Principles of teaching (B.Ed. & M.Ed. Students)

Principles of teaching—The act of teaching is very complex; in order to make an understanding of a concept among students, the teacher plays various roles that support creating effective teaching. Since teaching is a goal-oriented and planned activity that aims to modify the behavior of individuals. An effective teacher not only communicates content but also directs, motivates, helps, and evaluates students in different scenarios of context. An effective teaching process includes and is based on certain principles, maxims of teaching, phases of teaching, and levels of teaching. In order to improve their classroom practices and to enhance student learning outcomes, understanding of these concepts for teachers and educators is important.

Principles of Teaching

Principles of teaching—There are some systematic rules and strategies for conducting effective classroom teaching, which helps in understanding concepts very clearly. These rules and guidelines are based on learners’ aspects, and for teachers, it is a must to understand these rules and guidelines so that they get help during planning and conducting effective classroom teaching. Teaching principles ensures meaningful learning and good classroom interaction.

Principle of Motivation

Teaching is not just an activity in which a teacher comes into a classroom and starts teaching, but it is also about making such an environment in which students become ready to learn. There are many things that a good teacher keeps in mind whenever going for classroom teaching, for example, motivating students. Motivation energizes learners and motivates them for better performance. A good teacher always motivates students; he motivates them by praising, appreciating, and reciting stories of great personalities.

As a result of this, students feel interested and encouraged, and learning becomes easier. An effective teacher is himself a motivation for students; a student remains motivated by his way of teaching, knowledge, professionalism, and unbiased approach.  For example, a teacher uses a short real-life example before starting the chapter to gain attention and to activate students for learning.

Principle of Activity

In the teaching-learning process, activity has a great role in understanding the complex topic; it gives a real-life experience or lively experience to the learner. The knowledge gained by activity or doing is long-lasting or permanent. In the present scenario, class teaching is mostly based on learning by doing because it develops clear and deeper understanding. An effective teacher always keeps a place for activity during classroom teaching. There are some moments where students learns from learning by doing, for example, science experiments, group activities, field visits, role-play, educational tours, etc.

Principle of Linking With Life

Bookish knowledge is incomplete unless it has the practical aspects of it, so the knowledge gained by students should be linked with utility in life. It is a duty of a teacher to make students know about practical uses and real-life uses of the knowledge that is communicated among students. Teaching should connect with students’ real lives. For example, while teaching profit and loss, the teacher uses examples of shopkeepers or online shopping; it makes the concept more clear and deepens understanding. A teacher should always keep real-life examples during class teaching.

Principle of Individual Difference

In a dynamic classroom no student is similar to others; there is always an individual difference among students. Every student is unique and learns at a different pace, has a different way of seeing things, and has a unique understanding. As teachers, we should keep in mind that we cannot use the same teaching method or the same way of teaching style. As teachers, we should have knowledge of individual differences among students, and accordingly, we should plan teaching strategies. Every learner is unique; therefore, the teaching-learning process should be flexible. For example, providing extra worksheets to high achievers and remedial classes to slow learners is an effective way to satisfy these two types of learners in the classroom.

Principle of Reinforcement

I cannot forget those days of my school where teachers gave me stars and “good” and “very good” comments for my good work; these comments in our notebooks worked as catalysts. The more we get them, the more we improve in learning. This is how teachers reinforce students for their good work, and sometimes they put negative comments in order to improve and quit the bad style of learning.  Reinforcement is a psychological phenomenon; by giving continuous and proper feedback, the learning rate is enhanced. For example, a teacher can praise, give feedback, tie badges, give stars, and give appreciation.

Principle of Clarity

An effective teaching-learning process includes the transaction of clear, concrete, and accurate content so that true knowledge can be communicated among students. The content should be clear, simple, and well-structured before class teaching. As a teacher, one can use concrete examples, visual aids, presentations, and real objects for a better understanding of complex topics.

Principle of Revision and Practice

The repetition and revision of topics strengthens the memory of students; therefore, there should be continuous scope for revising the topic after completing it. This can be done immediately after class teaching, after a week, and after a few weeks.  For example, taking weekly revision tests, recaps at the end of class, and practice problems.

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