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It is the dream of every teacher to meet learners who are eager to acquire new knowledge and skills. Studies show that when learners want to learn, teacher satisfaction and student achievement is the result.
Who would not want to teach learners who are collaborative, respectful, and always seeking solutions to the problems they face in class? Here are 6 fun ways you can use to nurture energy, creativity, and charisma in your class.
1. Show Your Learners The Attributes You Want To See In Them
Teachers who are passionate about what they teach, naturally make their learners want to love the subject as well. Be the role model in your class. You are the leader and learners follow what they see more than what they are told.
It is counterproductive to behave in a certain way and expect your learners to do differently. If for instance, you have set a code of conduct and standards in your classroom, be at the forefront of respecting them. You will in the process model the same behavior in them.
2. Point Out And Reward Positive Student Behaviors
Many parents and teachers find it easier to look at the wrong things the student does. However, you have a better chance of helping the learner become a better student in your classroom by noticing and openly reinforcing positive behaviors every chance we get.
It is quite simple to praise positive behavior in the class but it is a powerful tool of motivating students to try to be good in whatever they do. Make sure you point out to the learner the specific behavior that you found impressive.
Have a discussion with them and let them tell you how they feel whenever they exhibit positive behavior. Taking time to talk about a positive behavior with him/her will stick in their mind and it will be a reminder to keep the good behavior.
3. Let Your Learners Know It Is Totally Fine To Make Mistakes
For far too long, society has frowned upon mistakes. In the classroom scenario, making a fuss about mistakes and speaking as if perfection is attainable makes learners lose confidence and some might even start being rebellious.
Tell learners that mistakes are part of learning and a mistake once made should be learned from. Normalizing mistakes help to eliminate stress and anxiety. This way students know they can be themselves. This is especially important for learners who are hyper-focused on doing everything perfectly. If such learners think they are about to make mistakes, they might freeze and refuse to participate.
Some students also do not like the idea of making mistakes in front of their peers. You can create a conducive learning environment for all these learners by carefully explaining to them that everyone including adults makes mistakes. In fact, in many cases, you can only do better by making mistakes and learning from them.
4. Self-Reflection And Mindfulness
Look back on your teaching strategies and the response of your students to each of them. When you sit back and assess how effective your teaching methods are, you get to see things that worked. Reflective teaching will help you to only focus on the teaching strategies that worked. Closely related to self-reflection is mindfulness.
When you are mindful, you are present mentally and your focus is on the work ahead of you. As a teacher, you want to be wholly present for your students. Work on daily meditation to help you stay positive and mindful throughout your working day.
When you exude a positive attitude, you are naturally demonstrating to your learners your expectations. Mindfulness also helps you to remain calm and communicate more effectively in your class. The result is stronger relationships and learners who are looking forward to your next class.
5. Cultivate A Positive Rapport With Students
Irrespective of the grade or level, students will be more cooperative and collaborative if they feel they share a cordial relationship with their teacher. Surprisingly, building a rapport with your students is almost effortless and the benefits are huge.
To the learner and the teacher equally. Think of the things you might want to do with your own kids and bring that to your students. You can show an interest in the learners’ hobbies, organize a lunch together, celebrate birthdays in class, and participating in extracurricular activities.
To encourage free communication among your learners, you can install a suggestion box. This way, you show you not only respect but also appreciate their input in the successful teaching and learning process.
6. Create An All-Inclusive Class To Make Both Introverts And Extroverts Feel At Home
Susan Cain in her book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking pointed out that extroverts get their motivation and energy from interacting with other people while introverts, on the other hand, have their power from quiet places. Introverts what time alone to think and reflect.
In your class, you have these two types of learners and you must find ways for both groups to have fun and learn effectively. Have a combination of group discussions and sessions of quiet research. The group discussions will help the extroverts to thrive and gain energy and when the introverts are about to get drained introduce a session where learners can sit quietly and focus on individual research.
Even better, the best way is to offer learners options to learn on their own or work in groups. Be creative and let each learner thrive and bloom. That is the joy of every teacher.
Provide activities that engage and inspire your students to love learning and put their best foot forward. This way, you and the student will enjoy the process and find positive results.
Use these simple strategies and you have a huge potential to make your learners eager to be in class the next day. You will be more passionate about your work as a teacher.
Let us get in that classroom and light the fire!