Teaching Tools

Mix Process+ Content + Feeling to Create Success

• Process Defines the Method of Teaching. 

When planning a lesson, the instructor has many processes, sometimes  referred to as structures or activities, from which to choose. Large and small group  instruction, computer assisted instruction, and cooperative learning are examples. Each strategy can work with almost  any curriculum.

  The challenge is matching the student or students to a process that is most effective. The following video, made quite a few years ago as a student project, provides examples of classroom activities that  integrate student success and peer engagement. The content is reading. However,  each activity may be used across the curriculum. The Thirteen Activities link that follows includes directions for implementing specific activities.

Student Project   redirect link

Thirteen Activities    redirect link

Content

Defines what is taught

Whether a classroom teacher, tutor, or parent, there is seldom  an opportunity to select content. However, the instructor often has a choice of delivery. Following is a mixed  list of approaches used by many instructors. Rreaders are welcome to add  favorite methods  in the comments scetion.

1. Link the subject to everyday life.  For example, when learning about ounces, weigh different objects, such as candy bars, to discover if the package information matches their findings. OR Ask a question such as: What would happen if the First Amendment of the Constitution  was erased?

2. Create a syllabus telling students the timeline for reading each chapter.

3. Design a rubric stating exactly what students are expected to learn.

4. Make a list of study questions  telling students what they are expected to learn.

5. If there are questions at the end of the chapter,  instruct students to read the questions before reading the chapter.

6. If vocabulary words are listed at the beginning or end of the chapter, review the meaning and use of the words before assigning indepent reading.

7.  Review and discuss chapter  headings with the class before assigning  independent reading.

 

• Feeling is  the Most Important Component of each Lesson. 

Many stress factors which inhibit learning are often out of a teacher's control. If a student is hungry, has not slept, worried about being "jumped" after class, is expected to read a sixth grade text when he or she can only read on a second grade level, are but a few examples.  For those who want to investigate stress and learning, please follow the link below.

Stress and Learning  indirect link

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Structure and content  are available tools  to assist in reducing stress. Feelings  are attached to every learning event and have a direct impact on the assimilation and retention of information.

 

• When learning is fun and tension free, information is  easily assimilated.

Mix Content, Process, and a positive feeling tone to creat teacher/student success.