From Chaos to Clarity: Structuring Classrooms to Improve Student Engagement and Achievement
It is no secret that not all kids are interested in school. It can be easy for them to become distracted or uninterested in the topics discussed. So, what can educators do to help improve the engagement and achievement of students in their classes?
Form a Strong Relationship with Each Student
It can be difficult to get to know each and every student in a large class, but by making an effort to do this, students will feel more comfortable and accepted in the classroom. Teachers play a huge role in how kids feel about school, so if they form a strong relationship with each and every student, all kids will be more likely to participate and listen during the school day.
Give Them as Many Choices as Possible
Some teachers prefer to stick to a strict schedule for their class each day, but this can often cause students to lose interest. Students like to have a say in what they do, so if possible, teachers should try to give them choices about the lesson plans. If a teacher has two ideas on how to teach a lesson that day, they can ask the students to vote for which one they’d prefer. If there are multiple projects that could be done, they can allow the class to split up and choose which project they’d prefer to work on. Regardless of how it’s accomplished, it is always a good idea to ensure that students have a say in how they learn.
Make Lessons More Interactive
Sitting around and getting lectured at can also be extremely boring for students. To get them more engaged in class, teachers should make lessons more interactive. They can allow students to try things for themselves and experience what they’re learning instead of just telling it to them. The more involved students are in lessons, the more likely they will want to participate.
Always Offer Helpful Feedback
When giving students feedback about their work, be specific. Don’t be vague or hurtful when giving them suggestions because that will not provide any benefit to them. Make sure all feedback is presented in a kind way that is easy for students to understand. If they know exactly how to fix their mistakes, then they will be more likely to work to fix those errors instead of getting upset over them.
Be Enthusiastic and Energetic
As a teacher, no matter how tired or exhausted you are, you need to remain cheerful for your students. If you don’t seem like you’re having fun with the lessons, then how are they supposed to? Your energy is a huge factor in whether or not students want to participate and listen in class, so always try to keep a smile on your face and speak in a positive, enthusiastic tone.
Conclusion
If your class is chaotic and refuses to listen to you, then it can easily become frustrating at first. However, by following these few simple suggestions during your lessons, you can help kids become more comfortable in class and more willing to participate overall.