General principles of good teaching

General Principles of Good Teaching

A good relationship between teachers and learners is crucial for an effective learning environment. Any compromise can lead to classroom disorder. To maintain a harmonious classroom, scholars like Opinmi (2007) and Osokoya (2010) have suggested several guiding principles for good teaching:

1. Recognition of Individual Differences
   • Understand that each student is unique.
   • Just like no two leaves from the same plant are identical, students have different mental capabilities, social behaviors, physical appearances, and emotional states.
   • Avoid lumping students together; instead, tailor teaching methods to address their unique needs.
2. Identification of Pupils’ Needs
   • Consider the students’ prior knowledge of the subject.
   • Knowing their background helps in focusing on relevant topics and avoiding unnecessary areas.
   • This targeted approach enhances effective learning.
3. Ability to Arouse and Maintain Interest
   • Ensure students are ready and prepared to learn.
   • A good teacher can spark and sustain students’ interest throughout the lesson.
   • Prepare the students’ minds, hearts, and hands before starting classroom activities.
4. Ensuring a Democratic Teaching/Learning Environment
   • Foster an interactive and free-flowing environment where teachers and students can share knowledge without intimidation.
   • Distribute questions evenly to avoid partiality.
   • Provide equal opportunities for all students to participate.
   • De-emphasize the use of cane as it is a tool of subjugation.
5. Clear Objectives
   • Clearly state teaching objectives as guiding principles.
   • This clarity makes teaching and learning activities more effective.
6. Activity-Based Teaching
   • Make classroom sessions lively, interesting, meaningful, and effective through activity-based teaching.
   • Engage students actively in the learning process.
7. Meaningful Tasks
   • Assign study tasks that are relevant and meaningful in content, concept, and context.
   • Avoid vague or irrelevant assignments.
   • Tailor all classroom work and assignments to the learning experiences desired for the students.

Conclusion

By adhering to these principles, teachers can create a productive and positive classroom environment. Recognizing individual differences, identifying students’ needs, maintaining interest, fostering a democratic environment, setting clear objectives, utilizing activity-based teaching, and providing meaningful tasks are essential steps toward effective teaching and learning.

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