Interactive Teaching Methods Used in Classroom

The methods of teaching have taken a paradigm shift from the archaic teaching methods to the modern day interactive teaching techniques. The one-way communication module has been transformed into a two-way communication process where a teacher/lecturer seeks active participation from their audiences i.e. students. This not only develops the interest of the learner but gives ample opportunity to a teacher to experiment with new techniques and methods of teaching. An active interaction incorporating series of activities amongst the students or between a student-teacher makes even a boring topic or a lesson more interesting for the students.

Modern day educationists truly believe that outdated teaching methods are by gone and a switch must be made to interactive teaching methods, which is definitely the call of the time. Schools today need to put this into practice to make learning more interactive and fun for students.

 Ways To Have Active Interactions In Class

Duplex Communication Technique
 

Teachers must observe duplex communication mode in class. It means students must interact with teacher while discussing a topic.  It does not mean that the teacher should keep on asking redundant questions rather should encourage them to come forward, speak, participate and share their thoughts on the subject.

Regular Discussions In Class 

It is not easy to engage students in the lecture every time. It is difficult to keep them motivated. Discussions while teaching is considered being one of the best teaching methods. It makes classroom teaching more interesting and more interactive.

Making Topics Interesting Does Help

No matter what you may do to catch attention of students but sometimes they just aren’t interested about it.  Challenge is to make it interesting for them by associating it to their lives and things around them.

Quizzes, Elocution and Demonstrations 

Quizzes, elocution and demonstrations can be held in classes to make teaching interesting. Teaching through live demonstrations is an integral part of the classroom sessions, providing an effective combination of visual, textual and PowerPoint-based teaching. It will provide unique learning experience to students.


Educating With Real Life Examples 

Teaching while quoting real –life examples is one the best interactive methods. This not only helps children to understand better but they are able to relate to it in an easier way.


For example, if a teacher is teaching computer science giving examples of the latest computers and laptops in the market or talks about Microsoft, flaws of windows 7, etc- even if they are not included in the syllabus. It helps students to understand in a better way.  Similarly, the teacher must focus more on practical application rather than theoretical knowledge of the subject. There is no point in memorizing hundreds of pages from gargantuan sized text-books if you don’t understand what it really means and how it can utilized.  Theory taught should be kept succinct, and extra stress should be given on the practical.

Discuss While You Teach

Discussing while you teach is considered as one of the best methods of teaching. It adds elements of interest and makes your teaching more interactive. Also, it provides a chance to students to participate in the classroom teaching and express their point of view in front of the teacher and other students.

A discussion in class involves the written or oral expression of varied points of view. It involves pool of ideas and thoughts which student shares with the class. An effective discussion can be kicked off after a presentation, project or an exam. It definitely helps students to understand the topic better. 

Teacher must make sure that everyone is allowed to participate actively. There shouldn’t be any unfairness and teacher must allot more chances to weak and shy students to express themselves. Also, a teacher must formulate a structure or form for discussions to students.

Things to keep in mind -

Friendly Atmosphere: 
Students must be comfortable in order to share their point of view with everyone. Teachers must make sure to create a friendly atmosphere, where varied opinions are accepted and presented respectfully.

Give Time To Prepare: 
Teachers must give time to students to prepare for the topic. They will be able to participate better and engage well in discussion if they have background and knowledge for the subject.

Regular And Continued Discussions:  
If discussions are held often, students feel more comfortable and understand the method of discussing better. Further, it boosts their confidence level. 

Design Protocol For Discussions: 
Teachers are required to act as a moderator while discussions are on in the class. Designing a protocol for discussions helps teacher to manage the class better.

Make Discussions Interesting: 
If discussions are made interesting it prompts students to speak out and express themselves. Also, it prompts them to speak with one another.

Small Group Discussion:  
Creating small groups of students for discussions is also a great idea. A teacher can create small groups in the class and provide students topics to discuss about.

Discussions In Writing:  
Penning down discussions is important in order to store important points for future reference of the topic. Also, while discussing teachers may use chalkboard to record the key points, ideas and questions.

Assessment:  
After every discussion, teacher must do assessment of the discussions held. Taking feedback from the students greatly helps.

If a subject or topic is taught using this method, one can be sure that student understands and remembers it for long. They grasp the topic well along with its meaning and terms.

Tips For Teachers To Prepare Syllabus

A successful course creation depends upon planning that precedes it. There are a number of things that a teacher must keep in mind while drafting a syllabus. The syllabus must be constructed in such a way that it proves to be useful for the students. 

Preparing Syllabus: 

The planning must be done in advance before academic session starts. A teacher must take time and outline the syllabus well in detail. The course goals, its structure, assignments, reviews must be defined properly. Also, syllabus is important from the point of view that it communicates your teaching approach to the students. 

Generate Interest: 

The syllabus should be student friendly. It should stimulate interest in students regarding course and its topics. It should be intriguing for students. Also, keep in mind that colleagues, administrators, parents and others interested in your course will read your syllabus. 

Reference Guide:

The syllabus also acts as reference guide for students. It should be an informative material, which students can consult from time to time. Also, it should contain logistical information such as course name and number, prerequisites etc.  

Presentable: 

The syllabus should also seem presentable for students. The layout and topography of the syllabus should be such that it becomes easier for students to comprehend. There must be an updated footer in the document. 

Essential Information:

The syllabus must contain essential information like - Course title, number, sources, name and contact information of instructor(s). In addition, indicate how students should contact you, whether by e-mail or by phone.

Assignments And Exams:

You also need to describe briefly about assignments and exams related to subjects. Include deadlines for major assignments, papers, presentations and projects. Even mention deadlines for any initial drafts and other preliminary work for convenience of students. Indicate the nature, date, and length of any exam.

Student Resources:

You need to list the resources for the students. Mention books and journals that students need to refer while studying a subject. Include information about any available lecture notes or videotapes of lectures.

Supplementary Material:

Also, hint students if you are going to provide any supplementary material along with the main syllabus. Also, provide tips for exam preparation and even online resources to students. 

       

Review the syllabus carefully with the class. Inform students if you plan to make any changes in the syllabus. Announce or highlight changes in the class. Providing sample question paper is also very helpful. Last but not least -be as specific as possible

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