Learning in class involves acquiring knowledge, skills, and understanding of concepts in a structured setting with the guidance of a teacher or instructor. There are so many ways a teacher can optimise learning in the classroom.
Classroom teaching can be a very rewarding profession, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Some of the main challenges classroom teachers face include large class size, limited resources, student behaviour, time management, parental challenges, and professional development. Despite these enveloping challenges teachers are finding ways of making learning fun. .
Omotola Fashola, a primary four classroom teacher says despite these challenges, classroom teaching can be a fulfilling and rewarding profession.
“Effective teachers are able to overcome these challenges through hard work, creativity, and a dedication to their students’ success.”
“One of the most important ways to learn in the classroom is to be an active listener. This means paying attention to the teacher, taking notes, and asking questions to clarify understanding,” Kokoshe Festus, founder, Dee Excellent Tutorial College and classroom teacher said, speaking on active listening.
The educational consultant harps on participation in class, he added that students must engage in class discussions, ask questions, and volunteer to participate in group activities. “This will help you better understand the material and retain the information.”
Also,John Nsan, a primary and secondary education specialist and classroom teacher, says the following are essential tips to optimise learning: taking notes; take detailed notes during class, using your own words to summarise key points. This will help you remember the information later.
Review material regularly: Review your notes and class materials regularly to reinforce your learning and ensure that you fully understand the material. Seek help when needed. Do not be afraid to ask your teacher for help if you are struggling with a concept or need additional support.
There are many ways to make learning fun for your students as a classroom teacher. Here are some ideas:
Use games: Incorporate educational games into your lessons. Games can be used to teach and reinforce concepts, and they are often engaging and enjoyable for students. For example, you could use a game like Kahoot! to quiz your students on material, or you could create a board game that incorporates key concepts.
Use technology: Technology can be a great way to make learning more interactive and engaging. For example, you could use interactive whiteboards or tablets to allow students to collaborate and participate in activities. You could also use educational apps or online tools to create fun and interactive activities.
Create hands-on activities: Students often learn best when they are actively engaged in the material. Incorporate hands-on activities into your lessons, such as experiments, art projects, or building projects.
Use humour: Incorporating humour into your lessons can help students relax and enjoy the learning process. You could use jokes, funny stories, or silly props to make your lessons more engaging.
Use real-life examples: Connect the material you are teaching to real-life examples and experiences. This can help students see the relevance of the material and make it more interesting and engaging.
Remember that making learning fun doesn’t mean sacrificing the quality or rigour of your lessons. It is believed that by incorporating these strategies, you can create a classroom environment that is both engaging and academically challenging.
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