What do we really need to be effective in our Teaching?

Teaching and learning can be fun, but at the same time hard. It depends on how we conduct lessons.

Teaching can be significant for both students and learners as long as we take some basic, but vital elements into account.

Here are only three of the many elements we need to keep in mind for being successful in our teaching as well as a chart with some statements about teaching which I want to share today, based on my own teaching experiences.

1. We work with humans, not with machines.

This means we have to deal with emotions, reactions and moods. A good teacher doesn't judge, but understands and creates a positive environment for learning.

Then, what qualities or virtues do we the teachers need to possess to be able to deal with human emotions successfully? I would say a good sense of humour, respect, sensitivity, understanding, listening, love and patience and more patience and more patience and more patience.

2. Build rapport.

Build a relationship of mutual respect with your learners. Being distant will create barriers that put learning away from your students. On the contrary being close to your students will build a path for real communication. 

Socialise with your students both inside and outside the classrrom.

Talk together about the things you like or dislike, also talk about the things you have in common and the things you want to achieve in a short or long term.

Effective teachers know how to make a classrroom a comfortable place to be, a place where there are no outsiders, but learners with a sense of belonging.

A "Did you watch the football match yesterday?" can create a lot of opportunities to socialise and make the classroom an interesting place for learners.

3. Focus on your students strenghts, not their weaknesses.

Who doesn't like to be praised? Everybody does, but we need to be and look authentic when praising learners. 

A "Good job" with no real reason doesn't really make students feel a sense of progress.

Effective teachers focus on their students' achievements rather than on their failures.

 Students feel eager to contribute more if they feel valued and supported. 

So why not be more positive when giving feedback? Just give it a try!