Learning Outcome #10:
Apply a variety of teaching strategies to develop a positive teaching-learning environment where all students are encouraged to achieve their highest potential
As Allen Mendler explains, “Teachers who vary their style of presentation and who are sensitive to the different learning and intellectual styles of their students tend to have more motivated classes and fewer discipline problems” (25). Motivated, well-behaved students translate to a positive learning environment for all.
One way to ensure students’ engagement is to make lessons authentic and relevant. Following the suggestions of Kincheloe, Slattery, and Steinberg, authors of Contextualizing Teaching, to achieve this goal, classroom instruction must be contextualized for students; in other words, students must be able to understand how this information is relevant to the real world, their interests, and real life. When teachers successfully contextualize learning for students, students are able to “see how the content can enrich their lives, and their interest will be aroused” (Mendler 25). Students will be much more motivated if they feel their work has a purpose other than helping them pass an upcoming exam or scoring well on a classroom assignment.
I employ several different teaching styles in my classroom, in order to meet the diverse needs of the learners. Students work individually, in pairs, and in groups, depending upon the particular task and objective for the lesson. I also have students write formally and informally, for the purposes of building both their skills and their fluency. We often have discussions as a whole class and in small groups. I integrate technology in my lessons frequently, as students need to develop 21st century skills as well.
By using several strategies and maintaining high expectations for both myself and my students, I will have a positive learning environment where students can succeed and strive to achieve their highest potential.
Work Cited
Mendler, Allen. What Do I Do When...? Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree, 2007. 25. Print.
One way to ensure students’ engagement is to make lessons authentic and relevant. Following the suggestions of Kincheloe, Slattery, and Steinberg, authors of Contextualizing Teaching, to achieve this goal, classroom instruction must be contextualized for students; in other words, students must be able to understand how this information is relevant to the real world, their interests, and real life. When teachers successfully contextualize learning for students, students are able to “see how the content can enrich their lives, and their interest will be aroused” (Mendler 25). Students will be much more motivated if they feel their work has a purpose other than helping them pass an upcoming exam or scoring well on a classroom assignment.
I employ several different teaching styles in my classroom, in order to meet the diverse needs of the learners. Students work individually, in pairs, and in groups, depending upon the particular task and objective for the lesson. I also have students write formally and informally, for the purposes of building both their skills and their fluency. We often have discussions as a whole class and in small groups. I integrate technology in my lessons frequently, as students need to develop 21st century skills as well.
By using several strategies and maintaining high expectations for both myself and my students, I will have a positive learning environment where students can succeed and strive to achieve their highest potential.
Work Cited
Mendler, Allen. What Do I Do When...? Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree, 2007. 25. Print.