Students look up to their teachers as dispensers of knowledge. As such, teachers should know and should be able to teach well. As far as knowledge is concerned there are numerous ways in which teachers can improve their general teaching ability.
Teachers should aim to develop their knowledge of the subject matter they teach. If this is English, teachers can study the language to further their understanding of how it works, they can enroll in language development courses, and they can seek opportunities to practice and develop their ability to listen, read, speak and write in English.
Teachers should also aim at deepening their understanding of the theories underpinning learning and teaching practices. This can be achieved by reading about teaching and learning, attending seminars and workshops regularly, and enrolling on methodology courses which will enable them to reconstruct their knowledge of the background to language learning and teaching.
Teachers should also aim to know more about their students to be more effective. Teachers can get to know students better by giving them opportunities to talk about themselves, really listening to what they have to say, encouraging them to give teachers feedback on anything and everything that happens in the classroom, showing a real interest in them and above all, by teachers just “being themselves,” i.e. not pretending to be somebody they are not.
Also, it is important that teachers know very well the context in which they work. This involves academic aspects such as syllabi, assessment procedures, and knowledge of supplementary materials, as well as more practical concerns like the use of audio, video or computer equipment.
In addition to knowing about the subject matter, theories of learning and teaching, the students, and the workplace, teachers should aim at improving their ability to put all these into practice and becoming more skilful at teaching. This can be achieved by having a daring and exploratory attitude towards teaching which involves trying out different methods, techniques, and activities, again and again, reflecting on their effectiveness, and capitalizing on these experiences in order to make the necessary changes to their teaching habits.
By LEONICE N. DACAWE
