Teaching Tactics

Rishi Ram Paudyal

Teaching secondary-level students may not be that easy for many teachers. However, with some strategies, it can be effective and productive. There is a saying, "Well begun is half done." There is also another adage, "Preparation is the key to success."  In order to be effective in the class, the teacher has to prepare his/her lessons well before going to class. The teacher has to decide what to teach in 40-45 minutes of class. In other words, the teacher has to determine what objectives he/she would like to achieve. 

After this is done, strategies have to be devised to achieve the stipulated goals. This controls the time that could be derailed. Next, the teacher also has to tentatively or even exactly (as the technology is available to record the time) calculate time to finish the lesson on time. 

Entering the class on time is of pivotal importance. It is respecting the students and giving value to the time. It also adds positive vibes to the personality of the teacher. It might be a good idea to elicit from students first before starting the lesson as it gives the teacher some ideas as to how much the students already know. Based on this, the teacher may continue with the same step-wise activities planned already or modify as needed. 

In the classroom activities, teachers should do their best to give opportunities to all the students to participate and contribute as far as possible and students' efforts should be acknowledged and appreciated. In the class, it's important to readily offer help to weak students. Equally important is allowing students to explore the solutions themselves and letting them go through the process. Mental exercise is very important for students to understand at deeper levels. 

Class controlling and guiding is crucial for effective teaching and learning activities to go smoothly. This should be done without humiliating or belittling the students. Neither should there be corporal punishments administered. It's always good to reason with students and build good rapport with them. It may be easier said than done but with patience and continued efforts, class controlling can come to good shape over a period of time.

Wearing proper outfit is also of vital importance. The society we live in has directly or indirectly set some kind of dress code for teachers. It is often heard parents saying, "They don’t even look like teachers." Parents, students and administration do take note of what the teacher is wearing. Dressing properly matters as the teacher has to stand in front of so many students. Improper outfit may distract the attention of the students. So, wearing hats or tight jeans or "hippy-type" outfit may not be well-received.

Another very important element of teaching is assessment. So, the teacher may assess the students' understanding while teaching or after teaching. Assignments should be given based on the lessons and objectives stipulated. Questions should not be formulated out of the blue to confuse students without any specific purpose.

Motivation and encouragement are very important for students. Positive reinforcement works like a miracle. The teacher should do no activity that demotivates the students. Finally, the teacher should end the class with some positive notes.