How to improve teaching quality and effectiveness in the classroom?

Introduction

The professional growth of teachers is essential for effective teaching. By adopting innovative approaches, integrating technology into the classroom, and participating in professional development sessions, educators can enhance their skills and, in turn, foster better learning outcomes for students. This empowers teachers to try new things, change and improve their practices in the classroom, which makes them more competent and confident in the class. This, in turn, creates a stimulating and beneficial learning process for both students and facilitators.

What is quality teaching?

Quality teaching involves effective strategies and methods that enhance student learning and engagement.

1. Key characteristics

• Clear objectives: Quality teaching starts with a clear purpose. This means that each lesson has specific objectives that describe what students should learn and achieve. Clear objectives help both teachers and students stay focused and measure progress effectively.
• Engaging content: Engaging content makes lessons more interesting and relevant for students. This includes using a variety of materials and activities that capture students’ attention and encourage active participation. Interactive elements such as group work and multimedia help make learning more fun and effective.
• Effective communication: Maintaining communication is important. This means that teachers must convey information in a way that students can understand, so teachers should use simple language and provide examples where necessary to help students understand what is being discussed.
• Adaptability: As teachers, you must know that flexibility is important. Effective teachers know that every child is different and must modify their strategies to help every child learn. It may include the use of various methods, giving students a set of tasks to complete, or helping those who need it the most.
• Assessment and reflection: Finally, it is important to keep in mind that the continuous evaluation process should be regular in order to reflect the performance. Through these assessments, teachers can track student performance and identify challenges, enabling them to provide appropriate support. Reflective practice allows educators to evaluate their teaching methods, make improvements, and adapt their approach to better meet students’ needs.

2. The impact of quality teaching on students

• It is a well-known fact that quality teaching plays a crucial role in achieving great results. Research has also found a very high correlation between student achievement and the quality of education they receive. For instance, research works have established that students in high-performing classrooms achieve better results in standardized tests (Hattie, 2009).
• Furthermore, some effective teaching strategies that involve students, such as group discussions and practical exercises, are also known to enhance students’ participation. Research shows that students in such classes are more likely to be engaged in their learning, think critically and achieve better academic results (OECD, 2018).
• Another important element of quality teaching is personalized feedback that is tailored to the student’s specific needs. Research indicates that students with meaningful and positive feedback produce better results and more confidence (Black & Wiliam, 1998).

In the end, teaching, in reality, is an investment in the future. By creating a conducive learning atmosphere, we can support students in achieving their potential and developing a passion for learning.

How to improve teaching quality and learning process in the classroom?

1. Set clear learning goals

Teachers should always have instructional objectives for each lesson and each chapter. These instructional objectives lead to effective learning for children. Instructional objectives are statements of observable and measurable actions that students should be able to perform after learning the content.

As an example:

• By the end of this chapter, students should be able to solve two-digit multiplications.
• From the given content or skills, students should be able to solve, estimate, evaluate, interpret, and predict.

For effective instructions, it is very important to consistently assess student learning. Teachers can improve their instructional planning further by using observation tools, tests, and other assessment tools. They can also apply Bloom’s Taxonomy (Bloom, et al., 1956). This framework consists of six levels of cognitive domain, namely: knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation. This is a great tool for setting clear and measurable learning goals.

Therefore, understanding the precise learning objectives allows teachers to plan lessons, assign appropriate tasks, and conduct classroom activities smoothly. This approach is beneficial as it provides a proper framework to link the instructional activities to the desired student outcomes, thus enhancing student performance.

2. Encourage active learning

A classroom research study found that immediately after a lecture, students recalled 70 percent of the information presented in the first 10 minutes of the lecture and only 20 percent from the last 10 minutes (McKeachie 1999).

Teachers need to incorporate active learning strategies to ensure that students are interested in the lesson. For example, one effective technique is using small groups. In this approach, students work together in groups to solve a problem or achieve a specific goal. This method enhances group cooperation, communication and thinking skills. This activity can be followed by individual or group presentations to help students retain what they have learned.

Specific active learning strategies such as group discussions, debates and project work can also improve student engagement and help develop important skills such as analytical and critical thinking and creative problem-solving.

