Effective teachers come in all forms, each applying various teaching methods and strategies that optimise the art of education. However, if we were to get down to the details, we’ll discover one uniting motivator between all teachers: The strong desire to impart knowledge. That is why it is so important for teachers to optimise teaching techniques.
Einstein once said, “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” Modern educators can accomplish this by refining their presentation methods, by understanding their own unique ways of teaching, and understanding the unique qualities of each student to get through to them.
Improving Communication
Thought expression can determine the effectiveness of teaching. As such, one way to optimise teaching techniques is to provide clear and meaningful presentations. Educators can clarify abstract concepts by rendering them into flavourful stories that are highly relatable.
Scientific research has shown that information is likely to be retained in long-term memory through meaningful association rather than via the repetitions of rote learning.
Teachers also have the opportunity to make subjects more interesting by bringing them to life through the power of narratives. Education expert, Melissa Kelly recommends, “to always maintain a positive attitude. Your language must support students and help them believe that they can and will learn.”
Engaging Strengths
Educators can perform wonders by transforming something strong into something extraordinary. This involves the art of strengths-engagement to optimise teaching techniques. They will identify the key abilities of their students and unlock their full potential.
CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) is an online assessment innovated by psychologist Donald O. Clifton, who believed that strengths engagement was the ideal way to optimise performance. There are 34 talent themes identified through the Clifton method. These talent themes uncover how people uniquely think, feel, and act, and people develop their unique strengths through uncovering their talents.
Education writer Janelle Cox suggests that to become a better teacher, you must first identify what you’re naturally good at (which happens to be the main concept behind the CliftonStrengths assessment). Cox recommends reviewing character traits such as results-orientation, structure, and flexibility, to define your optimal teaching approach.
Being Self-assured
Self-assurance facilitates self-confidence and discipline in an individual. Educators should conduct their lessons with an unwavering conviction that serves dual purposes. They’re there to impart knowledge in a consistent and guided manner while serving as an inspiring role model for their students.
NIE Research scientist, Dr. Josh Wang, and research assistant Natalie Lim acquired some insightful findings on self-assurance in their study of low progress students. Lim shares, “Students are able to pick up their teacher’s vibes”.
Wang adds, “ Our findings also reveal that the high-efficacy teachers were more capable of employing effective strategies in giving instructions, engaging LP students and managing their classrooms than the low-efficacy teachers.”
CliftonStrengths in Education
Unfortunately, most educators are unaware of their unique strengths due to a lack of qualifying tests.
The CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) can help establish and enhance the natural talents of educators to refine their teaching proficiencies and help them teach the way they uniquely do best. With the CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder), every lesson will be steered to engage, educate and inspire.
StrengthsAsia has helped many individual and corporate clients all throughout the region in identifying and maximizing their talents, in driving engagement and increasing motivation in their work and life.
If you want to learn more about the 34 talent themes or discover how you can apply your talent themes in the areas of your work and your life, feel free to reach out to us here.
A devotee at the altar of language and a celebrant of expression. Laurenzo has written for various SMEs, MNCs, startups and international brands over the last three years. He specializes in topics of psychology, lifestyle, employee management, and digital trends.