Course: Art , Crafts and Calligraphy (6410)
Semester:Autumn, 2021
Level: B.Ed/PGD ECE
Assignment No.1
Q.1 Discuss the role of teacher in effective teaching of arts crafts and calligraphy.
Ans
I know that general criteria exist for teaching in general, however, I believe that my subject is entirely unique. Children feel different in the art class than in any other class. They move differently and act differently.
My classroom is a platform for authenticity, individuality and personal freedom. This doesn’t mean there is no discipline. It means that my quest is to provide freedom for my learners in order to open up those valuable, creative cognitive channels that only artistic practice can.
It is through these channels that a learner who comes from difficult circumstances at home can release fears and anxieties, or just escape their circumstances for a while. A whole new world of possibilities can open up for the learner through expressive techniques and stimulation of imagination (which is simply blooming at this age). Pablo Picasso once said that all children are artists I couldn’t agree more.
My goal as a teacher is not only to provide academic knowledge and technical skills relating to art but also to be some sort of counsellor, or someone they can open up to.
Your artworks reveal much about what is going on in your head, and I think that the two fields of art and psychology are intricately entertwined.
I have a specific interest in art as therapy. Many learners who are struggling academically in other areas excel in art, and there is nothing that thrills me more than seeing the look of pride and accomplishment on those faces.
I don’t shape a learner to use only one particular style or approach. One of my biggest aims is to let him or her develop his or her own style, by constantly reminding him or her that there is no right or wrong in art: there is beauty and possibility. There should, however, be some technical know-how otherwise, assessment would be practically impossible. I give high marks to projects that show application, experimentation and ability.
If I could spark art magic in a few learners so that they could one day choose to follow a career in art … then, I believe, my job done. My approach often leans towards graphic design instead of fine art in order to steer the learners towards a smart career choice one day.
On a practical level, I try and instil respect for art material in my learners. I need to be strict, as art material are very expensive and it is important for the learners to realise that it is a privilege to have wonderful art material, when many underprivileged schools only have pencils and wax crayons.
We overcome obstacles as a team by cleaning the class and organising and counting materials. The art class can very easily become chaotic: children become excited during the creative process and this is where discipline needs to be maintained. It is very important to be quiet and be in a calm mental space in order to let the creative juices flow. It pleases me to see learners getting so involved with their artwork that they almost go into some state of trance. When it is time to leave, many children don’t want to stop drawing. This is when I know that the lesson was successful.
Art is not some unattainable ability — it is in all of us — we just need to find ways to access it. This is where I step in, as an educator, to assist in making art accessible in order for the magic to start happening.
Teacher education in Pakistan is leaping into the future. This updated Scheme of Studies is the latest milestone in a journey that began in earnest in 2006 with the development of a National Curriculum, which was later augmented by the 2008 National Professional Standards for Teachers in Pakistan and the 2010 Curriculum of Education Scheme of Studies. With these foundations in place, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the USAID Teacher Education Project engaged faculty across the nation to develop detailed syllabi and course guides for the four-year B.Ed. (Hons) Elementary and two-year Associate Degree in Education (ADE). The syllabi and course guides have been reviewed by the National Curriculum Review Committee (NCRC) and the syllabi are approved as the updated Scheme of Studies for the ADE and B.Ed. (Hons) Elementary programs. As an educator, I am especially inspired by the creativity and engagement of this updated Scheme of Studies. It offers the potential for a seismic change in how we educate our teachers and ultimately our country’s youngsters. Colleges and universities that use programs like these provide their students with the universally valuable tools of critical thinking, hands-on learning, and collaborative study. I am grateful to all who have contributed to this exciting process; in particular the faculty and staff from universities, colleges, and provincial institutions who gave freely of their time and expertise for the purpose of preparing teachers with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions required for nurturing students in elementary grades. Their contributions to improving the quality of basic education in Pakistan are incalculable. I would also like to thank the distinguished NCRC members, who helped further enrich the curricula by their recommendations. The generous support received from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) enabled HEC to draw on technical assistance and subject-matter expertise of the scholars at Education Development Center, Inc., and Teachers College-Columbia University. Together, this partnership has produced a vitally important resource for Pakistan.
