Effective Teacher: Connect to
Correct.
A teacher is effective when
students find learning interesting and rewarding; when students take ownership
of their learning; when students reproduce learning, not only during the lesson
but also long after the learning has taken place. A teacher is said to be
effective when students find it easy to apply classroom experiences to their
daily life' situations and decisions; when students are happy and excited
during lessons. A teacher is effective when students spontaneously recall
knowledge and skills obtained in the class to solve practical questions in
examinations. A teacher is also effective, when he effectively manages the
classroom situations to improve learning. A teacher becomes effective, when
students are attracted to him because he gives them a listening ear and his
arms are always open to receive them. Above all, a teacher is effective when
the weakest student in his class is not left behind, stranded or stagnant.
One thing every teacher needs
to be effective is the ability to CONNECT to his or her students. Any teacher
who wants to succeed in his teaching career in this present age must be ready
to develop a strong but professional relationship with his or her students. He
must connect with his student emotionally and socially. He must gain their
confidence and earn their trust by showing them love and empathy; he must be
patient enough to listen to their complaints and views. He must be ready to
supports the weak and help the confused. He must have high expectations for all
his students and must not write off anyone. He must provide godly counsels for
his students and use reward and punishment moderately and appropriately.
When a teacher is emotionally
connected to his students, teaching becomes simple, seamless and highly
productive. Moreover, when you connect to your students you stand the chance to
correct their errors and misbehaviours, with little or no resistance. This is
because students have confidence, and trust the judgement of those teachers who
show them love and empathy.
In conclusion,
I will like to submit here without any iota of doubt the first duty of a 21
century teacher is to connect to his students since corporal punishment is no
longer fashionable. More importantly, it is inevitable if the achievement of
our educational goal of producing a student who is worthy in learning and
character is a must.