Education is undoubtedly one of the most important pillars of any developed society. However, it doesn’t only mean a classroom where the teacher rattles off facts and numbers while students stare blankly at the board. Today’s teaching has become vastly different, thanks to technology and artificial intelligence.
Studies say that a typical student’s attention span lasts from 10 to 15 minutes only, whereas classes can go up to an hour long. This is why it’s important to think of some innovative ideas that can engage students and make them genuinely interested in the class.
If you’re also looking for some creative ideas, then this think piece is the perfect place!
Showcase relevance with real-life examples
Almost always, students will end up asking teachers or their fellow students, “When are we ever going to use this in real life?”. As a teacher, it’s important to show them that the topics you’re teaching them have relevance beyond classrooms.
For example, you can use real-life case studies to highlight a particular topic or ask the students themselves to do a roleplay. This works best for subjects like emotional intelligence and organizational behavior. Once your students introspect to identify the relevance of the subject in their practical lives, they’ll be much more interested in it.
Tap into multi-sensors with audio-visual
If you’re teaching a bunch of young kids, then audio-visual aids are the perfect way to keep them interested in the class.
For example, instead of asking students to read out paragraphs from textbooks, show them a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the main points and ask them to elaborate on what they understood.
Alternatively, you can also show them videos and ask them what they learned from each video. For data-related subjects, show them visual representations of the data in the form of charts and graphs to help them grasp concepts more quickly.
Conduct online workshops
If you feel that your students might need more time to get accustomed to the curriculum but are unwilling to spend extra time inside the classrooms, you can opt for online workshops and projects.Online sessions also offer a safe platform for students who might not feel comfortable to voice their doubts out loud in class.
Some of the best virtual schools also allow students to connect with world-class professionals for guidance and reference. Through these platforms, professionals can provide counseling to students from the comfort of their homes and at any comfortable time.
Try out the jigsaw method
The “Jigsaw Method” is a tried-and-tested practice in numerous institutions around the world. In this method, students are arranged into different groups, and each group is given only a part of the entire topic or information.
Each group receives a different part of the information, and that group is supposed to understand the subject well enough to teach it to other groups or teammates. This method facilitates the exchange of information and promotes a culture of growing and learning together. The Jigsaw method can be used best in kindergarten classrooms while teaching alphabets or numbers.
Incorporate virtual reality
If you’re a part of some A-grade schools or you stay updated with their methods of teaching, you’ll probably know that many of them incorporate virtual reality (VR) in their curriculum. Subjects like history, geography, and even science can be taught effectively by letting students immerse themselves in a simulation of the place or area.
For example, if you’re teaching a particularly complicated topic about the human body, your students have to correctly visualize the organs, nerves, veins, and other aspects.
This job becomes much easier and more interesting through VR simulations. If the child needs additional guidance, some of the best online private schools platforms provide opportunities for them to connect with world-level professionals and seek further references.
Ask students for feedback
A true teacher is someone who understands that students are bound to get distracted and, therefore, need time and the mental capacity to get back into the zone of what is being taught.
While it can be frustrating for you, it’s best if you ask your students for open and honest feedback. If they say that the methods of teaching are too boring or repetitive, you’ll know where to improve.
Alternatively, you can also provide different choices to your students, such as doing a group project together or working on a presentation. Make sure to seek such feedback periodically.
Conclusion
While there are innumerable tools to help your students stay engaged in class, the most important thing is to be encouraging and supportive. A teacher who is warm and friendly but also unbiased provides the perfect learning platform for students. Remember, if you make an effort to keep the class interesting, your students will not only look forward to learning from you but also excel in results.