Planning for effective teaching
EFFECTIVE teaching results in student learning. Ensuring that all students learn is the most important aspect of teaching, but effective teaching ensures that learning is purposeful and deliberate. Teachers must know what students need to learn, how to best teach it, and how to tell if they have learned it. All these are possible if the teacher devices a lesson or activity plan for each teaching session.
Planning ahead is beneficial in attaining success in any endeavor. This process, also called forethought, involves thinking about and organizing the activities required to accomplish a desired objective. It consists of creating and maintaining a plan, such as psychological aspects that require conceptual skill.
Furthermore, planning gives the teacher greater assurance and greater freedom in teaching. The teacher who has planned his lesson wisely, enters the room without anxiety, ready to embark with confidence upon a job he understands and set to carry it with a man-like conclusion.
Having a plan for what learning will take place in the classroom each day is a key characteristic of effective teaching. Creating such plan involves setting realistic goals, deciding how to incorporate course textbooks and other required materials, and developing activities that will promote learning.
Planning ahead applies to both novice and veteran teachers. Teachers who are new in teaching must ensure they stay a few steps ahead in lesson planning and preparation. If the students observe that you are uncertain of yourself, it is likely that they may also become less confident in themselves. No matter your expertise in the subject, being well-prepared will be evident in your presentation and command of the facts. When students need help, you will be better able to meet their needs. Veteran teachers know that being prepared is still helpful to them because of the many changes in strategies and trends in education.
Visiting reliable websites, reading education journals, engaging in learning action cell (LAC) sessions, participating in educational meetings and conferences, involving self in research, and joining seminars and workshops are just but few of the numerous ways teachers can prepare and help themselves stay informed of vital information that are beneficial to them and their students.
By Xarex W. Banggawan