Ideas for Teachers Set B5

 CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT

By SUSHMITA GOGOI

 Principle 1: Rapport building

A teacher should strive to build a good relationship with his/her students.

 Principle 2: Setting rules, regulations and guidelines

A teacher should be well organized, make proper lesson planning and make students aware of classroom policies.

 Principle 3: Managing self

A teacher should have a sound mind and body; only then can they guide others.

 Principle 4: Encouraging positive student behavior

A teacher should foster positive behavior of students through processes like reinforcement.

 Principle 5: Use of motivational techniques

A teacher should learn to motivate his/her students intrinsically.

 Principle 6: Facilitate thinking and learning

Teacher should learn to foster creative thinking amongst his/her students and self-regulatory learning skills

 Principle 7: Develop social-emotional learning

A teacher should try developing inter-personal relationship and communication skills with his/her students. Provide timely counselling as well for emotional well-being of students

 Principle 8: Principle of assessment

A fair way of assessment should be used depending on the skills, ability and knowledge of each student. No single method be applied for all. This would help in generating equity. The teacher should also learn to self-assess through analysis and reflection.

 Principle 9: Setting conducive learning environment

A teacher should try to create an inclusive classroom and also ensure there is enough room for children to move around. A neat and tidy class always lays the base for positive learning environment.

Thus, for effective teaching and learning to occur in a classroom or the entire school if the aforesaid skills of classroom management are learnt and implemented by every teacher and the school authority, it would help in creating a safe and pleasant learning environment for the students which everyone aspires to have including the parents.

Teacher Competencies by Soumyashree Panda

Competencies are the aptitudes and information that empower a teacher to be effective. To amplify student learning, teachers must have ability in a wide-extending exhibit of competencies in a particularly intricate condition where several basic choices are required every day (Jackson, 1990). Scarcely any positions request the combination of expert judgment and the capable utilization of proof based competencies as does educating. For what reason is this significant? The ground-breaking intensity of a compelling teacher is something huge numbers of us have encountered. Instinctively, the connection among educating and student scholastic accomplishment may appear glaringly evident, however what is the proof for it? Exploration affirms this normal view of a connection and uncovers that of all elements heavily influenced by a school, teachers are the most impressive effect on student achievement (Babu and Mendro, 2003; Sanders and Rivers, 1996). 

As a pre-service teacher I have consider some of the competency to make the classroom more effective and to understand students and to cope up with them. There are lot of competencies such as: Knowledge of Students and Their Development, Creates an Effective Learning Environment, Understands Subject Matter, having good communication skill. Etc. I focused on communication skills. In School of education, I got a lot of opportunity to develop my communication skills. In classroom I have learned and improved my communication skills through presentation and also through regular talking with my peers. I will try to develop my other teacher competencies which will be helpful for me for my future occupation.

Professional Development for Mathematics Teacher

By: Sai Priya C.

Teaching is a profession and therefore like any other profession there needs certain development to see a growth in the field of profession. Present mathematics teachers and future forth coming teachers need to plan their work-life in such a way that they need to be proficient in their pedagogical subject. In this post I am sharing some areas that will help the mathematics teachers to develop their professional skills.

Some areas that will help enhance professional skills are as follows:

1. Reading: A teacher needs to do plenty of reading, be well proficient in the subject content and do some research within the subject to be able to cater to the needs of the students and eradicate teaching and learning problems

2. Group Discussions: As a teacher, one needs to be involved in peer group discussions which is focused on common topic of issues or any area of interest, that will promote seeking help in solving issues already existing and also develop an interest towards learning something new and more

3. Observation: A teacher needs to develop observation skills. Observing other teachers’ teaching skills, letting other teachers observe personal teaching, taking timely feedback will help improve self’s teaching skills, notice the issues from a third eye that will help them rectify and be prepared for future classes

4. Seek timely advice: Seek timely advices from expert teachers, colleagues. This will help one to be aware of some previous prevailing issues and find a solution as a team, work more efficiently

5. Take initiation and responsible to conduct and take part in group meeting, where there is more scope to learn new strategies, technical and teaching skills

6. Be reflective: Teachers’ need to observe and reflect upon the previous experiences that will add scope towards improvising. Writing a daily reflective journal will help the teachers to understand the flaws and successful working points on the day’s activity, that will come to help while sharing with new teachers’ seeking help

7. Continuous Learner: As teachers, one needs to be a continuous learner, take up new online courses, challenges that will help enhance their professional skills

8. Seminars Workshops: Teachers needs take part in seminars conducted by various schools, get an in hand experience in Workshops from around the state and country to understand various practices and implement them, later conduct such informative seminars and workshops in their respective school and get the exposure that will help develop professionally

9. Membership: Taking membership in professional bodies will keep the teachers timely updated on latest trends, practices and the issues pertaining to Mathematics Field, solve issues and share valuable inputs with others to that can help others in their issues.