Q.2 Explain the demonstration method of teaching arts and crafts in detail.
Ans
The word demonstration means to give demos or to perform the particular activity or concept. In demonstration method, the teaching-learning process is carried in a systematic way. Demonstration often occurs when students have a hard time connecting theories to actual practice or when students are unable to understand applications of theories. In order to make a success of demonstration method, three things are necessary.
(a) The object being displayed during demonstration should not be so small.
(b) During the demonstration, the clear language should be used so that pupils may understand concept easily.
(c) The pupils should be able to question teachers in order to remove their difficulties.
Characteristic of demonstration method
(1) The demonstration should be done in a simple way.
(2) In this strategy, attention is paid to all students.
(3) Goals and objections of demonstration are very clear.
(4) It is a well-planned strategy.
(5) Time is given for rehearsal before the demonstration.
Steps of Demonstration method
There are six steps of demonstration process.
(1) Planning and preparation
proper planning is required for good demonstration. For this following points should be kept in mind.
- Through the preparation of subject matter.
- lesson planning
- collection of material related to the demonstration.
- rehearsal of demonstration.
In order to ensure the success of demonstration, the teacher should prepare lesson minutely and very seriously.
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(2) Introducing the lesson
The teacher should motivate students and prepare them mentally for the demonstration.
The teacher should introduce the lesson to students keeping in mind the following things.
- individual differences
- Environment
- Experiences
The lesson can also be started with some simple and interesting experiments. Very common event or some internal story.
The experiment should be able to hold the attention of students.
(3) Presentation of subject matter
– In demonstration presentation of subject matter is very important.
– The principle of reflecting thinking should be kept in mind.
– The teacher should teach the student in such a way that their previous knowledge can be attached to their new knowledge.
(4) Demonstration
-The performance in the demonstration table should be ideal for the student.
-The demonstration should be neat and clean.
(5) Teaching Aids
-The teacher can use various teaching aids like models, blackboard, graphs etc.during demonstration.
(6) Evaluation
-In this last step, evaluation of the whole demonstration should be done, so that it can be made more effective.
Merits of demonstration method
(1) It helps a student in having a deeper understanding of the topic.
(2) It helps students remain active in teaching -learning process.
(3) It leads to permanent learning.
(4) It accounts for the principles of reflective thinking.
(5) It helps to create interest for topics among students.
(6) It helps in arousing the spirit of discovery among students.
(7) It imparts maximum learning to students.
Demerits
(1) Students can not benefit with direct and personal experiences as teacher carry out the demonstration.
(2) It can be costly as it requires costly materials.
(3) It can be a time-consuming method.
(4) It is not based on learning by doing.
(5) This method does not provide training for the scientific method.
(6) There is a lack of experienced teachers to carry out the demonstration.
Art education has its roots in Massachusetts. Manufactures realized that skilled draftsmen and designers were needed for creating new products and expanding America’s world market. Drawing was taught through imitation, drill and practice. John Dewey believed in a child-based method of teaching, based on the child’s needs and self-expression. When the Soviets launched Sputnik, America was put in the “space race” and needed engineers and scientists. The shift in art education moved from “soft” and child-centered to DBAE (discipline-based art education), which has four criterion: art production, art criticism, aesthetics, and art history.
Q.3 Explain the relationship of art and craft curriculum with other subjects.
Ans
Arts and crafts should be an essential part of any school curriculum, especially in view of the academics-oriented performance parameters prioritised by parents and educational institutions. Arts and crafts put the ‘fun’ back in ‘curriculum fundamentals’.
Of the ten named Interest Areas in The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Dramatic Play, Art, Music and Movement can be especially effective at introducing a wide variety of experiences for students throughout the day while supporting standards for preschool. Early childhood teachers, even with limited training in the arts, can work to deliver meaningful and high quality arts instruction. The Creative Curriculum for Preschool provides excellent suggestions for embedding arts content into weekly planning, and can even be taken farther. Here are some additional suggestions for each arts area:
Arts and crafts as a subject in the school curriculum are typically taken for granted as a must for children and young kids in the formal education setup. But, over the past several years, many schools have unfortunately cut down on arts in their school curriculum. Music, painting, theatre- they are fast disappearing.
