How to be a good teacher or coach? This is a question whose answer could be of interest to anyone . It doesn’t matter what you do in life: everyone – sooner or later – can play the role of teacher, coach or mentor in the family, in friendships, at work or on the pitch . When this happens it is important to be prepared.
What the teacher is is more important than what he teaches.
Karl Menninger
How to be a good teacher or coach: here are 6 tips
To be a good teacher or coach you need to have fundamental skills . Let’s see what they are.
# 1. Use the first few seconds to connect on an emotional level
Stop for a moment and try to remember the best teacher, coach or mentor you have known (if you have not yet found an educational reference figure, in another article I have already explained to you how you can find yourself a mentor ). I’m sure your memories aren’t so much about what that person did or their skills, but how they made you feel . Somehow you knew that he believed in you and that he understood you by being able to grasp your potential . I will never forget my high school Italian teacher, and do you know why? It supported me and made me feel special by displaying unconditional confidence in my abilities. In short, he was capable ofemotionally connect with those around her.
Effective teaching is based on trust , and when it comes to trust, humans usually all behave the same way: we decide whether or not to trust a person from the very first moments of interaction . We rely on our intuition and the feelings that the other transmits to us. That’s why to be a good teacher or coach you should use the first few seconds of the first meeting to connect emotionally with your students . There are several ways to create such a connection – eye contact, body language, empathy or a sense of humor – but whichever one you intend to use, make sure you prioritize this above all else.. Before being a teacher, show that you are really interested in teaching.
#2. Avoid long, verbose speeches
Due to some movies, many believe that great teachers or coaches stand up in front of their pupils and indulge in inspired sermons . But real life is very different from cinematic fiction. First of all, a good teacher or coach does not put himself on a pedestal or in front of the group, but next to those who are helping . He does not give long and boring speeches, but only snippets that are lively and loaded with useful information . If you want to be a good teacher or coach, you need to be able to deliver short, concise and direct messages, addressing individual members of your group. Speaking indiscriminately to everyone is less effective than speaking individually.Targeted and personalized communication – aimed at the individual – also creates a greater emotional connection. What matters, therefore, is not the depth, the size or the wisdom of what is said, but being appropriate to the context, in order to get the most out of the other by lighting a spark in his soul .
# 3. Stay away from sloppy and vague language
One of the most common mistakes that teachers and coaches make is the use of too sweet and imprecise language. Often those who use this approach are not effective because they end up communicating in a bland and vague way. Instead, the ideal is to speak directly and concretely, specifying what you want from the other. To be a good teacher or a good coach always try to give precise indications that are measurable or observable, avoiding words that do not describe precisely what needs to be done. For example, saying “please work more closely with the sales team” is vague; instead saying “please have a meeting for ten minutes every morning with the sales team” is specific and concrete.
# 4. Use scorecards for learning
Life is full of scorecards: sales figures, performance ratings, test results, rankings, stats, etc. The problem with scorers is that they can take us away from priority: instead of giving importance to learning, we end up pursuing short-term goals. This happens in business as well as in sports. When you focus only on “winning” you neglect the larger goal: learning to develop skills for the long term. If you want to be a good teacher or coach, make your own scorecard. Choose a unit of measurement that fits the skill you intend to develop and start tracking progress. Use this unit of measurement to motivate and guide your students. For example, great soccer coaches keep track of the number of good passes their teams make during a match and use this number – more than the result – as a yardstick to define their team’s success. The players like it as a parameter and strive in every game to beat the score, thus achieving excellent results.
5 #. Maximize your efforts
Efforts are the essence of learning: no student of yours will be able to learn without sacrifices and struggles. This is the only way to improve! The challenge to be a good teacher or coach is to be able to create an environment that distracts people from passivity and directs them towards stimulating and interesting modes of action. That’s why great coaches avoid exercises where their players have to queue and wait their turn, turning to small, intensive activities . This idea can also be applied in areas other than sport. For example, a technique called “class reversing” has been very successful in some school systems.. The standard model foresees that at school you follow the lessons and at home you study consolidating what you have learned during the lessons. In an inverted model, on the other hand, students do the exact opposite: they listen to online lessons from home and spend time in the classroom actively tackling work, solving problems and memorizing topics, while the teacher walks by the desks offering support for each individual pupil. According to some studies, inverted classes perform better than classic ones.
