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Every teacher strives to be effective, but the
truly remarkable ones leave an indelible mark on their
learners. These are the educators we remember fondly, the ones
who ignited a passion for learning and empowered us to reach our
full potential. If you aspire to be more than just "good" - you
want to be great - then this article is for you! Here are some
unconventional tips to elevate your teaching and impress
learners, your principal, colleagues, parents, and education
officials alike.
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Embrace the "Wow Factor":
Great teachers weave moments of wonder and surprise into
their lessons. Plan an unexpected field trip, host a guest
speaker with a unique perspective, or create an interactive
simulation. A little ingenuity goes a long way in sparking
curiosity and igniting a love for learning.
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Gamify your Classroom:
Learning shouldn't feel like a chore. Incorporate game
mechanics like points, badges, and leaderboards to motivate
learners. Develop educational escape rooms or create online
learning challenges to make acquiring knowledge an engaging
adventure.
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Become a Feedback Ninja:
Ditch the one-size-fits-all approach to feedback. Great
teachers provide personalized and actionable feedback that
empowers learners to improve. Try video feedback with
specific pointers or utilize online platforms that allow for
interactive annotations.
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Celebrate
Achievements:
Recognize and celebrate student achievements, both
academically and personally. Highlight their successes to
instill confidence and motivation.
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Effective Communication:
Foster open and transparent communication with colleagues,
principals, and parents. Keep them informed about student
progress, classroom activities, and educational initiatives.
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Make Learning Social:
Humans are social creatures, and learning is no different.
Encourage collaboration through group projects, team
debates, or online forums where learners can discuss and
learn from each other.
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Flip the Script on Lessons:
Passive learning is a thing of the past. Great teachers
leverage technology and pre-recorded lectures to free up
valuable class time for interactive activities, discussions,
and personalized instruction.
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Promote Active Engagement:
Create an engaging classroom environment where students are
active participants in their learning. Use techniques like
cooperative learning, debates, and role-playing to enhance
participation and critical thinking.
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Adaptability and Flexibility:
Be adaptable and flexible in your teaching approach. Tailor
your lessons to accommodate diverse learning styles and
individual needs, ensuring that every student has the
opportunity to succeed.
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Embrace Technology, but don't be ruled by it:
Technology is a powerful tool, but it shouldn't overshadow
the importance of human connection. Use tech strategically
to enhance learning, but prioritize fostering meaningful
learner-teacher interactions.
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Build Strong Relationships:
Forge meaningful connections with your learners by showing
genuine interest in their lives and aspirations. Use
personalized approaches to address their individual needs
and foster trust and respect.
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Champion Creativity:
Great teachers believe in nurturing their learners' unique
talents. Incorporate open-ended projects that allow
learners to express themselves creatively. Host a learner
talent show or invite them to present their work in
innovative ways.
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Become a Master Storyteller:
Weaving narratives into your lessons is a powerful way to
captivate learners' attention. Integrate historical
anecdotes, fictional characters, or even personal stories to
make your subject matter come alive.
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Cultivate a Growth Mindset:
Great teachers believe in the power of "yet." Help learners
develop a growth mindset by emphasizing the importance of
effort and perseverance over grades. Celebrate mistakes as
learning opportunities and encourage learners to embrace
challenges.
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A Good teacher is one who teaches well, but a
Great teacher is one who enables the child to learn well:
"A great teacher do not teach us, but
they see the potential in us, they believe in us even before
we learn to believe in ourselves, they motivate us, they
inspire us, they give us purpose, they give us dreams, at
times they scold us (for our own good), sometimes they tell
us stories, and more then often they play dumb in front of
us, so that we can learn it on our own. In short, all the
actions of a great teacher are directed towards one single
thing - to turn their student into a great learner."
Jolly Azad
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Never Stop Learning:
The best teachers are lifelong learners themselves.
Actively seek out professional development opportunities,
collaborate with colleagues, and stay up-to-date on the
latest educational trends.
Remember, becoming a great teacher is a journey,
not a destination. And the only difference between ordinary and
extraordinary is just that little extra. By embracing these
unconventional tips and fostering a love for learning within
yourself, you'll be well on your way to inspiring and empowering
your learners to achieve greatness as well.
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Source:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-differentiates-great-teacher-from-good-jolly-azad/ |
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