10 Ways To Encourage Students To Take Their Responsibility

Posted by teacher on October 19, 2011

1. Don’t make all the decisions

Allow choice. Encourage students to make decisions about how they learn best. Create opportunities for them to pursue their own interests and practise skills in a variety of ways. Cater for different learning styles. Don’t expect everyone to respond in the same way. Integrate technology to encourage creative expression of learning.

2. Don’t play guess what’s in my head

Ask open-ended questions, with plenty of possible answers which lead to further questions. Acknowledge all responses equally. Use Thinking Routines to provide a framework for students to engage with new learning by making connections, thinking critically and exploring possibilities.

3. Talk less

Minimise standing out front and talking at them. Don’t have rows of learners facing the front of the class. Arrange the seats so that students can communicate, think together, share ideas and construct meaning by discussing and collaborating. Every exchange doesn’t need to go through the teacher or get the teacher’s approval, encourage students to respond directly to each other.

4. Model behaviors and attitudes that promote learning.

Talk about your own learning. Be an inquirer. Make your thinking process explicit. Be an active participant in the learning community. Model and encourage enthusiasm, open-mindedness, curiosity and reflection. Show that you value initiative above compliance.

5. Ask for feedback

Get your students to write down what they learned, whether they enjoyed a particular learning experience, what helped their learning, what hindered their learning and what might help them next time. Use a Thinking Routine like ‘Connect, extend, challenge’. Take notice of what they write and build learning experiences based on it.

6. Test less

Record student thinking and track development over time. Provide opportunities for applying learning in a variety of ways. Create meaningful assessment tasks that allow transfer of learning to other contexts. Have students publish expressions of their learning on the internet for an authentic audience. Place as much value on process and progress as on the final product.

7. Encourage goal setting and reflection.

Help students to define goals for their learning. Provide opportunities for ongoing self-evaluation and reflection. Provide constructive, specific feedback. Student blogs are great tools for reflecting on learning and responding to their peers.

8. Don’t over plan.

If you know exactly where the lesson is leading and what you want the kids to think, then you‘re controlling the learning. Plan a strong provocation that will ‘invite the students in’ and get them excited to explore the topic further. But don’t plan in too much detail where it will go from there.

9. Focus on learning, not work.

Make sure you and your students know the reason for every learning experience. Don’t give ‘busy work’. Avoid worksheets where possible. Don’t start by planning activities, start with the ‘why‘ and then develop learning experiences which will support independent learning. Include appropriate tech tools to support the learning.

10. Organise student led conferences

Rather than reporting to parents about their children’s learning, have student led 3-way conferences, with teacher and parents. The student talks about her strengths and weaknesses, how her learning has progressed and areas for improvement. She can share the process and the product of her learning.

Steps To Deal With A Mean Teacher

Posted by teacher on October 13, 2011

1. Always do your homework. It doesn’t matter if all the answers are correct, but handing it in on time shows that you’ve committed yourself to your work. Teachers never tell you off for getting questions wrong. Always at least make your best attempt. They will correct you and still helps you learn.

2. Pay attention in class. Show that you are at least trying to learn the material. Don’t talk to your friends when the teacher is talking; this can be a huge pet peeve for teachers and they remember. It will end up on your report card if you do this often.

3. Take notes. Taking good notes is a very important part of being a good student. It will also show that you are trying to understand what he or she is teaching. When it is not necessary to take notes, make eye contact with the teacher.

4. Always bring school supplies. It’s okay if you forget once or twice, but if you are always asking for a pencil or a piece of paper, your teacher is liable to get angry. Or ask a friend before class!

5. Always be on time. Just as with the school supplies, it is okay to be late once or perhaps even twice, but the teacher is liable to get angry. Get a watch if you are regularly late.

6. Ask questions. Teachers don’t mind questions, in fact, they show that you are at least learning something. However, make sure that the question is relevant to the topic. Idiotic or random questions will surely not fly, and don’t ask questions that you already know the answer to, because that will just make you seem like you are asking questions on purpose so that you’ll seem really smart. If you ask a question and are told to sit down and figure it out, give it one more try. If you ask again and the teacher won’t help, be sure to ask a parent or other teacher for assistance. Some teachers think that if you keep trying you will “get it”. This isn’t always the case, and you should have help when you need it. Never be afraid to ask questions, because if you don’t actually know the material you will be in an even worse position. However, do not ask questions that the teacher has already answered.

7. Be polite. Refer to them as “Mrs.” or “Mr”. Call them “sir” or “ma’am”. A lot of teachers are sticklers for politeness. Give it a try.