- After all Sharing is Caring and Sharing will always help in Professional Development -

CREATIVE CLASSROOM by A SANDHYA

Being very creative as a teacher is very important in teaching and learning process. If we see even in blooms taxonomy create /creativity is one of important level to help in learning process. There are serval role models in world who has contributed in being creative and implemented creativity in different area, let it be Sir Isaac Newton, Estienne, mathematicians& psychologist etc.

What does creativity mean and why creativity is Important in classroom?

Creativity is nothing but thinking in different perspective. Making connections of once thought. And in classroom this is ever much required. Creativity can be in form of resources or non -form of resources also.

A teacher has enough of recourses like model, paper craft, newspaper clipping etc were a teacher can set up a creative classroom. This basically develops curiosity in leaning’ for example: A teacher can bring a 3D model to classroom and ask students to think and discuss about what are the different shapes this model can be converted into or what are the parameters do you think about this 3D shapes are made up off. This makes student to think.

Even if creativity classroom cannot be set up, but you can make students think out off the box. Teachers is the only instrument to develop creativity in student and create a positive classroom. For example: The way in which teacher ask a probing question to students itself is creative. Instead of saying “today we will be learning about water and its important ,maybe a teacher can ask student “what is water and why do you think water is important to us”? In this way a teacher becomes facilitator. In this way, teacher foster student to think in different angel and try answering different from other student. This helps student makes connections from different perspective and come to conclusion.

When we as a teacher creative certain environment that develops curiosity ,creativity and research in learning process automatically ,I feel students will do great contribution like Sir Isaac newton, Einstein, Aryabhata etc

Ideas for Teachers Set B4

  Addie Model by Nandini D P

Addie Model is one of the generic instructional design used to create instructional course materials by teachers for their traditional, online and even blended learning instructions. It is a systematic five phase approach which was developed by the Florida State University in 1975 that has progressed over time. It is simple to use, flexible, and versatile that provides an organised process for designing a new program with clear learning objectives, structed content, by integrated activities and media, and assessment to deliver the desired learning outcome for creating effective training and support tools. Analysis, Design, Development, Implement and Evaluation are the phases which sometimes overlap and can be interrelated for building effective curriculum. The model is iterative basis where evaluation phases contributes to re-analysis and further modification of design and development phases.

Analysis phase is the process of defining what is to be learnt, where Instructional goals and learning environment are established based on learner’s knowledge, skills and gap analysis. Design phase is the process of specifying what is to be learnt by the learners, by outlining the performance objectives i.e., create a blue print for the course. Development phase is the process of using gathered information to produce the course materials and learning activities for the learners. Implementation phase is the process where actual delivery of the course happens along with trainer’s training and delivery, and student assessment. Evaluation phase is the process of assessing learning efficiency, analyse course assessment results and advance instructional strategy and course material for determining the adequacy of the instruction.

Pygmalion effect by Rintu Tresa Varghese

The Pygmalion effect or Rosenthal effect is a psychological phenomenon wherein high expectations lead to improved performance. This effect is an interpersonal motivational phenomenon. I aspire to be a teacher who at no point looks down or demotivates students even by accident. This is not going to be easy to do considering the hectic nature of the job.

Positive reinforcement always leads to better results and those who expect more get more. As a teacher, if I expect a student to perform poorly, there is a high chance that the student will never try to perform any better. Robert Rosenthal defined the Pygmalion effect as “the phenomenon whereby one person’s expectation for another person’s behavior comes to serve as a self-fulfilling prophecy”. The early work of Rosenthal and Lenore among teachers and school students proved that teacher expectations have an influence on student performance.

“When we expect certain behaviors of others, we are likely to act in ways that make the expected behavior more likely to occur.” (Rosenthal and Babad, 1985). Excellence can be cultivated and nurtured. It is impossible to deliberately change one’s expectations of others but one can consciously change the way one behaves with others in order to bring out the best in them.

