand experience of it. In such teaching process, students tend to learn and retain more information. Also, they are able to transfer the skills learned to other aspects of their life.

Use of visual teaching method is one such example of experiential teaching. It is far better process as it lies in the periphery of experiential teaching; opposed to learning by lecturing, which is pretty common and conventional. Another aspect of experiential teaching is that students are not taught how to do something but how to find out the answers to problems they are facing at present or apprehending in the future.

Outdoor setting is another tool of experiential teaching method. Use of this method enhances the learning of the students and exposes them to more inquiry–based experiences. Learning under such set-up engages young people, creates a fun, hands-on environment and helps students apply their new knowledge in different settings. Experiential teaching proves to be fruitful when a person involved n the activity looks backs and evaluates it, it, determines what was useful or important to remember and uses this information to perform another activity.

Several schools like Mother’s Pride and Presidium are known for providing “experiential education” to students. They even have an academy known as “The Knowledge Tree” that provides training to teachers for about such method.
 

Experiential teaching acts as a catalyst that sparks cognitive mind-sets of the children. It takes teaching to the higher –level and converts it into a beneficial interaction between teacher and the student. Hence, it automatically improves performance at both ends. Teachers get better results after employing experiential teaching methods and students are able to grasp the subject well with more ease and comfort as compared to conventional teaching ways. Our present education system looks forward for a change and implementing experiential teaching method is the right thing to do.