8. Don’t argue. As rude or unfair as teachers can be, don’t argue or talk back to them. Arguing is futile. It’s not like the teacher will simply admit they were wrong because you said so. If they yell at you, simply apologize, and promise it won’t happen again. To deal with unfairness, rather then arguing, talk to your parents or guidance counselor about it. But in some cases if they are a bit understanding state your point even if you think they won’t agree with it, they might cut you some slack.

9. Speak gently, and concisely. Using gentle, kind words can help your teacher realize any faults within his or herself. Thinking before you speak, and thereby eliminating any “um…” or “uh…” sounds makes you sound mature and under control, which can help the teacher learn to like you.

10. Go the extra mile. When seeing the teacher in the hallway or outside of class, smile and greet them politely. If you really want to make an effort, say ‘Hello’ and ‘Good-bye’ each time you enter or leave the classroom. Before holiday breaks, bring your teacher a small gift, such as a baked goods. The gift can be a major turning point in your relationship with the teacher. Try to do things for your teacher. Stay after school and help them clean up, organize books without being asked, etc. Never gossip about your teacher because somehow, this gossip will always reach the ears of the teacher.

Small things In Life Shouldn’t Be Taken For Granted

Posted by teacher on October 12, 2011

Every week you get up, go to class, study on occasion, eat, party and sleep. This is the routine you’ve been caught in for weeks. You feel like you are accomplishing all the things you are supposed to while having fun at the same time. Yet, something is missing. Let’s look at this scenario again. Our theoretical college student has his or her priorities straight. He is having fun while making the Dean’s List and many good friends. Still he does not feel quite whole. What could be lacking? If you are like many students, you might be dumfounded as to what the problem is.

The problem is that there are certain things in life that we overlook and therefore, underrate. These things give life a richer quality, but because they are so small, they are often missed and underappreciated. We just go through our days in an endless cycle of living and learning without taking time to experience the good things we should not take for granted. Small signs of affection do not cost a lot but they can be worth so much. Contrary to the media, even if you do not know the person, it is okay for you to be thoughtful to another human being. Smiles can brighten up the day for another person, and they are likely to pass the smile on. Kind words and a good conversation can turn almost any bad day around. Think hard. When was the last time you had a really good deep conversation, and no, how you clinched your final game of Beirut is NOT a meaningful conversation. Moving on to the overlooked good things that you can appreciate with those you know, how about a hug? They are often neglected when it comes down to it and we don’t really know why.

From the guy’s perspective, of course manly men don’t give hugs, but with the right girl (or girls, don’t be afraid to experiment), hugs can be electric. When guys find the right girl that fits in the crook of their shoulder, they shouldn’t let her go. Instead they should take her to a massage class. That’s right, after a man learns to give a truly first-rate massage, he will, without a doubt, find a partner masseuse who will justify learning the best technique. That is one of the single best things you should definitely not overlook. Trust us. And for those of us without the comfort of a loving significant other, there are always your friends. Those are the people who know you better than anyone else (especially in the close proximity of a college dorm) and can always find a way to cheer you up if the stresses of life get to you. If we all love our friends as much as we say we do, we should probably begin to show it because we might receive in return. Small gestures again are a good way to show appreciation. Cards, phone calls and e-mails are all good ways of letting someone you care about know you are thinking of them.

Another fulfilling and inspiring suggestion for those bored with the daily grind of college life is creating something. Whether you are interested in art, cooking, music or any other variety of things, any form of self-expression helps humans put their feelings into material objects and in general just keep your mind off of problems. We can personally attest to this as we are actually paid to write articles about our opinions on pretty much anything. Also, especially this time of year, we should take notice of nature and all its elements. Fall in New England is unlike anywhere else and I’m sure all of you have taken time to notice the beauty of the changing leaves. But have you also noticed the crisp smell of the fall air, or felt the nip of a cool wind across your rosy cheeks? Have you heard the geese’s sometimes incessant, but always familiar, honking as the seasons change? We can take comfort in their constancy, but at the same time be alert to their unpredictability (mainly during blizzard season).

Nature can help make you feel complete and for all you slackers out there, this one is especially good, because you don’t even have to do anything, just relax and enjoy. Although these small things may be known comforts to many of you, it is nice to review them every once in a while. If you remember even one today, it may make a difference to you or someone around you. As the school year wears on, we want you to live up to your potential and spend each day to its fullest because, as they say, these are the best years of your life.

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Teachers Should Be Good Communicator

Posted by teacher on October 10, 2011

The teacher who is an effective communicator is able to communicate with students, parents, colleagues, administrators, and community members using a variety of formats and media. He or she uses correct standard grammar and spelling to convey clear information to various recipients in a way that is appropriate to the audience.