Constructive Learning by Suchaita Saha

Education is a potential tool to mold the minds of people making them capable to think rationally and creatively to bring about changes and advancements in the society leading to its progression. The notion of having a superior brain being the reason for better learning is disapproved. The traditional form of learning such as lecture method treats the brain as a device where it was considered if we feed knowledge into the brain like we feed data in the computer, some output will come out in the examination or in the future career. It is pointed out to be similar to imitation because I feel in this way of learning learner is not provided with enough opportunities to use their creativity and critical thinking skills. Compared to this constructive learning is a progressive way of learning which is more effective because the learner learns from their experience, an attempt is made to make learning connected with real-life situation, the learner constructs the meaning of their experience and then act in a meaningful way to bring about changes in the world.

Constructive learning provides the students with opportunities where they not only gain information in the classroom but become capable of comprehending that information, relate it with real experience and apply that knowledge outside the classroom. It presents the students with problem based tasks where the prior skills and knowledge of students are activated, new ones are acquired and their creativity, critical thinking and rational thinking skills are stimulated. It discourages rote learning and encourages original contribution of the students where students work individually as well as in groups and create something new. Constructive learning demands the students to do independent research which makes them accountable for their own learning process. Independent learning is a key for active engagement of the students in the teaching learning process where a love for learning is instilled in them. They learn to integrate their learning into their daily lives thus making their way of living more efficient and useful.

Students learn to reflect on their strengths and weakness, find ways to work on them and strive to attain all round development of their personality. A plethora of career opportunities have mushroomed in the millionaire giving rise to cut throat competition. Acquiring the important 21st century skills of communication, collaboration, creative thinking, critical thinking, rational thinking, problem solving abilities through constructive learning experience will not only ensure

individual development and progress of the students but lead to them becoming contributing members of the society at a global level.

Differentiated Instruction

by Sanchalita Mullick

Just as everyone has different fingerprints, every student has their own way of learning. Chances are, not all your students can understand a topic in the same way or share the same skill level. So how can the lessons be properly delivered to meet everyone in the classroom? Consider differentiated instruction, which is why you are here, a strategy you might have about but have not explored.

In this video, learn exactly what it means, how it works, and the pros and cons of it. What is Differentiated Instruction then? Differentiated instruction is defined as first factoring the specific learning styles and preparation levels of students before developing a lesson plan. Research on the efficacy of distinction demonstrates that a wide variety of students, from those with learning disabilities to those deemed to be of high capacity, benefit from this process.

Differentiating instruction may involve teaching all students the same content using a variety of instructional techniques, or it may enable the instructor to provide lessons based on each student's skill at varying levels of difficulty.

Teachers who practice differentiation in the classroom may:

• Design lessons based on the learning styles of students.
• Group students by mutual interest, subject, or capacity for assignments.
• Assess the learning of students using formative evaluation.
• Manage the classroom to build an atmosphere that is healthy and welcoming.
• Evaluate and change lesson material constantly to meet the needs of students.

There are four ways to differentiate instruction. They are content/ process/product/learning environment

The benefits of differentiation in the classroom are often accompanied by the discomfort of an ever-increasing workload. Here are a couple of variables to bear in mind.

The Pros are: For high-quality students as well as students with mild to serious disabilities, research shows that differentiated instruction is effective. And students take more responsibility for their own learning when learners are having more choices about how they can learn content. Students also tend to be more interested in learning, and in classes where teachers have distinct lessons, there are reportedly less disciplinary issues.

The Cons are: Differentiated teaching requires more effort during the preparation of classes, and often teachers struggle to find spare time in their schedule. The learning curve can be high and there are no professional development opportunities in some schools.

This was all about differentiated instruction today. Hope you enjoyed my video. Stay tuned!

STUDENTS BEING LABELED AS MISCHIEVOUS

by Nimisha Tom

The topic that I chose was students being labeled which results in bullying and low self- esteem. I took this topic because when my student asked me a question, “Miss, did anyone lend an ear to hear my side?” that hit me hard. My one month internship in that school was a real eye opener. People at times tend to have a prejudiced mind but I do not think it is a good attribute to say negative things about a class to an intern. We all are humans who are not perfect, even teachers also have done mistakes when they were young. I admit myself that I have done number of mischievous things when I was in school. I ran from my school while I was in grade VI without even taking my bag when I found my class boring without informing anyone. I remember cheating in my examinations, I also changed my marks on my test copy out of fear. But I had some good teachers, who lend me an ear, explained the consequences of such acts with love. I still remember they were calm and willingness to hear me. I realized the importance of having morals and values in life. I learned it requires courage to admit one’s mistake. I also remember my teachers in grade I, grade VI and grade VII insulting me in front of the entire class which resulted in me the fear to talk to teachers, discuss my problems, clear doubts.

