3 Effective Teaching Principles

Effective Teaching Principles

Within this chapter, you will find some helpful documents that speak directly to Course Objective #1 (Identify and consider effective teaching principles specific for your grade level and content) and offer invaluable suggestions as they relate directly to your specific grade level and content area.

Before we dive into the digital resources provided below, I would like to take a moment and consider what effective teaching involves. Effective teaching is a term used to describe the knowledge, strategies, and conduct of a successful educator. It takes into account one’s ability to make a positive impact on a student’s life and academic career, including the capacity to teach important lessons, introduce new concepts and manage any classroom concerns.

There are several benefits of effective teaching. Here are just a few:

• Help students achieve their learning goals. Effective teaching helps you, the educator, assess the needs of your students, allowing you to understand which classroom strategies may be most helpful.
• Increase student engagement in the classroom. Good teaching practices can help you design interesting lessons and encourage overall enthusiasm for the content material.
• Enhance the quality of your feedback to the students. If you use effective teaching strategies, then you can better understand how to measure the progress of your students and respond with relevant and accurate information.
• Improve your relationship with families. A student’s family is often an important aspect of their overall education, and effective teaching can help in maintaining constructive relationships.

There are also effective teaching habits that can help you develop your skills. They include:

• Enjoy teaching. Teachers who express a passion for their work can inspire their students. Engaging lesson plans show students you are invested in their academic growth. Students often appreciate knowing you are enthusiastic about the subject you teach, and if you model this behavior, they become motivated to participate more.
• Create a positive learning environment. Maintaining a friendly demeanor can help make your classroom space welcoming to all students. Teachers understand that they play an important role in a student’s life aside from their academic career.
• Connect with students. Caring about the lives and interests of students can help you build positive relationships. Although it is important to maintain a boundary between your life at home and at work, it is good to share some of your interests with your students.
• Be prepared. Teachers have a robust knowledge of their course material and spend a lot of time planning their lessons. This involves exerting a lot of effort ensuring a high-quality instructional span of time.
• Manage a weekly schedule. Teachers optimize their lesson plans to best use classroom time. Lesson plans often involve multiple learning steps, like a lecture followed by group work or individual assignments. Providing enough time during the school day for students to complete their work or finish an activity is important to you and to them.
• Use clear language. Teachers who explain complicated ideas in simplified ways can help their students learn more efficiently. This might involve using multiple mediums such as diagrams, slideshows, demonstrations, or supplementary videos. When projects are assigned, distinct steps are provided to address any potential concerns.
• Set reasonable expectations. Teachers communicate their standards to students and apply them to their own practices. Standards may be adjusted to better address different learning styles and ensure every student can achieve their goals.
• Adapt to different circumstances. Teachers who react with flexibility during unexpected events can better address the needs of their students.
• Find resources. Teachers supplement their knowledge from multiple sources. Stay up-to-date on new teaching methods, review academic articles, read books, watch informative videos, and engage with other educators through professional organizations.
• Reflect on practice. Teaching involves consistent reflection on strategies and conduct. Identify areas of improvement so you can develop your teaching practice and grow as an educator. Assess your instructional quality by listening to your students, their families, and the school administration.
• Have a sense of humor. Students remember more information when you add an engaging aspect, such as a reference to a funny character or film your students may know. Make sure your humor is not at the expense of another person, especially students.
• Offer practical applications. Incorporate examples of how to apply concepts taught in the classroom with other areas of life, especially in future careers.

These digital resources offer additional information that will be used throughout the semester as touch points for discussion and reflection opportunities.

1. 1. Carnegie Mellon University: Eberly Center – Teaching Excellence and Educational Innovation: https://www.cmu.edu/teaching/principles/teaching.html
   2. Northern Illinois University – Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning: https://www.niu.edu/citl/resources/guides/instructional-guide/principles-of-effective-instruction.shtml
   3. Cognitive Principles of Effective Teaching video #1: https://youtu.be/RQORWzw6bvk?si=pSGOSR8CzZRA4k6x
   4. Cognitive Principles of Effective Teaching video #2: https://youtu.be/W7J8Han3F4M?si=yAwtFt5vVTm5y1jK
   5. Cognitive Principles of Effective Teaching video #3:  https://youtu.be/5LdJaip6FJQ?si=eOqlef4S5zplBnKU
   6. Cognitive Principles of Effective Teaching video #4: https://youtu.be/9FCjrpzOuJA?si=llDqBGLJatkxpp3k
   7. Cognitive Principles of Effective Teaching video #5: https://youtu.be/y1QTaK2wmBQ?si=7kw53xtvNy8wQcyR