Teacher-empathy. Be the light

 As a teacher, be that light to your learners.Set your empathy in motion. Do not break your learners,rather help them to become 

Robert John Meehan  said that 

"A teacher without empathy and compassion is as useless as a book is without light "

Be the light 

Visit one of our episodes on empathy 

Shun Examination malpractice

 Examination malpractice, a detrimental form of dishonest behavior in the examination process, undermines the integrity and fairness of the education system. This harmful practice includes cheating, impersonation, bribery, and more, aiming to gain an unfair advantage during tests and assessments, ultimately hindering personal and national development.

Let's examine the root causes of examination malpractice: Poor teaching methods: Teacher-centered learning discourages critical thinking, learner interaction, and collaboration, promoting note-copying over active learning. Pressure to succeed: Students face immense pressure to achieve high grades, leading to a desire to cheat or engage in malpractice to ensure success. Lack of preparation: Inadequately prepared students may resort to malpractice as a shortcut to obtain good grades. The fear of failing an exam can drive students to engage in malpractice to avoid negative consequences. Lack of ethical values: Students lacking a strong ethical foundation may not see malpractice as wrong. Easy access to cheating materials: The advent of technology provides easy access to cheating materials, and sometimes, teachers are paid to encourage malpractice, creating an environment conducive to cheating.

Overcrowded classrooms can also make it challenging for teachers to effectively monitor students during examinations, leading to an environment conducive to malpractice. Past success through malpractice: Previous successful malpractice may lead students to continue cheating in future exams. Societal tolerance of malpractice: In some societies, there may be a lack of strong penalties or social stigma associated with examination malpractice, leading to its prevalence. WHAT CAN WE DO TO PREVENT Examination Malpractice?

To prevent and address examination malpractice, the following constructive measures can be implemented: Encouraging learner-centered teaching methods to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Implementing strong invigilation with well-trained staff to discourage and detect any suspicious behavior. Randomizing seating arrangements to prevent collusion and organized cheating. Utilizing technology such as CCTV cameras and online examination platforms with anti-cheating features. Secure handling of examination papers, including restricting access and maintaining locked storage.

Preparation of multiple question banks to minimize the possibility of candidates accessing questions in advance. Regular educational programs and awareness campaigns highlighting the negative consequences of examination malpractice. Creating a positive learning environment that focuses on understanding concepts rather than rote memorization. . Implementing an honor code or pledge to uphold academic integrity.

. Encouraging anonymous reporting to address potential cases of examination malpractice effectively. Applying consistent and strict penalties for proven cases of malpractice to deter others from engaging in similar acts.

All these will help greatly if we are determined to destroy the practice .Strong ethical foundation will save us a lot of stress. Let us uphold academic integrity If we really want a greater tomorrow.

Catch up with RRR

 Teacher burnout is real.It is a killer. Fight it positively with everything you got.Refill,Relax and Reconnect with yourself. It won't cost you much.Be intentional about rest.

Teacher burnout is a serious issue that can have detrimental effects on both educators and their learners. It is essential to recognize the signs of burnout and proactively take steps to combat it. 

 Refill: Take time to engage in activities that rejuvenate and replenish your energy. Find hobbies or interests outside of work that bring you joy and help you recharge.

 Relax: Practice self-care and stress management techniques. This may include mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, , or any other relaxation methods that work for you. Prioritize your mental and physical well-being.

 Reconnect with yourself: Reflect on your purpose, passion, and goals as an educator. Remember why you chose this profession and the positive impact you can make. Engage in self-reflection to ensure your work aligns with your values and interests.

 Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Create a schedule that allows for dedicated time for relaxation, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones. Avoid bringing work-related stress home.

 Seek support: Reach out to colleagues or support networks within your school or educational community. Share your experiences and concerns with others who can offer empathy and understanding. Collaborating with colleagues can also provide a sense of camaraderie.

Delegate and prioritize: Learn to delegate tasks when possible and focus on the most important responsibilities. Avoid taking on too much at once and be realistic about what you can achieve within a given timeframe.

Take breaks: Incorporate regular breaks throughout the day to recharge. Step away from the classroom or workspace, even if only for a few minutes. Use this time to stretch, take a short walk, or engage in a brief mindfulness exercise.-use your break for its purpose 

 Practice gratitude: Remind yourself of the positive aspects of your job and express gratitude for the opportunities you have. Focus on the progress and growth you witness in your learners, as well as the impact you make in their lives.Embrace God and his goodness  over your life irrespective. 