There is no doubt that arts and crafts are fun activities for kids. Be it coloring with crayons or making miniature statues from clay, folding paper to create fine origami or designing a handmade birthday card, there are several arts and crafts activities, which can enhance the interest of the children and exploit their artistic potential.
By introducing arts and crafts to the kids and involving them in such activities in schools, you will invest in building their cognitive, physical, and social development. The following are the benefits of arts and crafts in school curriculum found in the best schools in Lebanon:
Physical Benefits
- Development of fine motor skills
Since most arts and crafts activities consist of moving fingers and hands, they help in developing fine motor skills. Simple actions like holding a paintbrush and coloring with pencils help strengthen muscles and improve their control.
- Enhances dexterity
Arts and crafts activities can enhance the children’s dexterity and agility. With the enhancement of fine motor skills and much practice, a child’s manual dexterity, artistic skills, and speed will also increase.
- Improvement of hand-eye coordination
Engaging in activities related to arts and crafts from a very young age leads to a tremendous improvement in hand-eye coordination. This will help a child during later primary school years when she or he is spacing out words or forming letters.
Social Benefits
- Learn to appreciate art and culture
Through arts and craft, children learn to value and appreciate artifacts and images across cultures and times. Experience in design, art, and crafts enable them to reflect critically on their own work and those by others. They learn to act and think like designers and artists, working intelligently and creatively. They also learn about the preservation of heritage through art. A lot of the information we have now about people that lived millions of years ago came solely from art.
- Enhances self-expression
By engaging in creative pursuits of music and arts and crafts, children get the opportunity of expressing themselves in a positive, tangible and meaningful way. They also learn to create artwork on their own.
- Helps in socializing
Participating, with other students in art class, gives children a chance to interact with others while sharing common interests. The process of arts and crafts also strengthens parent-child bonding.
- Boosts confidence
Arts and craft activities help instil a sense of achievement and pride in children, boosting theirself-confidence.
Cognitive Benefits
- Enhances creativity
The opportunity to create whatever a child desires helps foster creativity.
- Sharpens skills of decision making
A child will learn to make correct and effective decisions by facing and solving artistic challenges. This helps to develop a problem-solving attitude, which in turn, will help them in the future.
- Enhances memory and visual learning
A child learns about new colors and shapes through arts and crafts as well as gains familiarity with various figures and patterns. Activities like learning guitar, jewelry making, etc. need visualization and memorization of complex designs in mind.
Q.4 Discuss the historical role of arts crafts and calligraphy in detail
Ans
Arts
The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form
such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or
emotional power
Myths about Art,
· Art is not for everyone, those who are not good in their studies they get good marks in art
and vice versa with good student with less creativity because less mark which affects their
result, it is expensive subject in terms of materials to afford.
· Art can limited children and focuses on to draw figures only.
Nurturing Creativity:
· Creating art helps children in discovering the unexpected possibilities of their creativity.
· The development of the creative power in all children could blossom in accordance with
“natural laws.”(Franz Cizek).
· As per the contemporary researches, meaningful learning can be encouraged in a setting
where child’s expression and creativity are balanced with important formation and
facilitation by an insightful teacher.
· Art and creativity should not be limited to become merely an artist but it must allow a
child to explore their vision and to solve problems in a different way and contribute to the
workforce, society, and humanity in the days to come.
Crafts
The term crafts is often used to describe the family(relations) of artistic practices within the family
decorative arts that traditional are defined by their relationship to functional products such as
sculpture forms in the vessel tradition or by their use of such natural media as wood, clay, glass,
textiles and metal. (Wikipedia)
Calligraphy:
Calligraphy is a type of visual art. It is often called the art of fancy lettering (Mediavilla 1996:
17). A contemporary definition of calligraphic practice is “the art of giving form to signs in an
expressive, harmonious and skillful manner”
Islamic calligraphy has evolved alongside the religion of Islam and the Arabic language. As it is
based on Arabic letters, some call it “Arabic calligraphy”. However the term “Islamic calligraphy” is a more appropriate term as it comprises all works of calligraphy by the Muslim calligraphers from Morocco to China.
