Learning is an experience that people undergo either for a short term or on a lifetime basis. It is not important whether you learn mathematics, or English literature or even rocket science; the importance is to enjoy this learning and make sense out of it.
Teachers have a formidable task but a surmountable one, of making the learning of even the most dry or complicated subjects, easy to understand and digest. It is quite agreed and even proved by many scientific studies on the psychology of learning that the quality of learning is very much enhanced by enjoying the subject the students are studying. This is often reflected in the short term by higher scores in tests and exams. Even better if joy and fun is the essence of teaching, it will be also rewarding to the psyche and intellect of the teachers themselves. In the long term the enjoyment of the learnt knowledge can give high yields both to the individual earner and to his or her community.
Teachers have to prepare themselves very well before embarking on the learning ship. They have to know their subject thoroughly. They have to analyze and scrutinize what they are going to say. Their message to their prospective students must he clear and defined. Teachers must anticipate what questions may arise from their students and what are the best possible logic answers. In addition to that, teachers must know beforehand some details about their audience. These include, the age of the students, their background, previous learning experience and their interests. This will aid the teacher to tailor the educational content for the best possible results.
Teachers in my opinion, must also have a role in the layout of the physical learning environment. They must select a quiet place, well-lit, clean and tidy, in order to early on the teaching process in. This place must not be damp or cold. Air draughts are not permitted in the class, but good air circulation has to be ensured. Inside the class, teachers have to arrange for bright colored painted and polished walls. They have to check the availability of comfortable healthy chairs and desks enough to suit for the students number and needs. Teachers have to examine the educational tools that will be used during the class, whether it is the blackboard, chalks, the whiteboard, markers felt pens, flip charts, overhead projectors, maps, slide projectors, computer, video with a television monitor and may he data-show projector; and ascertain that they are in a good working order.
Teachers must remember that the days of the grim looking teacher wielding a stick are long gone and condemned, because they are counter productive and injurious to the soul and minds of the student. A right balance between open-mindedness, freedom of expression, flexibility on one side and politeness, order, and mutual respect between the teacher and the students must be drawn.
Monotony should be avoided and the class should be kept alive with debate and questions. Giving examples from real life, anecdotes, and polite jokes will not only make the learning fun but can also aid in the solidification and deeper assimilation of the knowledge presented.
Monday, May 28, 2007
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