I believe, a teacher is way more capable to help a student grow. During my internship, I got grade VI to grade XI to teach. While I was sitting in the staffroom, a faculty asked me that which class I am going to. To which I replied, grade XI B. He told, “Ah, that’s the most notorious class in the entire school. There are 28 boys in that class and every single boy got suspension for hitting a boy.” I was so scared to go but calling all the Gods, I went. I saw the Principal standing inside the classroom who was scolding them for making noise. At the beginning I was a bit strict, but later on I realized they are not notorious. I started to teach them using example from their areas of interest and gave them 5 minutes break before the bell. This were the tips given by my mother who is a retired teacher. My students of grade XI were not so notorious as expected.

But one day, while I was taking class, I heard some boys murmuring. I asked, who is talking and some boys told it was John (not the real name). I asked him to stand up and did not let him speak as I was in a rush to complete my portion. I told him to sit after 5 minutes. After the class, I called him to me, before my question, he asked me “Did you hear my side? Why no one is willing to listen to me? I admit I did a mistake when I was in grade IV, but that doesn’t mean that I will never change. No one is trying to help me but pull me down.” I became numb and speechless.

At times, we forget that students consider us as role models. I believe in give respect, take respect; irrespective of age. When a teacher makes fun of a student in front of the whole class, it is stimulator for the entire class to make fun. We will never know the wound created in them and how long will it last. Considering the fact that, they are at their young age and inexperienced, it is our duty to have a personal talk to make them realize the seriousness and consequences of their deeds rather than doing it in front of the whole class. Instead of labeling them, let us help them learn from their mistakes and gain their wings to fly high.

Ideas for Teachers Set B3

 The subtle art of applying positive and negative reinforcement in classrooms.

-By Dhanya Monson

In our busy schedule as teachers, we often forget the joy of seeing our students smile when we appreciate them and encourage them to do better. Positive and negative reinforcement are terms which are often overlooked but are very essential to imbibe good behavior and values in students. Positive reinforcement can be done in many small ways such as by giving the child extra lunch time, assigning students with some task that they would love to do, giving them certain responsibilities in class such as assigning them as monitor for the month or by simply exempting them from doing their homework. These small tasks can go a long way in making students realize that their effort is appreciated and to encourage appropriate behavior in the classroom. Negative reinforcement is often associated with giving corporal punishments such as slapping, beating, pinching, humiliating the student by making them stand on the desk etc. Negative reinforcement need not be such harsh words/acts that may scar the student emotionally and psychologically but can simply be practiced by taking away certain privileges that they enjoy such as cutting short their lunch time, giving extra homework to be completed, taking away the responsibility assigned to the student, if any or by canceling movie hour in classroom until students model good behavior. These negative reinforcement techniques can be much more encouraging. Students many not remember the content we taught them but they definitely remember the words that were spoken by us, teachers. Let us respect our students and teach them to be kind, in an unkind and chaotic world.

STUDENT-TEACHER RELATIONSHIP
-Haritha Babu,1931721,B.Ed A

Do you remember your favourite teacher from school? What makes them special? Was it because the teacher was able to relate to you well? Or was it because what he or she said made sense to you?

Having a strong student-teacher relationship enhances the student and teacher interest. It can solve possibly all the problems that the educations institutions face today, like- Attendance issues, absenteeism, drop outs, Toxic behaviour, relationships, life habits, etc. Having a teacher with whom the students can share all their views and problems- both academic and personal can help increase not only the liking towards the teacher, but also towards the subject. It will enhance the academic achievement of the students.

Not only does the students benefit from it, but also teachers. Once they know that they have built a good rapport with their students, they will have a yearning to teach the students better and be better prepared for the class. On the whole, a strong and positive student-teacher relationship can be beneficial to all the stake holders of education.

A good student-teacher relationship can be developed by simple means like, remembering the student’s names, finding extra time to converse with them, getting to know them personally and academically, etc.

Anything above a certain limit can be dangerous and so is a student-teacher relationship. Both the teacher and the students need to know where to put a full stop and maintain a distance. Getting into the teacher’s or the student’s personal life to an extreme level can be dangerous. Thus, a balanced relationship has to be maintained and made use of.

Inclusive Education by Harshita Pandey

Diversity is a fact and Inclusion is an Act.

Inclusion is not Tolerance, It is unquestioned Acceptance.

