Student learning and evaluation have become extremely difficult in this digital age where students have almost too many resources at their disposal. While having these resources is beneficial for their education, they are less likely to push themselves and work hard to learn. But it’s not so simple.
The pandemic has had a severe effect on children’s mental health, and getting them ready and energetic for education again can be difficult. Therefore, we are going to discuss some ways teachers can improve the learning outcome of their students.
1. Restructure the Teaching Methods
With online education tools available to everyone, traditional teaching does not have the impact it used to have before. Therefore, it is time to upgrade the teaching methods according to the latest requirements of the educational curriculum and students. The new teaching methods should center around students’ learning capabilities and grades. Hence, designing teaching methods that are molded to fit the needs of the specific subject and the class can help improve learning outcomes. However, the teacher must keep a few things in mind when they restructure the teaching methods, such as:
- Type of subject
- Classroom environment
- Number of students
- Available resources
- The mental capacity of students
We mention mental capacity specifically because this aspect is one the most crucial determinant of student learning outcomes.
Understanding the student proficiency level and ensuring that the teaching method is well within students’ mental capabilities can do wonders.
As more schools realize this need, they are hiring experts in the field of behavioral science and psychology to restructure teaching methods. Seeing the demand, teachers are pursuing psychology masters in education online and other similar advanced degrees to improve their career outlook while keeping up with the trends.
2. Assess Learning Capacity
Student evaluation is just as important as teaching assessment. However, many teachers overlook this important factor, and the student’s true potential remains uncovered. The traditional teaching methods have become widely ineffective now, as they bore the students and fail to grab their attention. Their ability to learn and perform remains hidden as they don’t pay attention. Moreover, the strict competition and emphasis on the grading system interfere with the student’s ability to learn.
Hence, if the teacher evaluates the students properly, they can improve the learning outcome easily. For this purpose, consider class interactions, debates, activities, and other methods rather than relying on standardized tests. These activities will help the students learn without the pressure of scoring grades through any means.
3. Apply the Reversed Learning Model
The reversed learning model has gained popularity in recent years as it helps students learn and improves their learning outcomes drastically. The model’s main focus is on switching roles, where the teacher becomes the students, and the student has to teach the class. To teach some topic, the student will have to prepare the topic accordingly and answer any questions their peers may have. This helps in preparing your students to take the leadership role. Moreover, it pushes them to learn about the topic instead of memorizing information robotically. And one of the more subtle outcomes is that you will also develop a friendlier relation with your students and encourage them to perform better.
4. Don’t Shy Away From Technology
We have all gone through the dreaded online classes. But don’t let your dislike for certain technologies take away the learning opportunities technology provides. Instead of banning smartphones in class, use them to encourage learning.
There are numerous applications related to every subject easily available to students, and they can help improve learning by making the process more engaging. Because if you feel that technology has played a role in distracting the students and declining their learning, then just take charge and flip the role yourself.
5. Teach Outside the Classroom
While the classroom is an ideal place to teach, you still have to make things interesting for your students by changing the environment once in a while. Moreover, this unconventional teaching method is one of the best ways to improve learning outcomes. Therefore, instead of drawing on history in the classroom, arrange an educational trip and take the class to the museum. Moreover, try to take classes in open areas more often.
You can opt for the school grounds or an open field. It releases the sense of constraint students feel in a classroom setting and instead gives them a sense of freedom. Hence, you will find that students are more willing to participate in discussions and speak their minds in this setting. Practicing this approach will improve the student learning outcome and change your perspective about how students perceive learning.
Conclusion
There are many different approaches that you can try to improve classroom learning outcomes. However, you must also understand that not every child is the same. Each student has a different proficiency level, and you must learn to treat your students with equity rather than equality.
Only this way will you be able to uncover their skills and true potential. Moreover, remember that just because you are their teacher doesn’t mean that you can’t be their friend. Once you take on a friendlier approach with students, you will find them more willing to learn than before.
I had been a teacher for four years in an academic institution. And then, a homeschool educator to my seven children since 1990 to present.
Your article has refreshed me in and renewed my love and passion for learning and mastery. Thank you!