EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION

BENNETT D. LAXAMANA

Because students are diverse, teachers should do well to seat them in spots where they can be most productive. Then, they should inspire them to work hard, learn hard, and produce abundantly.

Teachers will then notice that their students will develop life skills and habits needed to be competitive with their counterparts.

Every day, there are teachable moments when students have opportunities to learn. This is best seen when they are asking questions, so teachers must make sure that they make time for this in each lesson.

Some questions which are off topic should be welcome so that students’ attention will continue. Most questions bring deeper clarity for learners, and sometimes there will be questions that elicit deeper questions and understanding.

There is what is called unintentional learning when students look around inside the classroom walls and read what has been strategically placed there. Teacher should put up student-made posters and ideas so that students can reflect on what he or she has already learned.

Another type of learning relates to soft skills, which will help students be effective in college and their careers. These soft skills take a secondary role and can be designed as the direct intent of the learning activities.

The key to unintentional learning is teachers provide opportunities for students to direct their own learning. When students are placed in a learningrich environment, given certain control over their learning, long-lasting and deeper learning can really take place.

— oOo— The author is Master Teacher I at Calantas Elementary School, Floridablanca West District

EDITHA D. ANTONIO

There are various ways which administrators can use to be effective in their jobs. First of these is establishing relationships with people and colleagues who care about them. It would help for them to get to know them on a personal level. Try stopping by a few classrooms and make small talk with teachers.

When communicating with teachers, your conversation doesn’t just focus on the job itself. Investing in these kinds of relationships will have a big impact on your administration, especially when you want to promote change.

Administrators, first and foremost, should never forget what it’s like to be a teacher. When they spend time in classrooms, teachers should feel at ease and not be threatened.

Be transparent with your purpose. Tell them you’re looking for examples of exemplary instruction to take advantage of their expertise during teacher-led professional development.

In the same vein, administrators should also understand others by doing less talk and more listening. They should take the time to sincerely understand where teachers are coming from.

We all know that everyone has something to contribute. Valuable ideas can come from anyone. When there is a challenge, face it head on and don’t take it personally. Make sure to separate ideas and opinions from the individuals who are delivering them. What matters most is working collaboratively to do what’s best for the children.

Educators nowadays should be looking for new ideas and resources from outside their turf. Make a point of connecting with peers on Facebook, and post articles and resources that could be of benefit.

After a few years, we become comfortable in what we do, so it’s important to not lose sight of the past and what got us there in the first place.

— oOo— The author is Principal III at Basa Air Base National High School, Floridablanca, Pampanga.