EIGHT ESSENTIAL TECHNIQUES FOR TEACHING WITH INTENTION

Teaching is an art that requires patience, dedication, and intention. As educators, it is our responsibility to create meaningful learning experiences for our students, empowering them to reach their full potential. In order to do so, we must employ effective teaching techniques that foster engagement, understanding, and growth.

In this article, we will explore eight essential techniques for teaching with intention. These techniques have been proven to enhance student learning and create a positive and conducive classroom environment. Let's dive into each technique and see how they can transform your teaching practice.

1. Establish Clear Learning Objectives

Before diving into any lesson, it is crucial to establish clear learning objectives. These objectives outline what students should be able to achieve by the end of the lesson or unit. Clear learning objectives guide your instruction and help students focus on key concepts and skills. They provide a roadmap for both you and your students, ensuring that learning is purposeful and targeted.

Eight Essential Techniques for Teaching with Intention: What Makes Reggio and Other Inspired Approaches Effective (Early Childhood Education Series)

by Ann Lewin-Benham(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8058 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	208 pages

FREE

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2. Use Differentiated Instruction

Every student has unique learning needs and preferences. As a teacher, it is essential to implement differentiated instruction strategies to meet these diverse needs. By differentiating instruction, you can tailor your teaching methods, materials, and assessments to accommodate different learning styles, abilities, and interests. This approach ensures that all students are actively engaged and challenged.

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3. Foster Active Learning

Learning is not a passive process; it requires active engagement from students. Incorporating active learning strategies can significantly enhance student understanding and retention. Encourage students to participate in discussions, solve problems, conduct experiments, and engage in hands-on activities. By doing so, students take ownership of their learning and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

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4. Provide Timely and Constructive Feedback

Feedback is a powerful tool that enables students to assess their progress and make improvements. As a teacher, it is crucial to provide timely and constructive feedback that focuses on both the strengths and areas of improvement. Feedback should be specific, actionable, and supportive. It should motivate students to strive for excellence and guide their future learning endeavors.

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5. Encourage Collaboration and Peer Learning

Collaboration and peer learning foster a sense of community and build important social skills. By incorporating group work and collaborative activities, students learn from and with one another. They develop essential communication, teamwork, and leadership skills that are vital for success in the real world. Encouraging collaboration also promotes empathy, respect, and appreciation for diverse perspectives.

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6. Use Technology for Enhancing Learning

Incorporating technology into the classroom can enhance student engagement and provide new opportunities for learning. Utilize educational apps, interactive multimedia resources, online discussions, and virtual simulations to make learning more interactive and immersive. Technology also facilitates access to a vast amount of information, promoting independent and self-directed learning.

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7. Cultivate a Positive and Inclusive Classroom Culture

A positive and inclusive classroom culture is essential for fostering meaningful learning experiences. Create a safe and supportive environment where all students feel valued, respected, and included. Embrace diversity, celebrate differences, and promote empathy and understanding. Encourage active participation, provide equal opportunities, and address any instances of discrimination or bullying promptly and effectively.

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8. Reflect and Revise Teaching Practices

Teaching is an ongoing learning process, and it is crucial to reflect on your teaching practices regularly. Take the time to evaluate the effectiveness of your instructional strategies, materials, and assessments. Solicit feedback from students and colleagues, and be open to constructive criticism. Reflecting on your teaching experiences allows you to identify areas of improvement and make adjustments to better meet the needs of your students.

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Teaching with intention is about going beyond simply delivering content and ensuring that every instructional decision you make is purposeful and meaningful. By implementing these eight essential techniques, you can create a transformative learning experience for your students. Remember to establish clear learning objectives, use differentiated instruction, foster active learning, provide timely feedback, encourage collaboration, utilize technology, cultivate an inclusive classroom culture, and reflect on your teaching practices. Embrace the art of intentional teaching, and inspire your students to become lifelong learners.

Eight Essential Techniques for Teaching with Intention: What Makes Reggio and Other Inspired Approaches Effective (Early Childhood Education Series)

by Ann Lewin-Benham(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8058 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	208 pages

FREE

In her latest book, bestselling author Ann Lewin-Benham describes eight techniques that foster intentional and reflective classroom practice. She presents over 70 novel exercises to help teachers learn to use body, face, hands, voice, eyes, and word choices to precisely convey meaning. Some exercises are for teachers to practice, while others build intention and reflection in children. Dozens of scenarios from typical classroom situations contrast unintentional and intentional teaching behaviors. A self-assessment enables teachers to measure how intentional and reflective they become as they learn to use the eight techniques. This lively and often humorous resource is a companion to Lewin-Benham’s Twelve Best Practices for Early Childhood Education, which explains what to teach and why. This new book explains how to teach.

Book Features:

• Shows teachers how to incorporate the body’s micro-actions in their teaching.
• Presents “mindfulness” techniques, the leading edge in psychotherapy.
• Includes scenarios that show the impact words have on children.
• Explains the relation between up-to-the-minute brain research and the techniques presented.
• Unpacks the effectiveness of the Reggio Approach to teaching.

“Whether you have never stepped into a classroom as a teacher, or whether (like me) you have taught various subjects at various ages for decades, you cannot fail to learn from this book.”
—From the Foreword by Howard Gardner, professor of cognition and education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education

“With her eight essential techniques, Lewin clearly and beautifully captures the essence of the decisionmaking dynamics from which effective teaching and learning environments emerge.” 
—Carol Brunson Day, Board President 2014–2016, NAEYC