It is a belief that each and every child has a potential to build upon interests to share and experiences to build up. An inclusive environment is where students are comfortable to sit and share their point of views. All types of learners should be respected and are able to learn with each other. In a classroom a students should feel that each and every one has the capability to do things. In a classroom it is very important to see that every student is included in all the activities and programmes held in the school. Any students should not be left out. I personally feel Teachers always choose the bright student to take part in the activities. This should not be done there; each and every child has a capability and is unique too.

Being a pre service teacher I feel that it is very important to have a mind - set of inclusivity classroom and respect each and every student in the classroom. As a teacher I should use the technology in the classroom catering the student’s needs. As a future teacher I feel that all, the learners should feel welcomed in the class and develop on their own individual strength. I feel personally that I should know the students where they are facing difficulty and help them with it.

“All Students have some thing important to offer in the class room and that we really are better off learning”.

Experiential Learning by Kavya R

Experiential learning is when we learn from our own experiences. David Kolb, American Psychologist, and Educational theorist gave the theory of experiential learning. The four elements of Kolb’s Experiential Learning Model are (i) concrete experience (when we encounter a new experience), (ii) reflective observation (when we reflect on experiences that we have encountered), (iii) abstract conceptualization (what we have learned from the experience, that we have undergone) and (iv) active experimentation (when we apply what we have learned to a new context). The main aim of experiential learning pedagogy is to develop the knowledge and skills of learning through experience. As a teacher, I am aware of the fact that providing mere information to my students is of no use to them as it is already available on the web. I have to take up the role of a facilitator who organizes a conducive learning environment that facilitates learning and equips them with the 21st century learning skills.

Experiential learning provides a hands-on learning experience where the students are active members in the learning process. According to me, field trips are an excellent example of experiential learning. As a Biology teacher, a field trip was the first thing that came to my mind when I thought of experiential learning. A field trip is an educational visit to a new place by the educator and learner outside the classroom. These trips provide first-hand experiences to the students and will enhance the learning by bridging the gap between the theory they learn in class with practical knowledge. It is a good idea to introduce a new concept by providing the students with an authentic experience. Field trips present the students with the qualitative and affective learning experience that pushes them to think deeply, understand, and reflect on it. During these trips, the students get an opportunity to learn new things at their own pace and immerse themselves in the process of learning by making connections between what they have learned without being apprehensive about the tests and exams that assess them based on rote learning. Field trips equip the students with the necessary learning skills like collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. The students learn to apply the knowledge that they have gained through the first-hand experience in a new context. This learner-centered approach encourages learners to take ownership of their learning. Experiential learning pedagogy keeps the students engaged throughout the learning process, which accelerates learning and enhances knowledge retention. The students develop a passion for the subject and will surely enjoy what they learn.

Motivating Students by Meenu George

I am a teacher born and bred, and I believe in the advocacy of teachers. It’s a calling. We want our students to feel impassioned and empowered. – Erin Grewell

Teachers not only work in the classroom as a student assistant, but also as a buddy who can provide their students with inspiration. The teachers should be a facilitator, motivator, and motivation for students focused on Student Oriented Learning that can develop the imagination and understanding of the student. Motivation in teaching is an essential process of effective teaching. We have to understand the need of motivation. Inspiration and guidance in classroom teaching to make the teaching more effective. Motivation is a very strong factor for the educators to educate the people. If the motivation is powerful and strong, the rest of process will be easy and comfortable. Students affect from the different factors. They attracts by different things. If they find anything attractive and useful, they pay a proper attention but if they feel anything useless they get tired and bored. So a proper motivation moves them to grasp the lesson carefully and seriously.

The cornerstone of the nation is called the teacher. The teachers are like a model for the students, so their actions have to be the right ones in front of the students, I think the teachers have to be so committed to their job because they need to pass on their passion for a better classroom setting, so they are like a second parent because we see them a lot of time. 

I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework. – Lily Tomlin 

From my own experience, I have had such a wonderful teacher in my life. Eighteen years later, I still vividly remember that teacher’s name. His name was Shoji. He was class teacher when I was in sixth grade. I was generally introverted and never participated in any competitions. But sir forced me to take part in an elocution competitions held on the occasion of the school year. I was avoiding it because I had no experience of participating in such competitions before. But with the constant insistence, training and encouragement of sir, I was able to win. Over the years that followed, I was able to shine on the pulpits of the youth festivals. It was the encouragement and support that the teacher gave me that day that allowed me to achieve this success. That is why the teacher is still in my mind. Thus each of us should be able to become a teacher who raises and encourages our children. Through which we can change the life of each child.

