I still remember my first day in the classroom. I was drenched in sweat, my mind a complete blank. One question kept echoing in my head: "What am I doing here?" That day, instead of teaching, my 12th-grade students and I simply talked. We got to know each other. By the end of the day, I asked myself, "How can I become a better teacher?" Looking back, here are some tips I wish I had known before stepping into that classroom.
Engage in Regular Self-Reflection
When the ball gets rolling at the beginning of the academic year, we get lost in the flurry of activities and rarely pause to take note of things that went well or did not go well. Setting aside a few minutes of your time to reflect will surely improve your teaching. Also, seek feedback from your students. You will be surprised at what they notice. Self-reflection often leads to the realisation that seeking help is important to one's growth.
Mentorship/Collaboration
Feel free to seek advice from more experienced colleagues. They’ve likely faced and solved similar challenges in their classrooms. Collaboration can also be incredibly powerful; co-planning lessons or observing other teachers’ classrooms can provide fresh insights. A simple question can open doors to new perspectives and practical solutions. The idea that more cooks spoil the soup does not apply here.
Master Classroom Management
Develop clear routines in your classroom. Students learn best when there are no distractions and no room for confusion. Collaborate with your students to set rules and consequences. Remember to balance firmness with love and compassion.
Empower Your Students
Students have so much potential but some teachers stifle their students. Use a variety of strategies like project-based learning, student-led discussions and group work, to make learning more engaging and student-centred. Become a facilitator, a guide; don't be that teacher that spoon-feeds their students. Your students will develop their curiosity, critical thinking and confidence.
Invest in Professional Development
Stay current with educational trends and methods by attending workshops, taking courses, or reading about pedagogy. There are many resources online, including this site, to broaden your knowledge base. The more you learn, the more effective your teaching will be.
Prioritise Self-care
Let’s face it, teaching is exhausting. Everybody thinks teachers have it easy but you and I know we spend hours of our personal time grading papers, creating new resources for lessons or responding to parent emails. It is very essential to take care of your physical and mental health. Establish boundaries, rest and find time to relax with friends and family. Your students will thank you for it.
Remember, a healthy teacher is an effective teacher. By implementing these tips, you will be on your way to becoming a teacher your students need.
Very helpful tips. Thank you Ellis
Nice piece Ellis. Thanks for sharing.
Ellis's piece is notably insightful, drawing from personal experiences as a novice educator. This is precisely why I have initiated a training program for intern teachers at my institution, aimed at fostering a teaching philosophy or educational philosophy before they step into the classroom. It is imperative to approach teaching with a comprehensive understanding of its essence, which should be supported by a blend of historical educational theories and contemporary practices. The advancement of personal care is crucial for teachers; they must be well to impart knowledge effectively. Teaching is fundamentally a collaborative endeavor; it is of utmost importance to work alongside fellow educators not only to refine one's own skills but also to ensure that students reach their highest…
Woow ....excellent read.
Making some notes
Thank you
Fantastic.