We all want to be the best, otherwise why are we even bothering?
So how do we go about achieving this? We all begin at different points but there is no doubt that however naturally gifted you are at something, anyone can become a superb teacher, who helps students achieve outstanding results simply by working hard at their trade.
Here is a list of things we should do in order to become the best teacher possible:
- Never rest on your laurels: Teaching the same thing every year is not only lazy but it suggests you haven’t tailored lessons for your groups. Choose a new unit or text to teach every couple of years to keep your mind sharp.
- Be observed and observe: I’ve been teaching for ten years now, but there is not doubt that I learn something pretty much every time I go in to a classroom. Even small tweaks in the way I communicate with students make such a big difference. Being observed also allows us to learn where we can improve/what we are strong at- so don’t be afraid to be told you can improve.
- Build positive relationships: If you were working in business, your class would be referred to as your ‘team’. So if we want outstanding results we simple cannot crack a whip and expect students to ‘come with us’ on our journey towards their exam success. I once read that simply asking students what they want to do when they leave school instantly creates a far more positive relationship- try it!
- Discipline: It is very strange really, but students like working with teachers who are at the very least consistent and the very most strict (but not too strict). So with this in mind, make your rules clear, always follow through but most importantly be fair.
- Take risks: There is no point in doing the same things year on year; you get bored and so do the students. Try new things with your students such as different task structures or even the way in which you differentiate. I think some of us forget what it feels like to be nervous about the lesson we have planned.
- Think long-term: Always plan from assessments backwards. What are you aiming for? How will you ensure your students are best prepared to achieve full marks? I would love to say that we teach students to love our subjects first and foremost but we are judged on how our students do in an exam hall.
- Marking: Whether you like it or not, effective feedback on a regular basis is one of the most effective ways students progress. So not only should you be marking regularly, but students should be marking the work of those in their room regularly. If you can train them up to be as accurate as an examiner then you know they are ready to take the test.
- Be passionate: If you don’t love your subjects how can you expect your students to?
Obviously this list isn’t exhaustive but its a darn good starting point.
Teaching Tips 