Also Read: 5 Ways Data Analytics Is Enhancing Education Technology in Schools

3. Implement cooperative learning

Cooperative learning is a highly effective approach to learning in which students work together to achieve specific learning outcomes. This approach is not only limited to putting students in groups; it also includes structure with expectations, rules of the group, and specific academic goals for each student.

When students are engaged in group activities, they are able to learn important skills for the 21st century. This allows students to develop excellent communication skills, conflict-solving skills and good interpersonal relations. Cooperative learning enhances students’ leadership and problem-solving skills, and boosts confidence when they are involved in groups and attempting to achieve common goals.

Cooperative classroom learning not only creates an atmosphere for learning and improved academic performance, but also helps students to be more motivated to learn from each other.

4. Integrate technology wisely

In modern education, technology plays an important role in teaching and student learning outcomes. After the pandemic, most teachers have used technology in their classrooms. This does not mean that high investment is needed in every school. Teachers can use free online resources, digital tools, videos, audio, and online games that can be implemented in classes. Young students are tech-savvy and they learn better and faster when technology is integrated into the classroom.

5. Involve parents

The best teachers always include parents in the process and keep them informed. One of the best ways to involve parents is through the school’s ERP system that shares student updates and grades with parents. Teachers and school leaders can also use school management apps to bring parents into the education system and increase parental involvement in the school and classroom.

6. Conduct regular assessment and evaluation

Most schools only use student surveys to assess the teaching quality, but an important evaluation of teaching should be based on the assessment of learning outcomes. Assessing and evaluating teaching quality should be based on students’ development, content knowledge, skills performance, exhibitions, project reports, learning blogs, journals, and so on.

There are a few other simple guidelines for improving teaching quality:

• Be clear about what you expect
• Make eye contact with students and call them by name
• Hands-on activities should be used to supplement lectures
• Recognize students’ accomplishments and respond to their concerns appropriately
• Make connections between course content and its application in the real world

7. Support positive behaviour and smooth transitions

A well-functioning classroom environment relies on the teacher’s abilities that set a positive example while managing the transition effectively, creating harmony in learning.

• Lead with actions, not just words: Teachers who consistently exhibit respect, patience, and kindness encourage students to emulate similar behaviours. Recognizing even small positive actions reinforces a culture of mutual respect and good conduct.
• Ensure seamless activity shifts: Notify students in advance about upcoming transitions and establish simple routines, such as using visual cues, timers, or familiar sound signals, to guide movement between tasks.
• Encourage purposeful endings: Wrapping up activities with short discussions or reflections helps students mentally reset, smoothing the transition to their next focus area.

When educators model positive actions and thoughtfully manage transitions, they cultivate an orderly, respectful, and dynamic classroom environment where students feel supported.

8. Redirect focus with simple, non-verbal strategies

Effective classroom management doesn’t always require spoken intervention. Non-verbal communication can quietly redirect behaviour, keeping lessons uninterrupted and productive.

• Utilize body language effectively: A quick glance, a gentle movement closer to a student, or subtle hand gestures can encourage students to refocus without drawing attention.
• Encourage engagement through posture and gestures: Teachers can maintain attentiveness by adopting open and welcoming body language, helping students stay tuned to the lesson.
• Signal transitions with subtle actions: Shifts between tasks can be guided seamlessly using calm pauses, soft gestures, or visual aids, ensuring students remain oriented and on task.

This approach enables teachers to maintain order discreetly while nurturing a classroom atmosphere that prioritizes focus and minimizes disruptions.

Student suggestions for teacher improvement

Students share some important tips that all teachers should know about. They emphasize:

• The importance of clear communication and engaging lessons for teacher improvement.
• A friendly and encouraging atmosphere is highly valued.
• Real-world examples in teaching are appreciated.
• Timely feedback and a balanced workload are considered essential for effective learning.
• Passionate teaching that stimulates a passion for learning is highly valued.
• A collaborative and interactive teaching style that addresses diverse learning needs is important.

Conclusion

Teaching is an efficient process that requires careful planning and structure, all while maintaining an engaging and active classroom environment. This includes changing the teaching approaches by the various learning needs of students, checking on student progress on a regular basis, and creating a positive learning atmosphere in the classroom.

Varthana’s school loans are meant to address these key areas of education. By making available key factors such as infrastructure, technology and security, we enable schools to deliver quality and enhanced learning systems. We want to give school leaders and educators everything they need to do their best to provide the best possible education to every child. Explore Varthana’s various loan options and get expert advice before you start your journey to provide quality education to your students.