Ideas for Teachers Set B2

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT SKILLS by ASWATHY MARIA SAJU

Back to school time each of us have witnessed to be a part of noisy classroom, and the teacher in charge rushing to the classroom and scolding us as well as punishing the entire class. This is the common scenario that happens during the school time. But have you ever thought the reason for why the teacher march to the class with a cane and scold us? The is answer is to manage the classroom. All that is required is the skill called as Classroom management skills. One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. Classroom management skills include all the skills and techniques used by the teacher to keep the students disciplined, attentive, organised, obedient, attentive and more over to be academically fruitful during the class. This is vital as it paves a way for the teacher to execute the curriculum development and contribute to the students learning process.

The educational psychologist Lev Vygotsky said that classrooms should be noisy. It doesn’t mean that the students must wander here and there and shout in the class. Noisy classroom in a sense that the students interact with each other and engages in the classroom activities. The teacher will put all her efforts to keep the classroom organised and will try all ways for the active engage of the students in the class. Poor classroom management will result in anger and stress burn outs for the teacher. The teacher come up with strategies to manage the class it can be in the form of incentives, praises, students framed rules and regulations, encourage initiatives, maintain a good relationship with the students and their parents as well. To implement the strategies in the full-fledged manner the teacher should be aware of the behaviour of students, should possess ample patience, good timing and a strong relationship with the students. I believe that it is our duty to ensure that learning takes place in a safe, open, and supportive environment, so that students learn the important aspects of developing and fostering positive relationship with others. The classroom culture can affect the emotional and social development of the child.

Innovation in Teaching by Mohamed Ayub

As a pre-service teacher, when I throw light on what makes an individual step up to the next level in his/her progress, various words light up such as knowledge, skills and applying these both in various ways to make an experience. Innovative classrooms are defined in various perspectives where some say fostering creative thinking in students, few say innovative approach in teaching by teachers and while others claim it is about innovative environments. In fact, an innovative classroom is a combination of all three. In other words I can say foster innovation through creative thinking, providing opportunities through teaching approaches as well as creating an environment where students and teachers can be innovative thinkers and practitioners.

I remember my Social Science teacher in grade 6 entered class and started with a question “what is money? Let us give 10 different answers”. Back then 40 students competed to answer various answers for appreciation. Now that I think back how innovative thinking was surfacing where students were thinking diversely to understand or approach a concept or problem. Innovative thinking itself means thinking differently for a given problem or given concept. One question put my thoughts in place “Would there be any inventions or discoveries if that one individuals or group of individuals had not thought differently than all others?

Pomodoro technique by Anne Swetha Nancy

 When you read about successful people, the one thing you find in common is their ability to manage their time. Time, does not wait, for anyone and anything; time once gone shall remain gone. Teachers shape the future of the society, instilling in students time management skill will make the society efficient. Time management is the skill that makes us successful.

The Pomodoro technique is a simple technique for time management. Invented by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s.

Pomodoro is Italian for tomatoes; the technique is called Pomodoro because the kitchen alarm that Mr. Cirillo, which was in the shape of a tomato. This trains your brain to focus for short periods and helps you stay on top of deadlines or constantly-refilling inboxes. With time it can even help improve an individual's attention span. This technique mainly uses interval learning, where the task at hand is divided into intervals, called pomodoro.

There are six steps in the original technique:

1. Decide on the task to be done.

2. Set the pomodoro timer (traditionally to 25 minutes).

3. Work on the task.

4. End work when the timer rings and put a checkmark on a piece of paper.

5. If you have fewer than four checkmarks, take a short break (3–5 minutes) and then return to step 2; otherwise continue to step 6.

6. After four pomodoros, take a longer break (15–30 minutes), reset your checkmark count to zero, then go to step 1.

During this technique the brain is in Focus mode for 25 minutes and is in Diffuse mode. The brain learners in the focused mode using the conscious mind, by shifting to the diffuse mode the subconscious mind processes the information and helps in better idea generation and higher retention.

Multiple learning styles by Rebecca S

Multiple learning styles Using multiple learning styles and multiple intelligences for learning is a relatively new approach. This technique is one that has only recently begun to be understood by educators. Traditional education used (and continues to use) predominantly linguistic and logical methods of teaching. It also uses a small variety of methods for learning and teaching. Many schools also focus on teaching based on classrooms and books, a lot of repetition, and pressurised reinforcement and review tests. As a consequence, we also class those who use these forms and techniques of learning as light. Many that use less preferred types of learning sometimes find themselves in lower grades, with different not-so-complimentary labels and instruction of lower quality often. This can cause positive and negative spirals that enhance the illusion that "smart" or "dumb" is one.

