General Methods of teaching
What is teaching?
Teaching is giving information.
It is often defined as imparting new information to pupils.
There are a number of concepts in the field of teaching which cannot be understood by the
students unless they are explained through different means and methods.
The ways teachers impart knowledge directly affect the learning process.
The students have their own way of understanding and demonstrating the acquired
knowledge.
Students comprehend the presented information at their own pace.
Teachers use different techniques in order to enhance the students’ learning. Students
respond differently to different methods of teaching.
There are many teaching methods for children like questioning, modeling, demonstrating,
collaborating and explaining.
Apart from these defined methods, nowadays many other teaching methods in education are
being applied for quality learning.
The methods like role-play, story or games, seminars, presentations, workshops, conferences,
brainstorming, case study, educational trips and modern audio-visual aids like documentary
films, computers, internet, etc have been introduced in education.
These new technologies have increased the pace of learning and understanding. The new
technologies have also enhanced the capabilities of the students to research and logically think
for a given problem.
The Concept of effective teaching
It is global concept and recognized universally that teacher is key person of education
system and complete system of education revolving around him/her.
Quality of their teaching is an important factor in promoting effective learning in schools.
Effective teaching involves talking to the learners about their learning and listening to them.
St. Augustine quoted in Fisher, (1992) says I learned not from those who taught me but from
those who talked with me.
Aspects of effective teaching
There are various aspects of effective teaching, such as;
1 Effectively managing a classroom
2 Starting each class with a clear objective
3 Engaging students with questioning strategies
4 Consolidating the lesson at the end of a period, and
5 Diagnosing common student errors and correcting them that can be systematically measured
by observing classrooms and by asking students.
The role of teacher for conducive learning
environment
A teacher is performing different roles except teaching and imparting knowledge to
students.
He/She plays vital role in the lives of students in their classroom.
A teacher is role model for students because takes the care of students for looking any sign
of trouble, builds a warm environment and set the tone of classroom.
The role of a teacher in the classroom as a leader is to lead students.
The classroom teacher is responsible for creating a positive and disciplined learning
environment:
in the classroom
in co-curricular activities
in interacting informally with students
In this way, each student is challenged to grow in knowledge and maturity, according to
his potential, in all aspects of his life.
Characteristics of an effective teacher
1. Strong interpersonal and communication skills
2. A genuine interest in children and respect for their individuality
3. The ability to sense children's individual needs
4. The ability to be creative, imaginative, patient, energetic, organized and resourceful
5. The ability to establish rapport children and parents
6. Strong leadership and teamwork skills and a good sense of humor
7. A clear, pleasant speaking voice and the ability to convey confidence
8. Positive conflict resolution skills and the ability to handle stress well.