Islamic calligraphy is associated with geometric Islamic art on the walls and ceilings of mosques
as well as on the page. Contemporary artists in the Islamic world draw on the heritage of
calligraphy to use calligraphic inscriptions or abstractions.
Instead of recalling something related to the spoken word, calligraphy for Muslims is a visible
expression of the highest art of all, the art of the spiritual world. Calligraphy has arguably become the most venerated form of Islamic art because it provides a link between the languages of the Muslims with the religion of Islam.
Art vs Craft
Most people do not see any difference between art and craft as they are both considered to be forms of creativity. Let’s consider how art and craft differ.
Art is a form of work that is the expression of emotions. Craft is a form of work, which results in a tangible output, for example, moulding and carving.
Art is often described as unstructured and open ended. It has no limitations of expression, just like in painting. Craft on the other hand is structured, which means that it has a certain form that is visible.
While Craft can be quantified, this is more difficult to do with art. Â Another thing that can be seen is that one can create duplicate craft forms, which is not possible with art. It can also be seen that art forms move people on an emotional level whereas crafts attract people. For example, a piece of painting can create emotions in a person whereas a piece of jewellery or pottery can be an attraction.
Unlike craft, art is known to come out of the heart and soul. Crafts come out of the mind and need considerable practise to come out with world-class forms.
Art is a result of a person’s innate talents whereas skill in craft can be acquired with experience. Craft forms can be called skilled forms. In craft, more practical thought is needed whereas in Art, it is the emotions that make a perfect creation. Art is more related to aesthetics.
A craftsman will have an idea about what he wants to actually make. In art, it is the emotions that flow out, whereas in craft, no emotion is involved.
Pottery, metal works, glass works and jewellery are some examples of craft works. Painting, architecture and sculpture are examples of art forms.
Summary
1. Art is a form of work that expresses emotions and expressions. Craft is a form of work, which has a physical form just like in moulding and carving.
2. While Craft is quantified, Art seldom is.
3. One can create duplicate craft forms, which is not possible with art.
4. Art forms move people emotionally, whereas crafts attract people.
5. Unlike craft, art is known to come out of the heart and soul. Crafts are a product of the mind.
6. In art, it is the emotions that flow out whereas in craft no emotion is involved.
7. Art comes out from a person’s innate talents whereas craft is the result of experience.
What is Arts and Art Education?
Any value that art might have in the eyes of our culture is something that has to be the concern of
schools, as well as the rest of society. Otherwise we ignore what makes us human. Art is part of
the human condition and contrasts sharply with our specific needs to invent things and make
discoveries through technology. (Rob, 1996)
From the beginning of our existence we have needed to make forms which express the values
which makes us human beings whose imaginative gifts distinguish us from other animals.
―The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination; typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power called arts.”
Traditionally, the term art was used to refer to any skill or mastery. Generally, art is made with
the intention of stimulating thoughts and emotions. Art, in both traditional and contemporary
terms, is generally about aesthetics rather than function.
Art appeals human emotions. It can arouse aesthetic or moral feelings, and can be understood as a way of communicating these feelings. It’s also known as the process or the activity of the
creating of art objects. Art in general is a representation of its culture. By examining works of art, one can often differentiate the culture from which it came. To do this well, one must be aware of the styles, purposes, and techniques that were used to make the work of art.
Jane Cooper Bland once said, “Art, to the child, is more than a matter of painting pictures or making objects. It is a means by which he expresses his individuality and communicates his ideas about himself and his world.”
Picasso said that ―To create man (and woman) who are capable of doing new things, not simply
of repeating what other generations have done- men who are creative, inventive and discoverers‖.
Art is one subject that can help achieve this and more.
According to Elliot W. Eisner, emeritus professor of art and education at the Stanford University
School of Education, ―Art helps a child to create his or her own world as well as to explore and
understand the world around him. Creating art helps children discover the unexpected possibilities of their creativity.‖
Education depends on its objectives. Since now our attention towards arts was to produce artist
only, who could draw pictures and sceneries, make sculpture only. Such students cannot do
anything except these activities which overall affect their personalities.
