6 ways to become efficient and effective teachers

Children carry what they are taught throughout life and influence society using the same knowledge and thoughts. Teachers have the ability to shape generations and contribute to designing society on both local and global scales.

The education industry has been changing over time, and with it, there is a need to improve the teaching process, skills, and educational approaches, which will help teachers in supporting students’ growth over time. It is time to include and implement engaging interventions in the classroom according to new educational policies and new-age students’ needs. Teachers must adapt new ways and skills to become more efficient for future-ready classrooms.

Six ways to become efficient and effective teachers:

1. Integrating educational technology in classrooms: 

Modern classroom and the National Education Policy emphasize remote and hybrid learning and unpredictable crises like Covid have made it mandatory for teachers to adapt to technology in the classroom. Teachers can effectively engage and teach students by using e-learning platforms such as Google Classrooms, Canvas, and YouTube, as well as Zoom and Google Meet.

Teachers can enhance their technical skills by taking courses on platforms like Coursera, Unacademy and Udemy etc. There are many online courses available that can help teachers become more effective professionals.

2. Effective Communication: 

Creating a dialogue between your students can be a challenging yet fundamental part of teaching. Effective communication can help in the creation and maintenance of a safe learning environment in which students can thrive, prosper, and learn.

Establishing good communication creates a safe environment where students can express themselves without fear. Teachers need to pay close attention to each student. Active listening skills and positive feedback help teachers to establish better communication and become efficient teaching professionals.

3. Learning communities:

Sharing knowledge and engaging in meaningful discussions helps teachers grow as professionals. A professional learning community enables teachers to easily share their knowledge, best practices and innovative ideas. Connecting with online professional learning communities takes teachers beyond the confines of their region and language.

To make professional learning communities (PLC) more fruitful, keep adding suggestions and innovative activities to make sessions easier. In cases the school does not have PLC, teachers should take the initiative and structure such communities within the school. PLC allows teachers to grow through discussion, research, strategy, and action.

Also Read: Back at school, Indian teachers face a crisis of discipline. How to solve these issues?

4. Classroom management: 

How good teachers are at classroom management defines how efficient and effective professionals they are. Effective classroom management requires awareness, patience, good timing, and instinct. To improve classroom management skills, build good relationships with students and set rules and expectations to ensure discipline. 

Involve parents as partners in your classroom journey. While designing classroom activities be more focused on fostering creativity and imagination. Conduct activities to nurture ethics and socio-emotional skills. Engage students in activity and experiential-based learning. Classroom management makes teachers smarter and more efficient.

5. Strengthen the subject’s effective delivery:

Effective teachers have deep knowledge of their subject matter, but delivering that knowledge in an easy way is more than just accumulating knowledge. They have to master the structure of the particular subject matter they are imparting: facts, theories, principles, concepts, procedures, rules, etc. and deeply understand their ultimate purpose, that is, why the students have to be taught the material and for what. 

Understand the subject matter from multiple perspectives. Then, see how concepts and ideas relate to one another, to everyday life, and to other subjects. A teacher’s strength is teaching, and their teaching style and knowledge make them effective teachers.

“We do not learn from experience…we learn from reflecting on experience.”- John Dewey

 

6. Self Reflection and feedback from others :

Consistent reflection on classroom practices is fundamental for improving teachers’ professional efficiency.  Self-evaluation also encourages teachers to push themselves and try new strategies in the classroom.

Teachers should observe their class performance objectively and take feedback from colleagues. Teachers will be able to identify and evaluate their values, perspectives, and assumptions about their teaching through self-reflection, which will allow them to make necessary changes.

Teachers can reflect on following relevant issues: 

1. Students’ needs
2. Past mistakes
3. Strengths
4. Teacher-student relationship
5. Use of material and resources

Nowadays, teachers need to continuously improve themselves professionally in order to stay updated with the latest trends, teaching approaches, and techniques in the education field. Finding new ways and upgrading skills make teachers more efficient and effective in their careers.