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Give Your Students Choices

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One strategy that teachers have found to be effective is

offering their students the ability to make their own choices

when it comes to learning. Choice can be a powerful

motivator because it helps to foster student interest and

independence. The next time you're planning an activity, try

making a choice board. Print out a tic-tac-toe board and write

down nine different tasks for students to complete. The goal

is for each student to choose three tasks in a row.

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5. Use Technology

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Technology is a great way to keep your lessons interesting.

Children love electronics, so try incorporating it into your

overall teaching strategy. Instead of standing in front of the

room and lecturing, try using a Smartboard interactive

display. Expand your

cooperative learning activity

lessons by

connecting to a classroom in another city or country via

videoconferencing. Use technology in a variety of ways, and

you'll see the interest level in your classroom increase by

leaps and bounds.

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6. Don't Take Teaching so Seriously

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Being an effective teacher is an important job, but that

doesn't mean that you have to remain serious in class at all

times. Try to loosen up a bit and acknowledge that your

students may have different interests and learning styles than

your own. It's OK to laugh at yourself at times and to have

some fun. You may find that your students are more

interested when you're a little more relaxed.

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