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Top 5 reboots for our teachers
Posted by Hlengiwe Zwane on 26 January 2023, 14:25 SAST
Now is a good time to set goals for the new year. Below are tips for you to keep in mind and revisit during the year
Start note-taking for next year
Start keeping a journal. After the day's lessons, take a few minutes to reflect on what worked, what did not work, and why? Record student questions and how they received the lesson based on the questions. These notes will be essential throughout the year and especially in the following year’s lesson plans.
Set professional development goals
Teaching is a career that requires professional development and constant education. While some professional development is institutionally driven, you owe it to yourself to look outside the school to pursue personal research. Take a step back and consider your personal goals, and consider short, medium and long-term achievements. Find online communities that can provide ideas and support.
Strive for more balance
One of the biggest issues of the teaching profession is maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This is key to maintaining a long and healthy career. During note-taking and professional development goal-making, consider setting healthy boundaries for your at-home grading and planning time. Whatever habits you strive to set, this month is a perfect time to examine practices, both student and personal, and adopt some of the school's new year’s resolutions.
Help students find new study habits
Students will need help rebooting their behaviour. They may return with new study skills or better grades in mind. Reviewing the importance of active reading, effective note-taking, studying, and completing homework promptly will help students refocus on their academics in the new year. Some students might not even know they need help in these areas.
Positive classroom management
You want to create an environment where your student's support and are kind to one another. Some ways you can do this are: Notice and reinforce casual, positive interactions between students daily. Plan relationship-building activities and games that encourage positive interactions. These can be long-term projects or short and simple games designed for students to get to know each other better. Pay attention to the social dynamics of your classroom.
Source: 2022
