PEDAGOGICAL SKILLS IN THE CLASSROOM

Here are a few ways you can use your pedagogical skills in the workplace:

1. Be a proactive communicator:Try not to wait for students or their families to contact you first. Set up a scheduled group or individual communications that fit your student’s needs, like a class newsletter, regular check-ins or office hours.

2. Try out different teaching styles: It may be easier for you to adapt to a student’s learning needs if you already have experience with different teaching styles. You may have one that works best for you, but consider occasionally trying out something new.

3. Let students design an assignment: Most of the time, classes follow the lesson plan you set up. To help students feel more involved in their education, consider letting them design an assignment or two throughout the year, and pay attention to what it might teach you about their learning styles and priorities.

4. Make your classroom more inclusive: If you want an inclusive classroom, consider steps like creating more diverse lesson plans, modelling respectful behaviour for your students and making sure they know intolerant behaviour isn’t acceptable.

5. Give students space to express themselves: One way to express compassion is to show students you know they have more going on in their lives than just school. Give them a chance to creatively express their feelings in class, such as with journaling, fiction writing or other forms of art.

Williams, Educators Coach