Skills about Teaching

Teaching in class and teaching one-on-one (tutoring) require very different skills.

Since a class might have more than 20 students, the teacher cannot easily focus on any one of them, but instead must be concerned with the whole class.

To maintain a well structured class, a teacher may use:

1. Class Rules
2. Mastery of the Material
3. Educational Leadership
4. Lesson Design

Class Rules

There are different approaches to developing class rules. Some teachers prefer to set them on their own. Others allow the students to have input and the group comes to a concensus. There are many examples of class rules. In general you will want your rules to be few, but their impact to be great: "Raise your hand before speaking." "Do not be late." Class Rules help set the tone for the classroom. Students feel more comfortable in an environment in which they know what they can and cannot do.

Mastery of the Material

"Ice can not create fire." If you want to teach your students not only the subject, but also the idea and light of knowledge, you must have seen it as a learner. Make every effort to develop a deeper understanding of the material you will be teaching. It can be said of mastering the material that a great teacher will know the material they are to teach, know more than the material, and teach from the overflow.

Educational Leadership (Professionalism)

Students have a very clear idea in their minds of what a teacher is, does, and looks like. To a certain degree you must fit this mold. Your classroom persona is important. Be organized. Have lessons prepared ahead of time and ready to go. Dress the part. Even if you are not required to dress professionally, you should make an effort to look your best. If you look and act like students think a teacher should, they will more readily accept you as their teacher.

Lesson Design

Even if you are filled with compassion and good intentions, without a well designed lesson that can be successfully implemented, you will likely fail as a teacher.

Direct instruction (also known as lecture style) is not the only method. Group discussions, directed group activities, organized games, outdoor activities, etc. can all be used effectively.

It is important to choose the right approach for the topic you are covering. Introduction of new material might require direct instruction. Individual practice might actually be more productive if the students are working in groups. Let the situation dictate the method. Plan ahead so that your lesson will fit your intentions.

In the other case, one-on-one teaching require more subtle skill on communication and anwersing. Teacher should keep making sure the interaction is two-way.