Article

 Being a teacher is no easy feat. You have to put up with a lot of things. You have to bear tons of burden, sometimes with very little rewards in exchange. That is why many say it is a noble job. However, instead of focusing on the negative, just think that you are one of those chosen to serve. You have been given this opportunity to open doors for young ones, to shape values, to sharpen minds, to be a second parent. While you are in the teaching profession, make the most out of it.

How can you become a more effective teacher? Here are some tips you can follow.

ESTABLISH YOUR AUTHORITY

From the very beginning that you step into a classroom for the first time, it is important that you establish your authority so that students will know and feel that you are the one in charge. This is essential for students of different levels, because throughout a school year, students will keep trying to challenge you or to test your authority. If you let them know from the start that you are the "boss", then it will ascertain respect already which can help limit their misbehavior and tendency to be defiant and disobedient. This does not mean, however, that you have to have "military rule" or you have to be very rigorous and stringent. Make sure to still be friendly to the students, but firm in implementing rules and in disciplining the students. In addition, you need to be consistent and fair when doing these things.

HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR

Students love a teacher who has a sense of humor, who can turn an ordinarily boring lesson into an interesting one and can crack jokes and tell funny anecdotes while teaching. Having a sense of humor makes the class lighter and not such a burden to students. Also keep in mind that they learn better and are able to retain information more easily when they are relaxed and having a good time.

BE FLEXIBLE AND CREATIVE

Teachers will often have to adjust to different situations. More often than not, you will really not be able to stick to the original plan. For example, if you had initially prepared a certain way of presenting a lesson but this did not work out for a particular group of students, then you will have to adjust and adapt. Sometimes you will need to improvise right on the spot! If they seem to dislike role-playing and many are shy and soft-spoken, for instance, they maybe you can have them engage in an artistic activity instead. If your powerpoint presentation suddenly would not open, then you will have to explain by using stories, actual examples, and illustrations and notes on the board. No matter what, remember that flexibility and creativity are two important qualities that can make you a better and more effective teacher. Always adjust to your students' learning styles and preferences to get your message across and to help them learn more.

INSPIRE YOUR STUDENTS

Veer away from the curriculum once in a while, just to share words of wisdom with your students. Be a good listener and friend, as well as a counselor. Leave them with inspiring stories that they will remember forever, and that they can apply in their lives.