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| Comfortable Seating, Learning Resource Centre, Edge Hill University (Photo credit: jisc_infonet) |
Nowadays, when technology seems to be one of the few things that can get kids really excited, focused and entertained, it is becoming increasingly more difficult for parents and teachers to get kids interested in learning.
Kids should be taught from an early age that there is more to life than electronic entertainment so they acquire not only academic knowledge and skills, but also develop practical and social skills, and independence.
One of the best ways to get children interested in learning is to make the process more fun, and move away from the traditional classroom and textbook format of teaching. This, obviously, puts more pressure on teachers, and requires much more creativity so brainstorming and idea exchange meetings should be encouraged in the staff room at school even if they just take the form of brief lunch time catch ups once or twice a week.
A balance should be struck between traditional and experimental forms of teaching as you do have to abide by a syllabus, and the aim is for children to get interested in traditional learning too. With a bit of time, energy and shedloads of enthusiasm, you could be facing a classroom of keen young learners who'll go on to become very successful later in life!
Both kids and teachers love spending time outdoors instead of cooped up in the classroom all day. Subjects such as art, physical education, science, and music can easily be taught outdoors. School yards should be used more often!
On site learning is also very effective. School trips to science and natural history museums, working farms, factories or businesses can show kids the wider world, and teach them to appreciate what they have and how the real world works. Remember, some children might otherwise not have access to these venues so to them it's a special treat. If you are seen as the 'fun teacher', this will increase kids' willingness to study the subject you teach.
Science is a great subject to teach in unusual and hands-on ways. Maths can also be taught in a very practical manner. Generally, kids will understand theories and concepts better and faster if they are demonstrated to them with the help of objects and experiments.
Some of the best science teaching resources are now available online. Downloadable lesson plans and experiment guidelines provide teachers with all the information needed to teach a class.
For example, you and your class could be learning how electricity works by creating a fruit battery, or you could be learning about sustainable energy by building a solar cooker. Applying theory to practical experiences is an excellent way to get kids fascinated about the world, how it came about, and keen on learning more.
Harvey McEwan writes to offer information on a variety of areas, from science teaching resources to family holidays. View Harvey's other articles to find out more.
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