20 Observable Characteristics Of Effective Teaching - 20 Observable Characteristics Of Effective Teaching by TeachThought Staff What makes an effective teacher? Or more specifically, what observable characteristics might you see and hear? The University of Minnesota offered some observable characteristics of effective teaching which, while focused on teacher actions rather than student learning, had some useful tips–not so much how to teach generally, but specific actions that you can use tomorrow. In “How A Good Teacher Becomes Great,” we theorized that good teachers “know which assessments are for “show,” and which are for “go”—that is, which look good from 10 feet, and which provide visibility for both the student and teacher where the learning needs to go next,” and that they model curiosity, collaborate with other great teachers, and “measure understanding in diverse ways.” Below are 20 observable characteristics of effective teaching. 20 Observable Characteristics Of Effective Teaching
Kids Speak Out on Student Engagement "Teens find it most interesting and exciting when there is a little bit of talking involved. Discussions help clear the tense atmosphere in a classroom and allow students to participate in their own learning." 2. "I believe that when students participate in "learning by doing" it helps them focus more. "We have entered a digital age of video, Facebook, Twitter, etc., and they [have] become more of a daily thing for teens and students. 3. "I believe that it all boils down to relationships. "If you relate the topic to the students' lives, then it makes the concept easier to grasp." "Students are most interested when the curriculum applies to more than just the textbook. "What I think engages a student most is interactions with real-life dilemmas and an opportunity to learn how to solve them. "I like to explore beyond the range of what normal textbooks allow us to do through hands-on techniques such as project-based learning. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. "Also, you can't go wrong with some comedy.
12 Must Watch TED Talks for Teachers January 11, 2015 TED is another wonderful source of educational and inspirational videos to use in your class and for your professional development. A few days ago TED released its annual list of the most popular talks of the year featuring a number of interesting presentations covering different topics (e.g ). However, the list we have curated for you below goes beyond’s TED official collection to embed some wonderful talks directly relevant for us in education. 2- How to Escape Education's Death Valley by Sir Ken Robinson 3- The Key to Success ?
30 Habits Of Highly Effective Teachers Editor’s Note: We often look at the qualities and characteristics of good teaching and learning, including the recent following pieces: How A Good Teacher Becomes Great What You Owe Your Students Ten Secrets To Surviving As A Teacher The Characteristics Of A Highly Effective Learning Environment How To Be A Mediocre Teacher 25 Things Successful Teachers Do Differently by Julie DuNeen, Sketch Note Via Janet Hamilton If you ask a student what makes him or her successful in school, you probably won’t hear about some fantastic new book or video lecture series. What students take away from a successful education usually centers on a personal connection with a teacher who instilled passion and inspiration for their subject. Are teachers reaching their students? 1. How do you know if you are driving the right way when you are traveling somewhere new? 2. We can’t all be blessed with “epic” workdays all the time. 3. 4. 5. 6. This concept is similar for parents as well. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.
New Teachers: Classroom Management Essentials Before I share my thoughts, I must make a disclaimer. If you’re looking for a magic solution to classroom challenges, the following will be helpful, but don’t expect major changes overnight. And please remember that a strong instructional philosophy (i.e., how one believes students best learn) and a well-thought-out lesson plan form the foundation for effective student learning. With all that said, the following are four must-haves for a successful classroom. 1. “We are going to have a test on this” is not something that usually inspires a great deal of urgency in most students. Nothing provides urgency for a student better than having to show others what they know. Finally, give frequent checks for understanding. 2. One of the challenges of working with young people is that they often want everything immediately. It’s also key that students realize the wonderful growth they have had by giving them opportunities to reflect. 3. 4. Actively monitor student progress and behavior.
30 Great Books for Teachers and Educators January 2 , 2015 Since its inception last year, our Pinterest board ‘Great Books for Teachers’ have grown so much in popularity with more than 16k followers and over 170 pins. During 2015, we reviewed a number of interesting books covering different topics from project based learning to teachers professional development. Some of these titles have particularly generated so much buzz in our PLNs in social media websites. Below is a selection of some of the most popular books we have reviewed in 2015. Check them out if you haven’t already had the chance to see them. Enjoy Self-development Books for Teachers 1- The Art of Learning: A Journey in the Pursuit of Excellence , by Josh Witzkin2- Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning Hardcover , by Peter C. Books on Delivering Successful Presentations Books on Problem-based Learning 1- Problem-Based Learning: An Inquiry Approach by John F. Books on 21st Century Literacies 1- New Literacies: Everyday Practices and Social Learning .
Strategies for effective group work in the Online Class This is the second post in a three part series on group work in online learning communities. Post one, featured why we need group work in online learning, and post three will be on how to evaluate group work in online assignments. Quick recap – why oh why do we need to create opportunities for collaboration and structured learning in an online class? Because… Collaboration is the future—collaborative skills are essential skills for the 21st century.Working with others builds upon existing knowledge. Great ideas were not created in vacuum —post one includes an excellent video about. Groups—my Dual Viewpoint I’ve experienced group work from the inside and out. Concurrently, I’ve worked with groups on the outside, working with professors extensively to create assignments and collaborative activities for students in several online classes at my work place. Create a student introductory forum in the first week, or even a few days before the course start date. Like this: Like Loading...
12 Mistakes All Teachers Make (And How to Get Past Them) - WeAreTeachers We’ve all made mistakes in the classroom. A spelling error left for students to catch or losing our patience during a moment of weakness. We’ve all been there, but the key is to be aware enough to use those moments to grow as a teacher and as a person. I love this quote, and I remind myself of it regularly—especially when I still find myself making some of the mistakes listed below. 1. When we start out, we are fueled up and can’t wait to get started. 2. Before stepping foot into our own classroom, we dream of having that beautifully decorated room filled with Pinterest ideas gone right and color-coordinated walls. 3. One of the biggest challenges facing teachers is classroom management. 4. I try to think of ways that relationships with families can help the classroom environment and strengthen student outcomes. 5. Teacher burnout is a real thing and unfortunately leads to many hard-working educators leaving the profession too early. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.We take it personally.