Art is one subject that utilizes our creativity and those who have original and novel ideas tend to
do better in it. Art education provides children great opportunities to express themselves.
Art is a creative subject, needs serious attention in education. There is a need to realize the
importance of art in schools and teachers must understand how art should be used in teaching.
Unfortunately, it was never under consideration. Art teacher should understand its creativity,
objectives and advantages not in education only but in culture and society respectively.
So it is really important to realize and understand the importance of the art and its objectives and
how we can use it for the development of education and our society.
Art Education
Art has always played a central role in the education and development of children. Painting,
drawing and other art activities enhance other areas of development, including perception, fine
motor skills, language and social interaction. These activities involve the idea of ―thinking in art.‖
“Art lives upon discussion, upon experiment, upon curiosity, upon variety of attempt, upon exchange of views and the comparison of standpoints.” Henry James
All children need a variety of experiences which facilitate them in exploring their environment.
Through art, children learn to value their own uniqueness and appreciate the individuality of
others. The teacher needs to choose variety of art activities which will nurture all aspects of
child’s development.
At the end of the fifteen century we could hardly have claimed that Leonardo da Vinci’s scientific achievements were the sum total of his fame or education He expresses his worth through art as well as science in that rare combination which makes for genius (Perry, 1973)
· Arts education increases self-esteem, teaches teamwork, greatness motivation, hones
discipline, and sharpens problem-solving skills.
· Arts education enhances early childhood development, especially that of the brain and
motor coordination.
· Arts education programs help keep kids out of trouble, and are proven to be effective in
reducing misbehavior and absence problems among at-risk youth.
· A high quality arts education leads to superior overall academic performance
2 Characteristics and role of an art teacher and creative environment
Art teachers observe and evaluate a student’s performance and potential. They are increasingly
asked to use new assessment methods. For example, art teachers may examine a portfolio of a
student’s artwork or writing in order to judge the student’s overall progress. They then can
provide additional assistance in areas in which the student needs help. Art teachers also grade
projects, prepare report cards, and meet with parents and school staff to discuss a student’s
academic progress or personal problems.
Q.5 Write detail note on the following: (20)
- Instructional Method
- Qualities of good Teacher
Ans
Instructional Method
An instructional method is defined by the process that you use to instruct people on a particular topic. Each instructional method has its own use case with certain advantages and disadvantages.
Instructional methods are kinds of instructional ways or activities used to guide the facilitation of learning in each phase of the instructional process. There are hundreds of variations. Examples are lectures, case studies, journals, blogs, story telling, peer feedback, quizzes, performances, brainstorming, video taping and review, etc. Learn more in: Teaching Adults across Cultures, Distance, and Learning Preferences: Universal Tools for the 21st Century
Instructional methods consist of principles and methods used by teachers to enhance and relate training to learners. Learn about these strategies and use them in relation with characteristics of your learners and your training needs.
When going through a training a course, you have a series of methods at your disposal that can help you transfer knowledge and skills at the right level.
An instructional method is defined by the process that you use to instruct people on a particular topic. Each instructional method has its own use case with certain advantages and disadvantages.
In this guide, you will be introduced to a comprehensive list of such instructional methods that can help you choose the right method for your specific needs.
Many trainers often use the same instructional methods over and over again mainly due to habit. This list will introduce you to other instructional methods that can improve your training and learning for your delegates.
Terminology
The term Instructional Methods is sometimes referred to differently by
researchers though they all mean the same thing. Other terms include Teaching Methods, Teaching Strategies, Instructional Strategies or Training Methods.
Styles
In general, the use of instructional methods also depends on your overall aim and how you want people to learn. Hence, each instructional method is suitable for a particular learning style. There is also a specific teaching style associated with each instructional method.
Let’s see what each style represents
Qualities of a Good Teacher
Some qualities of a good teacher include skills in communication, listening, collaboration, adaptability, empathy and patience. Other characteristics of effective teaching include an engaging classroom presence, value in real-world learning, exchange of best practices and a lifelong love of learning.
