Date:
Sunday, November 05, 2023
Author:
Matthew Whalen
One question that a majority of educators have today is, “how can teachers help students be successful?” The wealth of information out there can often overwhelm some educators, who get caught in analysis paralysis. Fortunately, it does not have to be all that complicated.
Here are seven simple but effective strategies educators can use to help college students stand out and discover who they really are.
Be Creative
One of the best ways to capture the attention of your students is to be creative and to think outside the box. Never be afraid to try and make the lesson exciting for your students. If you do this, you might be able to capture their attention and help maximize their results. Implementing things like role-playing, debates, and games can all be fun ways to keep your students engaged and eager for future lessons.
Provide Relevant Study Materials
There is nothing wrong lectures and tutorials, it is after all the bulk of the teaching content. But the majority of students will need some supplemental materials to help with their studies. A crucial way forward to success is by providing relevant materials in the form of e-books, online resources, and past papers. This allows your students to get a feel for exam-style questions and assists dramatically with their preparation. Students should be primed for the real world in a safe and efficient way by someone who knows them well.
Accept All Students
No two students are the same and you’ll often come across some that appear unprepared or disinterested. While this can be difficult to deal with at times, educators often need to adapt to the diverse needs of the classroom as a whole. You can start with an ungraded pre-test to get a good gauge of where the majority of your students are at in their studies. Based on those varying results, do not be afraid to try out different methods of teaching with your students. It will show them that you are flexible, that you are listening to them, and that you value their time as much as they should value you your’s.
Stay Up-To-Date
Some teachers often find themselves in a very strict routine. These routines are at the benefit for the students, but they can sometimes stagnate the teacher. If you’re wondering how teachers like yourself can help students, a simple yet effective way is to stay updated. Ensure that you’re aware of all the latest news, educational advancements, and technologies. By passing this information on to your students, you can also ensure they’ve got the most relevant knowledge to succeed.
Use a Variety of Teaching Methods
Repeatedly using the same approach may make it difficult for all of your students to engage with the lesson. The VARK model suggests that there are four main types of learning; visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic. To create the most well-rounded lessons possible, you want at least some of your lessons to cater to each of these four types. And, if you and your students are willing, you can go the extra mile and change up the methods methodically, refocusing the students perspective on how they are absorbing the information.
Set Achievable Goals
Everyone should have a goal, whether you are a student or the teacher. To engage your students throughout the semester, you want to set challenging yet attainable goals for them. Work with them to determine goals that they’d be happy with and how you can work together to achieve them. This can help hold your students accountable and allow them to reach their potential. Setting goals for yourself is important as well, and will bring you out of the routine that might be weighing you down.
Encourage their Involvement in Academic Groups
It is not uncommon for students to struggle with a strenuous workload and the stress of their unique lives. These hardworking, talented students could really benefit from interacting with other scholars on a regular basis. An example of this type of group is NSHSS, which is committed to serving the highest-achieving scholars worldwide. Involvement in these groups can allow your students to develop new insights and study methods that really help their results.
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