Here's how you can excel in a specific subject area as a teacher in your career.
Excelling in a particular subject as a teacher requires a blend of deep knowledge, continuous learning, and effective teaching strategies. To become an expert in your field, you must immerse yourself in the subject matter, stay updated with the latest educational trends and research, and understand the diverse needs of your students. Engaging with professional communities and reflecting on your teaching practices can also contribute significantly to your mastery of the subject. By focusing on these areas, you can build a reputation as a knowledgeable and skilled educator, ultimately enhancing your career prospects and the learning experiences of your students.
To excel in a specific subject area, mastery of content is paramount. You need to have an in-depth understanding of the material you are teaching, which goes beyond the basics. This involves staying current with new developments and theories in your field. Consider pursuing advanced degrees or certifications, attending workshops, and reading scholarly articles to deepen your knowledge. Your expertise will not only make you more confident in delivering lessons but will also inspire your students to engage more deeply with the subject matter.
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Abdul Razak Mohamed
Former Prof. Dr. Head Department of Planning School of Planning and Architecture, National Institute of Importance, under the Ministry of Education, Govt. of INDIA, Vijayawada, INDIA
Subject area could be seen in two ways. 1. the Desktop Learning (DL)which consists of the literature reading in a large extent research articles in the journals, development plan documents, policy documents, annual reports, book chapters, booklets, news letters, news paper articles, weekly/monthly magazines, print and television etc. Teachers acquire knowledge from all possible information on the subject area. 2. Field Learning (FL) generate information needs all visits by observation, investigation/enquiring the local community/area. It includes every visit out side home should be made to learn, may do empirical research also by engaging the class. This knowledge acquired through filed exposure is powerful and build confident among both.
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Rebecca Fegan
Be your own best teacher
It's not enough to know the content of the subject area. Most subject areas are way too big to know everything about them. Know where to look for answers, books, classes, practitioners, field work...But also look for relevant cross-overs too. If you're teaching Math, for instance, be good in Languages as well. Math is a language that helps people learn about things they see: the equation for a bouncing ball, the elliptical path one must travel to reach the moon... If you understand other languages, then math makes more sense, especially when you're teaching in the secondary grades. Make sure you are able to show relevancy to your students. Make sure you're asking more questions than you are telling your students. Make THEM think.
Continuous learning is the cornerstone of teaching excellence. As a teacher, you should be a lifelong learner, constantly seeking new information and insights into your subject area. This could mean taking online courses, participating in professional development opportunities, or simply reading books and journals related to your field. By staying informed about the latest educational technologies and methodologies, you can keep your teaching practices fresh and effective, which is crucial for both your professional growth and your students' success.
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Rebecca Fegan
Be your own best teacher
If you have learned nothing today, your day was incomplete. You're not learning the what, you're learning the how and the why. You're expanding your awareness and your consciousness of how your subject matter fits into the world.
Engaging your students is critical for excelling as a teacher. Develop interactive and inclusive lesson plans that cater to various learning styles. Use real-world examples to make the subject matter more relatable, and encourage students to participate in discussions and projects that stimulate critical thinking. By creating a dynamic classroom environment where students feel comfortable expressing their ideas, you foster a love for learning that can lead to improved academic performance and a more profound understanding of the subject.
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Rebecca Fegan
Be your own best teacher
Spend 35% of your time in front of the students explaining and showing and 65% asking questions. * What's the next step? * Why is that important? * How can we use this information under different circumstances? * Where have you seen anything like this before? * What is the most interesting thing you've learned from this lesson? * How will you use this today? * What is the most difficult thing in today's lesson? * What can you do to better understand it? * What, exactly, confuses you?
Regular reflection on your teaching methods can lead to significant improvements in your educational approach. Take time to analyze the effectiveness of your lessons, considering both successes and areas for growth. Seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, and students to gain different perspectives on your teaching style. Reflecting on your experiences will help you identify strategies that work well and those that may need adjustment, enabling you to become a more responsive and adaptable educator.
In today's interconnected world, it's beneficial to connect with educators and professionals globally. Join online forums, attend international conferences, or participate in exchange programs to gain insights into how your subject is taught around the world. This global perspective can introduce you to diverse teaching methods and cultural viewpoints that enrich your own teaching practice, making you a more versatile and informed educator.
Building a strong professional network is essential for excelling in any teaching career. Connect with other educators in your subject area through professional associations, social media groups, or local meetups. These connections can provide support, share resources, and offer opportunities for collaboration. Networking allows you to learn from the experiences of others and can open doors to new career opportunities that might not be available otherwise.
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Rebecca Fegan
Be your own best teacher
It's not the "stuff" you know that impresses people. You don't do the study and the work to impress anyone, do you? It's the enthusiasm you get from what you learned when you make use of it in class. It's your love for your subject that influences your students. It's the way that you find every opportunity to make use of your subject in life, in discussion, in thought, in projects... Teachers are not the only ones who should pursue life-long learning. I want my last words to be, "OH I GET IT NOW!"
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