A good teacher can make a world of difference in a student’s life, impacting everything from their classroom learning to their long-term success. If you’re considering a career in education – or looking to boost it with a Master of Education (MEd) – it’s important to explore the qualities of a good teacher.
Research from the Economic Policy Institute shows that good teachers are the single most important factor that contributes to student achievement in the classroom, more important than facilities, school resources and even school leadership.
A study from the American Economics Association (AEA) found that improvements in teacher quality positively impact everything from the quality of colleges students attend to students’ future salaries, the quality of their neighborhood and even their future participation rates in 401k savings plans (AEA PDF source).
So, What Makes a Good Teacher?
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) education faculty and university students shared their thoughts on the qualities that make effective teachers stand out.
1. Good Teachers Are Strong Communicators.
When it comes to effective teaching, strong communication skills are a must, said Dr. Daniel Tanguay, senior associate dean of faculty and education programs.
Tanguay got his start as a high school math teacher and said that many students came to his class feeling afraid of math, discouraged by their prior experiences and too overwhelmed to approach the subject positively.
By communicating with students at the beginning of the year about how math applies to their favorite hobbies, sports and future careers, Tanguay said his students were able to approach the subject in a more enjoyable way that better supported their learning.
“I’m a firm believer in communication in all forms,” he said. “As a leader, communication is a tool for overcoming fear.”
2. Good Teachers Listen Well.
Great communication doesn’t stop when the teacher is done talking. Listening well is one of the most important skills needed to be a teacher.
“Teachers that are skilled in listening and observing often pick up on what isn’t being said, such as any anxieties a student may have, and can then help the student build their skills and confidence levels,” said student Kristine Ducote, who is earning her bachelor’s in criminal justice.
Student Latricia Maddox, who is studying for a bachelor’s in business, said that effective listening skills also help a teacher better understand their students and tailor lessons to reach them how they learn best.
“If an educator can truly hear a student, they can learn how to reach them where they are,” she said. “This will open the door for them to receive and learn the lesson that is being taught.”
3. Good Teachers Focus on Collaboration.
Working in education means you’re never truly working alone. From paraprofessionals and teaching assistants to other classroom teachers and school leaders, working as a teacher often means working effectively in a group. It’s also important to keep an open mind and learn from other educators.
The key to success in this kind of environment, Tanguay said, is the ability to collaborate. “You really need to be able to fill various roles in order to collaborate effectively,” he said. “If you already have someone on your team who is going to be the one to critique all of the suggestions made, then you don’t need to join in on that. Instead, maybe you need to be the person who is going to come up with creative ideas. You need to have that flexibility.”
4. Good Teachers Are Adaptable.
Effective teachers need to be able to work in a constantly evolving environment and adjust their teaching methods based on the age of their students, the resources available and changing curriculum, practices and requirements.
As a teacher since the 1980s, SNHU education professor and on campus undergraduate program chairman Dr. Audrey Rogers said she’s seen tremendous changes in the education field throughout her career, particularly with the rise in access to the internet, computers and other technology. What is teaching going to look like in another 30 years? The only thing certain, Rogers said, is change.
“Change is a constant,” she said. “Learning how to adapt and adjust, that’s been one of the skills that’s been most helpful in my career. It’s about keeping my finger on the pulse of who my students are over time and all the trends, standards and new research, and being able to continually improve.”
Adaptability is also one of the key skills needed to be a teacher who may be educating students of varying grade levels or different learning styles, Tanguay said.
“You have to be able to adapt based upon your audience,” he said.
5. Good Teachers Are Engaging.
Being able to engage students with humor, creative lessons and a strong classroom presence is an important part of what makes someone a good teacher, Tanguay said.
“If you were to envision that teacher that you would want in your life, even now, you’re going to want someone who is very engaging in front of the classroom,” he said. “A good teacher will perform for their students to keep them going… It’s not about sitting back and just lecturing, it’s about engaging in the work.”
What an engaging teacher looks like will vary depending on grade level and subject matter, Tanguay said.