9. Pursue professional development: Continue to learn and grow in your field. Seek out workshops, conferences, or online courses that can enhance your teaching skills or introduce you to new strategies. This can reignite your passion for teaching.Do not allow yourself to expire. Constantly upgrade your capacity and ensure your cups runs over.Be a life long learners(checkout one of our episodes)

10. Be intentional about rest: Prioritize rest as a vital component of your overall well-being. Get sufficient sleep each night and listen to your body's needs. Additionally, plan regular vacations and time off to disconnect from work and recharge.

Remember, combating teacher burnout is an ongoing process. By implementing these strategies and being intentional about self-care, you can better equip yourself to handle the demands of teaching and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Check out one of our episodes 

Individual learning, the energizer

 

Group learning is important but individual learning is equally valuable. The skill prepares a learner in a way he or she can reach out to others in an authentic way. Individual learning is simply the conscious effort of a learner to study or carry out academic tasks by himself or herself. 

This practice allows a learner to work separately on individual tasks, rather than as a group. It is an autonomous kind of learning; personalised and engaging. That means that for a learner to engage in individual learning, that learner must be determined to work hard intentionally with consistency.  As I said, it is a conscious effort. When an effort is conscious, people deliberately do things and deliver because there is a positive force behind it. 

 In individual learning, learners think deeper by themselves to construct meaning, and find answers. By this, they are filled and their cups run over. They gain more information and acquire knowledge. When learners know that they can learn individually, it gives them a high level of confidence and morale to operate authentically in a collaborative setting.

Allowing learners to learn at their own pace is essential to their learning. The teacher should be mindful of the entry point and the learning needs of learners if the approach is in the classroom. They should also encourage them to take individual learning seriously outside the four walls of the classrooms by giving them self-paced assignments, and projects.

Wondering about the benefits of individual learning, here are some tips

It promotes learners' confidence and trust in themselves

Learners work individually at their levels and pace to achieve a common goal

Deepen the understanding of learners

Individual learning promotes readiness for connectedness

It increases the passion to learn and try new positive things.

 Are there challenges of Individual learning? Absolutely!Individual learning can be challenging at times

Lack of motivation -Failures or life issues can hinder individual learning. If learners do not have a strong desire or interest to learn on their own, they may not put in the effort needed to engage in individual learning. It can also be difficult to stay motivated and disciplined when learning on your own. Without the structure and external accountability of a group or a teacher, it may be tempting to procrastinate or lose focus.

 Lack or Limited resources: Individual learners may face challenges in accessing necessary resources, such as textbooks, materials, or technology. Lack or limited access to resources can hinder the learning process and make it more difficult to acquire new knowledge or skills. If learners do not have access to the necessary materials, tools, or technology, it can be difficult for them to engage in effective individual learning.

  Lack of support or guidance: Learners may encounter moments where they feel overwhelmed by the amount of information, workload or stuck on a particular concept or problem. Without the immediate support or guidance of others, it can be challenging to overcome these obstacles. Learners can benefit from the guidance and feedback of teachers and mentors to help them navigate their individual learning journey.

 Self-doubt or lack of confidence: Learning on your own can sometimes lead to self-doubt or feelings of inadequacy. Without the input or validation of others sometimes, it can be challenging to gauge your progress , which may affect your confidence in your abilities.

  Individual learning can be a solitary endeavour, and some learners may miss the benefits of collaboration and social interaction that come with group learning. The absence of peer support or opportunities for discussions and exchange of ideas may make the learning experience feel boring or less engaging.

Poor classroom management is a big issue when a teacher is not vigilant enough to control the classroom. Noise-making and other learner distractions might take over and hinder effective individual learning and apprehension.

Teacher -centered environment may not allow the learners to learn autonomously because the teacher controls everything even the learning.

Poor parental control -Some parents do not have time to monitor the learning pace of their children. As learners take charge of their actions at home, playtime and television might outweigh the learning time. 

However, despite these challenges, individual learning also offers unique opportunities for self-discovery, personal growth, and independence. Overcoming these obstacles requires perseverance, adaptability, and a proactive approach to seeking support or finding alternative resources when needed

The key is to keep learning, growing, and pushing through any difficulties that may arise.

Teachers' voice ,a nitty-gritty in teaching and learning

 What is your voice/ tone like in your classroom.?