Many people understand that various learning styles and strategies are preferred by each person. Learning styles bring together different forms people learn. Everybody has a mixture of types of learning. Some individuals can find that they have a dominant learning style, with the other styles being used much less. In various situations, some can find that they use different types. The right combination doesn't exist. Your types are not set either. In less dominant styles, you can build ability, as well as further develop styles that you already use well.

There are seven different learning styles based on Howard Gardners’ multiple intelligence

The Seven Learning Styles

 Visual (spatial): They prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding.

 Aural (auditory-musical): They prefer using sound and music.

 Verbal (linguistic): They prefer using words, both in speech and writing.

 Physical (kinaesthetic): They prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch.

 Logical (mathematical): They prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.

 Social (interpersonal): They prefer to learn in groups or with other people.

 Solitary (intrapersonal): They prefer to work alone and use self-study.

Teacher’s knowledge about First aid in Schools by Joji Mathew

Children’s are our future promises for a bright future. So their care is that much important for a bright tomorrow.

First aid services in schools is an important concern for the safety of our children. Emergency situations will occur at any time because students are least conscious about their care but teachers should more conscious and always needs to open up their eyes on children.  Accidents will happen at any time in schools, in those situations teachers should eligible to take necessary first aid services for their children and more than that they are the main caregivers or protectors at school.  The knowledge about first aid services among teachers is a mandatory precaution to reduce the intensity or impact of accidents and reduce the risk of unintentional injuries after all the proper timely interference is an important aspect.  Teachers that is first care givers can utilize their knowledge in delivering first aid services until the arrival of health instructors. In this regard teachers should much aware and trained about ensuring the first aid support to their students at proper time. But majority of the situations are crucial because teachers are not properly trained about handling emergency situations in schools and they will be stuck in how to handle it.

Even in this 21st century we have almost all health facilities and a genius health instructors but we don’t have proper training or awareness programmes to our teaching community about the first aid services in schools. Here,   government needs to ensure a proper training system for their teaching community for creating a safer and healthier environment to their students for nourishing their future from the schools.

In USA the reputed schools provide a coursework on first aid services for their teachers before entering into service. They can join as a teacher only after the completion of coursework with 50 percent pass mark along with the practical sessions. Majority of the developed countries are practicing it. In this regard it is important to implement this kind of awareness programmes in every schools in worldwide because our children’s are our nation’s strength.

Ideas for Teachers Set B1

SOCIAL CONSTRUCTIVISM by Arul Princy J

What is constructivism? Constructivism is the basic knowledge that a learner construct by themselves through one’s own experiences. In Social Constructivism, the objects that we see or know in this world are mere constructs until people agree to give them a social meaning. Social Constructivism was developed by Vygotsky.

 Example: Nations are just groups of people who share language and culture.

                      Money is just a piece of metal or paper until people agree to give it a value.

For one instance, take our personal self, our identity is created by interactions we have with other people and the reactions to the expectations of the society.

ZONE OF PROXIMAL DEVELOPMENT

 A child has the capability to learn by itself.    But there comes a stage where it needs some addition of ideas, in other words a lending hand to enhance the cognitive development. Vygotsky calls this zone, where knowledge is developed with the help of others called as Zone of proximal development.

Social Interaction enhances Cognitive Development:

         Initially the construction of knowledge is limited to the individual skill range which then reaches the zone of proximal development that later enhances the potential skill range as a result of social interaction. In the zone of proximal development, the knowledge of the child is built from what is known to what is unknown through the guidance of a knowledgeable person e.g., teacher, peers.

Formative Assessment by Harshitha Jain

Formative assessment is a tool to continuously evaluate students’ learning and their performance. Formative assessment provides feedback which not only helps teachers to improve their teaching but helps students to improve their academic performance.

Formative Assessments (FAs) become too monotonous and do not test the multiple intelligence of students. Students end up doing their Formative Assessments with same old series of questionnaire or boring write ups. Here are 4 ways to make FAs interesting and fun to check students’ understanding of the concept.

1. Quizzes: Quizzes can be a great way of assessing students’ learning, of, how much they know of that particular class. Teachers can use various online mediums like Kahoot, quizzes, Socrative, Quizlet etc. through these mediums teacher has chance to determine how students are doing individually.

