Helping Students Overcome Language Barriers in the Classroom
Helping Students Overcome Language Barriers in the Classroom
When assessing a student’s readiness to learn, an important factor is language. Understanding and being able to communicate in English is an essential skill in classrooms. For students whose first language is not English, language can certainly be a barrier. Limited vocabulary and language skills may […]
7 Public Speaking Tips for Teachers
7 Public Speaking Tips for Teachers
Public speaking is integral to the routines of teachers. Teachers must address crowds on a regular basis, whether inside or outside the classroom. In fact, public speaking skills are essential for teachers to connect and engage with their students. Not all teachers, however, are comfortable speaking in […]
What are SDAIE Strategies?
What are SDAIE Strategies?
As classrooms become more culturally diverse, it is crucial for teachers to be familiar with strategies that can help students struggling with the English language (English Language Learners). Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE) is a teaching approach that uses various strategies to teach academic content to ELL students.
SDAIE […]
Using Writing Prompts to Develop Student Writers
Using Writing Prompts to Develop Student Writers
Writing is a complex task, and there may be students in the classroom who struggle with the process. For some students, conceiving and organizing ideas may be difficult, while for others, the challenge may be the writing process – converting their thoughts into words. Teachers can […]
Effective Questioning for Reading Comprehension
Effective Questioning for Reading Comprehension
Questions are among the fundamental cornerstones of teaching practices. Questions can help:
Prompt students to critically analyze and reflect upon learning material.
Teachers review lessons and assess for student learning.
Engage students in the classroom.
Enhance student interest and motivation.
There are different types of questions, and it is important to choose and implement […]
Class Debates: Preparing for Healthy Discussions
Class Debates: Preparing for Healthy Discussions
Class debates can enrich the learning process as they:
Promote active student participation and learning.
Encourage students to improve their speaking, listening and critical reflective skills.
But how can teachers set the stage for healthy discussions? Here are some points to keep in mind:
Introducing the Topic:
When choosing and introducing a […]
Implementing Mini Lessons in 4 Simple Steps
Mini Lessons in 4 Simple Steps
Mini lessons are short teaching modules in which specific skills or concepts are taught. The lessons are generally 10-15 minutes long and target one teaching objective, which may :
Teach a specific skill set.
Elaborate on a concept.
Generate interest in a topic.
Clarify questions.
Incorporate a specific strategy into the learning process.
Mini […]
Preparing a Teaching Dossier
Preparing a Teaching Dossier
A teaching dossier is a professional document that contains evidence of teachers’ beliefs, abilities, and experiences.
Included in a teaching dossier is:
A statement of teaching philosophy.
A summary of the teacher’s professional experiences and responsibilities.
Any records of the teacher’s commitment to professional development and growth.
Proof of teaching effectiveness. This includes documents like […]
5 Tips to Stretch the Classroom Budget
5 Tips to Stretch the Classroom Budget
Picture this: a teacher has great ideas on how to turn the classroom into a positive and interactive space for her students. Unfortunately, the plans are put on hold due to lack of funds.
Inadequate classroom budget is a problem faced by many teachers. It is constraining, and […]
Integration of M-learning in the Classroom
Integration of M-learning in the Classroom
Statistics from last few years have recorded an upward trend in use of mobile learning, or M-Learning, in the classroom due to ready acceptance of this learning approach by students. Research has shown that students are more motivated and invested in learning when relevant tools are used – […]