A teacher's voice is a nitty-gritty in teaching and learning because it is one of the basics required for effective 👌 learning. As a teacher,  your voice should be as refreshing as water.

Communication is a powerful force. With our voices, we communicate with our learners 

What we hear and how we are addressed go a long way to affect our being.

No one can underestimate the power of voice. The power of voice has been recognised since time immemorial.It is so powerful that light came upon the earth through the voice of God.

in Genesis 1vs 3-"And God said, "let there be light", and there was light.

That means that what we say can give or take away life.

Confusion in our voices and tones can disrupt meaningful activities and actions. The building of the tower of babel is a common example in regard. Nations go to war when voices and tones are not carefully managed. 

In the context of teaching and learning, the voice/tone of a teacher is crucial.This is because it is one of the entry points to learners' success. A teacher should have a shepherd voice to enable the learners to understand it and follow. 

The eacher's voice/tones is one of the determinant factors  for  meaningful learning whether it is verbally or non-verbally displayed. Whichever way; the learners hear. 

A teacher's, voice should be capable of elevating learners not tearing them down. The voice of a teacher must speak hope. Learners should be able to stand respectfully and without fear because they know they are covered. The learners and their teachers should have a powerful connection as they speak. 

With voice, learners are taught, counselled, nurtured, mentored and reprimanded when necessary.

As an educator with years of experience, I have seen learners avoid or negatively react to a teacher because they feel discouraged when the teacher speaks to them without respect. 

The teacher's voice should be like a soothing balm, a promoter, not an inhibitor.

The teacher-learner relationship exists . The proof of this relationship can be shown as we speak to and with our learners.

What's your voice/tone like in your classroom as a teacher? building or destroying? How do you communicate with your learners during lessons? Do your learners' opinions count?

Wondering what a teacher's voice/tone will look like, here are some tips

Voice of Hope-Teaching is a challenging job but you have the power to make a positive impact on your learners. By approaching them with hope and encouragement, you can build trusting relationships that lead to better learning outcomes. Keep in mind that your portfolio is a valuable resource that can help you empower your learners and showcase your achievements. With dedication and a constructive mindset, you can make a real difference in the lives of your learners. 

Voice without anger and yelling-Dealing with learners who misbehave can be a challenging situation, but it's important to approach it with a constructive mindset. Rather than getting angry or raising your voice, it's better to maintain a calm demeanor and work with the learner to find a resolution. By focusing on positive feedback and constructive criticism, you can help the learner get back on track and maintain a respectful relationship. Remember that a constructive approach can help learners overcome obstacles and achieve success in their academic journey

Avoid flat tone during lessons-To keep your learners engaged and motivated, it's important to maintain a constructive and dynamic tone when teaching. Avoid using a flat or monotone voice, and instead, use positive feedback and constructive criticism in an energetic and lively way. Encourage your learners to participate and share their own thoughts and ideas. By keeping the energy high and the conversation flowing, you can help your learners stay focused and inspired to succeed. Remember, a constructive and engaging lesson can make a considerable impact on the academic journey of your learners

I end with a quote from Diane von Furstenberg:

"I have always believed that when you have a voice, you have an obligation to empower others"

Let your voice be powerful enough to inspire your learners. 

Additinal resourcesThe teacher's voice a powerful instrument

Give a red card to Poor handwriting

 Learning is an active process but may lack Lustre without  legible writing .Writing is one of  the ways we communicate to the world. So learners must write clearly .

The word legible is of Latin origin Legibilis meaning

  "that can be read".

This is quite emphatic  meaning that people should  be able to read what others wrote.

According to Natalie Goldberg :

if handwriting is connected to the movement of the heart, then  it shows that it is important. Therefore  it must be done properly to convey the meaning and avoid confusion and misinformation. 

Legible writing is simply the ability to write in a way others can read and understand  with ease. It  is not about the craftmanship per se but legibility .

Have you ever had trouble reading a learner's work as a teacher ? You can tell how difficult it is.

Take medical prescriptions for instance. Most of us complain about them because  we can't easily read them.

All we do is to quickly  hand over our prescription paper to the health personnel concerned. WHY? BECAUSE we don't wanna deal with the writing because it is confusing. 

Same when people don't write legibly. 

As part of teaching and learning process, teachers must ensure they emphasize and encourage their learners to write in a legible manner .