FAQs

1. What areas do you think need improvement as a teacher?

Teaching is a long process of developing into the best one, and several areas need improvement, such as lesson plans, classroom management, learning activities, learning styles and the environment. Varthana understands the importance of teacher development and provides support to increase efficiency, improve teaching practices, develop empathy, and promote students’ all-round development. This partnership ensures that the teachers have the right tools to help them succeed in their positions and provide quality teaching that prepares students for leadership.

2. What are the important qualities of a good teacher?

A teacher needs to have several qualities to be considered effective. Some basic ones include empathy, patience, and love for teaching. Efficient communication skills, innovation and flexibility to meet the needs of different learners are crucial. It is important to note that knowledge of the subject matter and the means of capturing and encouraging the students’ attention are vital in forming an inspiring learning atmosphere.

3. What are key concepts in teaching?

Teaching is a complex process that includes several concepts. It is important to know that every student has different requirements. Creating interesting and effective instruction and giving feedback on students’ work progress also gives them important chances to succeed; good teaching also includes working practice components for student development.

4. What are the six components of effective teaching?

Teaching is the process of telling exciting stories and encouraging students. It is an art that comprises many elements that have to be well-balanced. Consider it a symphony-to achieve perfect harmony, every part has to function properly. These key components include:

• Knowing your stuff: It is very important to have knowledge of the topic that you are teaching. You should be in a position to explain the concepts in detail, answer the questions, and make students appreciate learning.
• Planning your lessons like a master chef: Just like the chef preparing a meal, you should prepare your lessons in advance. This entails the following: aim and objectives/ goals, teaching methods used, and materials to be used.
• Bringing your lessons to life: This is where the ideas turn into the magic wand! Your presentation should be fascinating; it can be through dramatization, vivid narration, or the use of technological aids.
• Checking for understanding: You should always make sure that the students are with you with the concepts. This could be by means of quizzes, discussions, observations or even by asking very keen questions.
• Creating a positive classroom environment: Organization is the key to successful learning in any classroom. It is to cultivate a culture of community, to build a culture of respect and to cultivate an atmosphere where every student would feel comfortable.
• Continuous learning and growth: Teaching is not something that can be done and then completed in a few years. It means that one has to keep on learning, reflect on what one is doing, and adjust his or her teaching to the needs of the students.

5. How can you improve the quality of teaching and learning in the classroom?

Let’s consider a classroom that is not only based on the input of knowledge but also the output – discovering, experiencing, and creating. To create such an environment, we must shift away from conventional teaching methods and incorporate innovative strategies.

• Spice things up: This means one should integrate activities that include class participation, practical exercises and simulations, and role play to ensure the learner is involved.
• Embrace the power of technology: digital tools, online resources and interactive whiteboards should be used to enhance the delivery of the teaching and learning process and make information easily available to the students.
• Provide meaningful feedback: This means that one should give particular and useful feedback that can enable the students to know their scores, achievements and challenges in their tests.
• Create an inclusive and supportive environment: Make it certain that every student feels important and that their opinions are of value and may be shared in class.
• Encourage student-centred learning: Move from the traditional method of teaching, where the teacher does all the work, to a method where students are involved in the learning process.
• Never stop learning: Always look for ways to enhance your teaching skills and attend workshops or seminars from time to time in order to upgrade on the new strategies in teaching.

6. How to improve learning in the classroom?

Developing a great learning atmosphere is like developing a great work of art. It entails planning, innovation, and understanding of students’ needs.

• Make it engaging: Ensure that you employ a number of approaches to make sure that students are well engaged.
• Spark curiosity: Promote questions, facilitate discussions and generate opportunities for learning.
• Provide personalized support: Address the needs of the various learners and ensure that one is able to offer individual attention when needed.
• Create a positive and supportive atmosphere: Foster the spirit of community and ensure that each student is appreciated and accepted in the community.

7. What are the 5 methods of teaching?

• Lecture Method: The teacher explains the content while students listen.
• Discussion Method: Students and teachers discuss topics to explore ideas and understand concepts.
• Demonstration Method: The teacher shows how something works or is done.
• Inquiry-Based Method: Students explore and investigate to discover answers and solutions.
• Collaborative Method: Students work together on tasks or projects to learn from each other.