The effective communicator is professional in their written and spoken communications, and does not engage in hear-say or betray confidential information about students, their families, or other professionals. He or she is able to collaborate with other teachers, instructional aides, administrators and parents, and knows how to access resources. The teacher is able to use media and communication technologies to support their teaching. He or she is able to effectively use questioning and reflective listening to engage their students in higher level and critical thinking about the content matter. I believe that EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATOR is most closely related to REFLECTIVE PRACTITIONER, STUDENT ENABLER, and LEADER & PROFESSIONAL.

Leader and Professional

The competent teacher candidate understands that teaching is a profession, and each teacher has a responsibility to themselves, their colleagues, students and community to conduct themselves in a professional manner. Only by acting professionally will teachers receive the respect due them. Professional conduct includes being where they are supposed to be, when they are supposed to be there, doing what they are supposed to do as professional teachers. Professional conduct also includes ethical issues of student record confidentiality. Being a professional and a leader means working together with colleagues, school families, and community members for the betterment of their school and community. The teacher as a leader and professional also demonstrates through their own example the importance of being a life-long learner, through professional development and continually striving to improve their teaching, learning more about their content area and the world around them.

Reflective Practitioner

I believe a reflective practitioner is a teacher who takes the time to stop and think about what they are doing, how they are doing it, whether or not what they are doing is working, and what they can do to make their teaching even better. They are concerned with staying current with topics and developments in their content area and in professional education. The reflective educational practitioner continually challenges themselves to grow and learn.

Some Tips For Teacher’s Training

Posted by teacher on October 8, 2011

In the success of any school, the direct, central and most important role is played by the teacher. In a non-formal school total responsibility of routine management, marketing, accounting, registration, admissions, provision of books and stationery to children, teaching, keeping track of student’s progress, submission of monthly progress report to the headquarters etc. lies solely with him/her. TFA, therefore trains its teacher’s diligently main features of the Teacher’s Training Centre are:

1. From identified disadvantaged areas, suitable candidates are hired for training.

2. The trainees are given free accomadation during the training.

3. During the training period, a stipend is awarded to the candidates.

4. The curriculum is divided into the following core courses:

Quranic Teachings & Islamic Studies, Pakistan Studies, Ideology of Pakistan, English (Comprehension and General Written English), Educational Psychology, Pedagogy General Science, Mathematics, Communication Skills, Physical Training, Computer Science, Accounting and Social Marketing (Networking & Community Linkages) Public Health and Hygiene, Family Planning.

5. Enough room for co-curricular and extra-curricular activities is provided to rightfully nurture mental and physical abilities of the candidates.

6. This initial training is followed by update courses and training workshops on a continuous basis.

7. The teachers are awarded the completion certificates and sent back to their respective hometowns at attractive salaries to start non-formal schools.

8. The monitoring & Support Department at the Taaleem for All Trust keeps an eye on the progress and performance of the teachers.

9. With the support of the local community and under the direction of the Trust, non-formal schools have the potential to evolve into more formal setups in a few years time.

Communications and Success Are Top Goals

Posted by teacher on October 1, 2011

A parent teacher conference with your child’s caregiver is an ideal opportunity to listen and learn all about your child–habits, likes and dislikes, how he gets along with others, and whether she shares. Learn more how to ensure this time is well spent and positive!

Make The Most Of A Parent-Caregiver Conference

Talking with your child’s caregiver in a non-threatening, non-hurried setting is the best way to find out information that can enhance your child’s learning and growth. You might even find out some surprising traits about your child, such as he really will eat broccoli when you’re not around!

10 Tips For A Successful Parent Teacher Conference

The parent teacher conference is set. What should parents do to ensure the meeting is meaningful and positive.

What to Teach Young Children From the Bible

Posted by teacher on September 28, 2011

Young children can be taught the same Bible truths we adults hold dear, just in smaller pieces. Here is an illustration. Think about what you feed your little children. You give them the same food you eat except in smaller quantities and cut up into smaller pieces (or even blended). Now with the Bible, we can do the same thing. For example, the Bible teaches that Jesus is interceding for us in heaven right now.

Normally, we would think this is too complicated for young children to understand. But they can easily understand if you tell them, “Boys and girls, did you know that Jesus is talking to God about you right now?” In your Bible lesson, all your stories, crafts and activities can reenforce this truth over and over. As an adult, they may never remember when they learned, “Jesus is talking to God about me right now.” But this will be the first thing that comes to mind when they need it most.

Young children need to learn about the character of God, before they learn about their responsibility to God. Once they understand His character, they will want to respond to Him with all their hearts. For example, when they understand that God is love, and that He loves them, they will respond to Him in love.