2. Dipsticks: This is quick and easy way to check students’ learning and they are referred to dipsticks, when doing a dipstick activity you can students to write a letter to best friend on what they learnt in class, Think pair share, draw a sketch to represent a new knowledge that they gained in the hour.

3. Interview assessment: In this method teacher can dig a little deeper to know the students’ understanding of content, also levelling up on the bloom’s taxonomy while involving students in class discussions, group discussions, debate, 2 min extempore etc.

4. Art as assessment: bring in visual art, drawing, painting, theatre, story boards, dance and music students can choose any one of these which they are comfortable with and represent their learning through these mediums.

I hope these tips helped you and always remember to try doing something different. A happy teacher makes a happy child. 

GAME BASED LEARING FOR SCHOOLS 

- Amrtha Srinivasan

Visualise a classroom with 40 students. You are the teacher and all you do is walk into the class on a daily basis and bore the students to death! You may think that is not completely true, as you are using Powerpoint slides, giving the class notes, reading out their lessons to them. Teachers, since time immemorial have got accustomed to practices like throwing a piece of chalk at the student who seems to have dozed off amidst their never ending, monotonous lecture which turned out to be a lullaby!

Game-Based Learning (GBL) is an interesting classroom strategy to have the entire class participate in the learning process. This is a method used in countries like the United States. India is a toddler in this regard and Gurgaon happens to be the hub for GBL as of today. Classrooms with the basic facilities like a projector, device and an internet connection or even through their computer labs can make this a reality. Free games that are present on the internet can be adopted and customised to meet the instructional needs. Colours and a little Animation can go a long way in getting children love going to school!

Games are played everywhere outside schools – Why not have them in learning spaces as well?

Learning Styles by Saif Khan

Every Individual is unique and so is the learning styles but we generally tend to

evaluate or compare an individual based on their marks and scores rather than focusing

on their unique style of learning and comprehension based on their uniqueness,

interests and capabilities.

There are basically three types of learning styles which I feel has to be taken into

consideration in a classroom setup. They are as follow:

Auditory learning : It is a learning style in which a student learns through listening. Here,

communication plays a very crucial role with regard to the auditory learners.

Visual learning : It is also called the spatial learning or visual-spatial learning style. It is a

way of learning in which information is directly related with the pictorial representation

or images.

Kinesthetic learning: (Tactile learning) is a kind of learning style in which physical

activities, role plays or demonstration plays an important role in the learning process.

Differentiated Instruction by Bhawana

There are students with diverse learning styles in a classroom. Some of the students may learn

better by reading or writing. Others may prefer to watch a video, listen to a recording, or dig into

activities that provide hands-on experience. Differentiated teaching or instruction is a way to

teach that matches the variety of learning style present in the classroom. All students have the

same objective in terms of learning. But the approach to teaching varies based on how students

prefer to learn. A teacher uses a range of approaches to teach, instead of using a one-size-fits-all

approach. Differentiated teaching aims to reach each student at their own level and enable

students to learn in the way that works best for them. Differentiated instruction is for everyone,

it is not only for the outliers at the top and bottom of the class. The differentiation can help

all those students who are in the middle, students who succeed in some areas but fail in others,

and students who seem uninterested in education.

Differentiated instruction has 3 aspects. That is Differentiated content, differentiated process,

differentiated product. Some examples of differentiated learning experiences around these three

aspects of differentiation are given here:

1. Differentiated content- At their individual levels of reading, students in a class read the

same article. On the basis of their own interests, students choose various science projects.

2. Differentiated process- Either by watching a video series, reading articles, participating in

a group discussion, or working on a research project , students choose how to explore a

concept.

3. Differentiated product- By writing a report, giving a presentation to the class, or building

a demonstration of the concepts in action, a teacher gives students an opportunity to show

what they have learned in a unit.

Differentiation encourages teachers to teach and offer a variety of projects in a variety of ways,

so that students have the opportunity to engage in different formats with the material and explore

different ways of learning.

Advantage of using differentiated instruction is that Students who are below grade level are less

likely to fall further behind, students who are above grade level are not bored with material that

does not challenge them, and students in the middle don’t feel invisible. This happen

because each student engages with the material at their own level in a way that makes sense to

them. Moreover, each student can take part in class discussions and events. No students are left

out of group activities simply because the task of reading exceeded their level. A healthier

classroom culture is encouraged by differentiated instruction. Differentiation teaches students

that one way of learning is not just right, everyone is different, and everybody has different

strengths! Students gain respect for the strengths and interests of their peers instead of labelling

each other as good or bad in school.