If you want to be a good teacher or coach, you have to be a bit like a designer: rely on your creativity trying to create an environment that is as fruitful as possible. Ask yourself: How can I turn passive learning moments into active learning situations ?
# 6. Try to create independent students
Your long-term goal is to help your students improve so much that they no longer need you. Basically, you have to aim to become superfluous! To do this you must avoid playing a too central role: if the students lean too much on you, you risk not making them mature. It aims to create an environment where people can improve on their own. Whenever you get the chance, take a step back and stimulate a moment of independence. Your job should consist in the creation of a “miniature” teacher – a sort of copy of yourself – who will establish himself in each of your students guiding them on a path of progressive improvement.
Conclusions
In this article I have reported a series of tips and practical advice for being a good teacher or coach . Obviously it is a difficult job, full of obstacles and responsibilities, but perhaps also for this reason it is particularly stimulating . It is no coincidence that great teachers make teaching their life mission . I would like you to tell me – in the comments below – about your experiences as a teacher or educator and the strategies you have used to improve yourself.
How to be a Good Teacher: The Key to Success in the Classroom
Introduction
Teaching is both an art and a science, requiring a unique blend of knowledge, skills, and passion. Being a good teacher goes beyond simply imparting knowledge to students; it involves inspiring and motivating them to learn and grow. In this article, we will explore the essential qualities and strategies that make a teacher truly effective and successful in the classroom.
The Foundations of Being a Good Teacher
Passion for Education: The Driving Force
A genuine passion for education is the foundation for being a good teacher. It is this passion that fuels your dedication, drives your desire to make a difference, and creates a contagious enthusiasm that inspires students.
Expertise in Subject Matter: Knowledge is Power
To be an effective teacher, you must be knowledgeable and well-versed in your subject matter. Strive to continuously enhance your expertise through ongoing professional development, research, and staying up-to-date with the latest educational trends and practices.
Strong Communication Skills: The Key to Connection
Communication is at the heart of teaching. Being able to convey complex concepts in a clear, concise, and engaging manner is essential for effective teaching. Furthermore, listening actively to students’ questions and concerns helps establish rapport and fosters a supportive learning environment.
Strategies for Success in the Classroom
Create a Positive Learning Environment: Nurturing Growth
A positive and inclusive classroom environment is crucial for fostering learning and growth. Establish clear expectations, promote respectful behavior, and provide constructive feedback that encourages students to reach their full potential.
Tailor Instructional Methods: Cater to Diverse Learning Styles
Different students have different learning styles and preferences. As a good teacher, it is important to identify these differences and adapt your instructional methods accordingly. Utilize a variety of teaching techniques, such as visual aids, hands-on activities, and collaborative projects, to engage students and cater to their individual needs.
Encourage Critical Thinking: Igniting Intellectual Curiosity
Encouraging students to think critically and analyze information is a vital aspect of effective teaching. Create opportunities for open-ended discussions, problem-solving activities, and independent research to stimulate their intellectual curiosity and develop their analytical skills.
Foster a Growth Mindset: Embracing Challenges
Instilling a growth mindset in students is essential for their long-term success. Help them develop resilience, perseverance, and a belief in their ability to overcome challenges. Emphasize the importance of effort, practice, and learning from mistakes as pathways to growth and improvement.
Supportive Relationships: Building Trust and Rapport
Building strong relationships with your students is vital for effective teaching. Take the time to get to know your students individually, show interest in their lives, and provide emotional support when needed. When students feel valued and supported, they are more likely to actively engage in the learning process.
Constant Learning: Evolving as an Educator
A good teacher is never complacent. Continuously seek opportunities for professional development, attend workshops and conferences, and engage in collaborative learning with fellow educators. Embrace new teaching methodologies and technologies to stay ahead in this ever-evolving field.
Conclusion
Being a good teacher is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. By embodying the qualities of passion, expertise, and effective communication, and implementing strategies focused on creating a positive learning environment and meeting diverse student needs, you can become a truly exceptional educator. As you evolve and grow as a teacher, remember that your impact extends beyond the classroom, shaping the minds and futures of generations to come.
