Sometimes, talking to a classroom is like talking to a brick wall. Although many students will just glaze over and transport their minds somewhere else, there’ll always be the odd pupil that’ll act up. Making your classes engaging is the first step towards keeping boredom at bay. By jazzing up lessons, your nightmare students will become increasingly manageable and more teaching will sink in:
Sitting
Unfortunately, a lot of pupil furniture is uncomfortable, and even the most diligent of students will struggle to stay focused during a long class. If you feel as if your students are dropping off, get them to stand up and do some exercises or use icebreakers to get your pupils laughing. Even an hour is a long time for sustained concentration.
Allow your students to chat with friends and catch up on their weekends. Language teachers can encourage children to hold their conversation in as much French or German as possible. English teachers could get the pupils to discuss which books they’re reading and what they like about them.
Talking
Gabbing on at your students for an hour only encourages them to zone you out. By making the class more interactive, you force the pupils to pay attention. Ask them questions, provoke a discussion, or get them to work in groups.
Every now and then, fire out casual enquiries – for example, a science teacher talking about the solar system could ask a pupil what their favourite planet is and why. You could then go on to discuss the properties of that planet. Make what you’re saying relatable to your students.
Over Complication
Always begin with the simplest explanation possible. Do not complicate things. Once you think your class understands the basics of the topic, you can then move on to more complex offshoots. Think of it as drawing a picture: first, you make the outline, and then you slowly fill it with colour. Overloading your students with too much information will just make them feel like they’re no good at the subject you’re teaching.
Uninteresting
So you think your lesson subject is interesting; it’s your job to let your students know it is. Be passionate. Show them the wonderful side of your subject. Don’t teach; sell! Even a maths teacher can get their pupils fired up about equations, if they show enough enthusiasm.
Classrooms
Leaving the classroom is a health and safety nightmare, but where possible, rustle up some school trip ideas. Would your pupils benefit from a hands-on, visual lesson? Even if you can’t take your class across the country, sometimes it’s a great idea to just get your students out on to the playing field for a class. Get them moving and learning. The outside air keeps brains ticking over.
Keep Up The Pace
Don’t labour over one aspect of your lesson plan for ages; keep switching it up. Maintain a speedy pace that encourages students to remain switched on at all times.
Author Bio: Zoe is a freelance writer who has produced this post for Knowsley Safari Park. Visit the website for more information about this great day out in North West England.
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