Learners love and believe in their teachers and as long as we constantly remind  them to write legibly ,it will become a culture that dominates their thinking zone and anytime there is a need to write,legible writing will hit their memory. Keep saying it.keep reminding them.Dont give up 

 Let me also remind  you that  some life / learning issues   may have a role in the handwriting appearance  but let us leave that for now.

Wondering what can  cause illegible writing-

Here are some tips

Rushing the learners - Due to poor teaching style of  loading learners with content, Some teachers dictate notes for learners  or write faster on the board in an attempt to finish the curriculum. In this case,they rush the learners .This is a common practice: For learners to meet with the demand that 'you must complete the note'before the lesson is over write  fast and poorly. Most times, punishment is given to those who did not finish their notes. To avoid the punishment; learners write excessively fast to escape the teacher's punishment. In this case, the learners goal is to finish the note even if it means writing anyhow. 

Poor sitting position- Some school desks and chairs are not properly built  to suit the age of the learners. Sometimes they are lower and higher than normal  .This affects the sitting position. Height and sizes must be considered before the construction of seats and desks to ensure that all learners are accommodated. 

Sometimes due to high class size; some learners write while standing and this will definitely affect the legibility of their writing. 

Poor class control &management 

Due to lack of proper  class management skills,some teachers do not not pay strict attention to what the learners are doing during lessons. In regard, some will be writing and playing at the same time,writing sitting on the floor , talking and writing and so on.

These actions must affect the legibility of the writing. Sometimes they even mix up issues and write out of context aside from writing rough.

Poor teacher encouragement 

Encouragement can do  wonders for any learner.A teacher should endeavour to move around  as learners are writing. He or she should encourage the learners to write clearly  and with accurate word spacing. Standing in front of the classroom from the beginning of the lesson  to the end is concerning. A concerned teacher must move around,inspect what the learners are writing , correct and encourage them to improve accordingly. 

What the teacher need to do 

Identify learners that don't write legibly. Encourage them on a daily basis. Do not quit

Encourage handwriting exercise  

Make your notes concise 

Teachers should  read and mark the learners note with constructive feedback concerning the writing. 

Ask them to rewrite if necessary  because  legible writing is not an instantaneous process. It requires practice and repetition. 

Carry your line manager and parents along to ensure a total commitment to inspiring the learners to write legibly. 

Additional resources 

Poorly legible or illegible writing?What the possible causes (Ecriture sans frontieres)

Get your learners ready with Starter

Often times,we see footballers do exercise before they engage themselves with football play.That is not out of context.They are preparing themselves for the main activity. 

Sometimes we seem not to understand the efficacy but in the actual sense,preparation is a necessity. 

The will to do is important but more importantly is the will to prepare. 

Benjamin Franklin informed us that

 " By failing to prepare, You  are preparing to fail" 

How does that sound?like a bomb right?

That calls for a moment of reflection for teachers  you know!

What is starter?

Starter in the context of teaching and learning  is  any activity a teacher uses to prepare his or her learners to learn. I call it an appetizer.It is always that short activity used by a teacher to usher the learners in to an active learning mode.Learning is not  automatic but a process.

Like catalysts, starters speed up the learning process and help learners to escape the learning barriers to navigate through the huddles of learning properly. 

Starter is a skill that provokes curiosity in learners. 

Let us look at  some xamples of starter 

Short Questions 

Short video clips 

Picture display 

Diagram

Audio 

Short play

A game

A song

Short story 

Question/answer matching challenge

A puzzle or even a positive but simple joke

Wondering What makes a good starter....here are  some tips

A good starter must focus on learning. It should not deviate from the aim.

A good starter must be simple,smart and active.

Time bound (about 5minutes)

It should stimulate hunger for learning,provoke curiosity and response. 

It should promote deeper learning 

Starter should reduce the learning barrier and usher learners in to the learning mode.

Most learners come to class with issues of life(watch our previous episode on baggages of life).A powerful starter can help learners transcend higher than their issues as they are motivated and positively interact with others. 

Remember,  learning is the focus.Starter should be able to help learners to learn better.

Starter can be used to ascertain previous knowledge about a subject and can also be used to review previously taught lessons before a new one.

A balanced starter allows the teacher to get the learners willing and ready to learn. The teacher facilitates as learners learn and chart their course. 

Traditional method of teaching  has not helped  learning because with traditional method, Teachers do not take time to prepare their learners to learn rather they drag them into it like a bull to the slaughter. Everything is about the teacher but learners should lead learning in the real sense. Over the years, we' ve seen the consequences of traditional method of teaching and the  negative effect  of lack of learning preparation in our society. Half baked learners who always prefer the answer to finding the process are bred.

