2 Teaching Tips for 2016
“Teachers need to be evaluators and activators.” – Professor John Hattie
We hope the New Year finds you ready to step back into the classroom invigorated and energized. At ERG we believe effective teachers learn from their own teaching, so we would like to suggest two simple tips as you prepare to activate meaningful learning in 2016.
- REFLECT – Take the time to evaluate what is working well and what needs to be tweaked or transformed. Think about your students’ individual needs, your behavior expectations, the class’ atmosphere, future goals and the methods for achieving them. Celebrate your successes and ponder how to refine areas of needed growth. Examine your students’ learning progress and plan with the end in mind. What outcomes do you hope to achieve and how can you make learning meaningful? Use the evidence you gather to shape your next steps for 2016 and activate a climate of quality learning.
- REFRESH – Welcome your students back in January by sharing positive expectations. The New Year is a great time to refresh the minds’ of the young learners in your class about behavior and work expectations. Research shows that students learn best when they know the expectations and take part in setting them. Remind students of class rules and routines and set the tone to strive for excellence. Exemplary educators have a passion for learning that is contagious, so let your excitement show and share it with your students.
Professor John Hattie states, “Teachers need to be evaluators and activators.” Take the time to reflect and evaluate how you are shaping the learning process in the classroom. Be flexible and willing to adjust the teaching methods to meet the individual needs’ of students. As educators we have the power to activate the meaningful learning in the classroom that can inspire a lifelong love for learning in our students.
Check out John Hattie’s video for a little inspiration.