Now is the time to pulse and re-imagine our practices. Starter is an  important tool.Taking it away from our teaching kit is concerning and have huge consequence. 

Additional resources 

     Hook Students' Attention with these 15 highly engaging Lesson Starter Ideas.

Learning environment and the impact on learning

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

When we think of an environment. Surely a few things come to mind: A surrounding, a place, a place of dwelling, the condition surrounding us, and so on.

According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, environment  is defined as the circumstances, objects, or conditions by which one is surrounded.

Science on the other hand defined the environment of a living thing as everything around it that could affect its survival. These are environmental factors which can be due to living and non-living factors. It is the most important component in life because the survival of an organism depends greatly on the environment. God created environment first before the organism. This tells us that the environment must be ready before the organism, or any activity.

In the context of learning, the environment is everything/conditions that affect learning. The condition where learners learn. A learning environment can include physical spaces such as classrooms, virtual spaces such as digital platforms like Zoom, Skype and Google Classroom and so 

A learning environment must be prepared before learning can take place because the conditions of learning must affect the totality of the learner and his or her learning. The earlier we understand that, the better. 

According to Myles Munroe, “Everything was created to exist within a prescribed environment”

Everything was created to function in a specific type of environment therefore learning must happen in a specific type of environment.

Types of Learning Environments

 A learning environment can be conducive or toxic.

A conducive environment is a specific type of learning environment. It begins with the teachers, though the school has a big role to play  but the teachers' role is paramount.

Components of a conducive learning environment

 Lesson planning -Conducive learning environment begins with planning. Teachers who desire a conducive learning environment for their learners must plan their lessons very well. They must ensure that all the active teaching skills and practices are in place before the learning. It is not ideal to run around when your learners are coming into your classroom or are already seated for learning to take place.

Acceptance- This is the first contact point of learners and teachers. Teachers must give a warm welcome to their learners as they enter the classroom through verbal and non-verbal expressions. Acceptance is a key action, it makes learners feel welcomed . Learners with the baggages of life can find a ground to drop them for effective learning to take place.It is like a soothing balm. So teachers must cultivate the attitude of welcoming their learners into the classroom.Rejection can have a tremendous impact on learning.

Safe and Active – A  conducive learning environment must be safe and active. the opinion and voice of learners must count.No victimization or microaggressions. of any kind. On no account should a teacher shout down a learner/learners or confine them in a row with a command to be quiet and receive the information being loaded.

I understand and believe in discipline but let us know when to draw the line. There is a limit to everything. Learner –interaction, engagement and collaboration are crucial learning components.Learners must lead their learning.

Inclusive in function- Every learner is unique, so individual differences exist and must be embraced. Engage the slogan ‘No child is left behind”. Provision must be made for different kinds of learning styles so that all learners will be carried along.

Learner support is very important both during and after the lesson. A teacher must recognize those that need support and ensure they get it.

Assessment and Feedback -Teachers should be able to assess the work of the learners and learners can assess themselves and each other. Apart from the constructive feedback from the teacher,learners can as well give honest feedback to themselves.In this way, deeper learning will occur.

Significance of a positive learning environment

A positive learning environment creates a positive learning experience

Positive learning environment helps learners to discover who they are in life.

It promotes confidence,innovative mindset, good behaviour and research skills.

Toxic learning as the name implies is toxic to learning. These toxins affects the learning condition in a tremendous way  . Unpreparedness,shouting ,aggression , negative body language and expression, subtle insults are the easiest ways to add toxins to the learning environment.Toxic learning promotes inappropriate behaviour which will negatively affect learning.         

Our classrooms should be a place of building, healing and not harm                                     

Additional resources 

     Rejection in the classroom.

 Turea Hutson(TEDx Norristown)

       Creating a positive learning environment 

        -Edutopia

Recap on Collaborative learning

 Collaborative learning has been discussed in one of our episodes. FOR THE SAKE OF importance; we are revisiting.

Collaborative learning promotes a positive learning culture amongst learners.
The skill does not only promote understanding but enhances self esteem in learners.
For more information; watch the video from Edutopia. (quite an interesting piece.Checkout   via YouTube

     Collaborative learning builds a deeper understanding https://youtu.be/rWEwv_qobpU?si=CrOOfHRjItYXmk1D

Visit the sitehttps://edutopia.org