In kindergarten, an engaging teacher might be one who gets down on the floor to do activities with their students on their level. In high school, an engaging teacher may be one who thinks outside the box, adds humor to their lessons and finds creative ways to bring learning into the real world.
6. Good Teachers Show Empathy.
Another key to engaging students and improving their learning is to treat each student as an individual, by being empathetic and understanding to what may be going on in their lives, Tanguay said.
“We need to take a moment to think back and think about what could be going on in this student’s life,” he said. “It’s so important to be observant, attentive, empathetic and always have a positive attitude.”
Rhonda Garrison, a student in SNHU’s psychology program, said empathy and understanding from a teacher can not only help that teacher make a connection with a student, it can directly impact a student’s learning in the classroom.
“Something that may be easy for one student may not be so easy for someone else,” she said. “Everyone learns differently, whether it be faster or slower than normal, learns better by writing, reading or hands-on. Teachers need to always keep this in mind and always pay close attention to ensure each student is on the track they need to be.”
7. Good Teachers Have Patience.
No matter what grade level you’re teaching, your patience will be tested while working as an educator.
Whether you’re managing classroom behavior, working with colleagues with different views, or communicating student issues or progress with parents, patience is one of the most important skills to practice as a teacher.
“More often than not you actually have to have more patience with the parents than you do with the students,” Tanguay said. “Parents are coming in with their perceptions of what happened to them when they were students or previous experiences that may have been detrimental to their child… You have to be patient and understanding of them.”
8. Good Teachers Value Real-World Learning.
Teachers who bring their students’ learning into the real world are often some of the most engaging. But it’s important for teachers to bring their own learning into the real world, too.
One of the best preparations for effective teaching is to ensure that education students get plenty of classroom experience early on in their degree programs, Rogers said.
For education majors in SNHU’s on campus program, this preparation includes embedded coursework that begins in a student’s freshmen year. They spend time at a local school once a week to collaborate with teacher partners and apply their learning to the classroom. A year-long student teaching experience is also a powerful way to ensure soon-to-be teachers have the time to hone their teaching skills, Rogers said.
“Our students have that benefit of seeing the practical application (of) what they’re learning in the moment they’re learning it,” she said.
9. Good Teachers Share Best Practices.
A willingness to share knowledge and experiences with others is one of the most important qualities of a good teacher, Rogers said.
Education is a hands-on field and often requires experimentation within the classroom to discover which methods of communicating with students work best. Part of being an effective teacher is sharing your findings and best practices with others in the field, Rogers said.
“I always challenge my students to think, ‘What is your contribution?’” she said. “Are you brave enough to post on Twitter about your ideas on technology integration in the classroom? Your willingness to share your practice, to keep an open door, to be transparent and to be observed are an important part of your teaching.”
10. Good Teachers Are Lifelong Learners.
One of the key skills needed to be a good teacher is a dedication to continued education and a love of learning.
Whether you’re learning more about your subject area, learning new methods of communication or even exploring how to bring more technology into your classroom, continuing to expand your own knowledge is key to expanding that of your students.
“Those dedicated to their subjects with a passion for learning make the best teachers,” said student Jennifer Gardner, who is earning a bachelor’s in mathematics. “They also need to have a desire to pass on that knowledge.”
Ducote said it’s important for teachers to never feel as though they’ve learned it all, and to remain open to new experiences.
“No matter your education level, you can learn something from everyone you encounter, including fellow educators as well as students,” she said. “Being willing to continually add tools to your toolbox – even unconventional ones at times – will keep things new and exciting, as well as giving you excellent skills.”
Learn the Characteristics of Effective Teaching
If you’re interested in starting a career in education, it’s important to first focus on your own learning. Whether you’re seeking a bachelor’s degree in education, an education master’s degree or even a Doctor of Education (EdD), building a strong foundation of knowledge and real-world experiences is key to becoming a good teacher.
No matter where your career path takes you – whether to an elementary school, secondary school or even to the university level – your teaching can have a profound impact on the lives of students, and your education is the foundation for that work.
“Teachers make such a huge impact on their students’ lives,” said student Donna Whisman, who is earning her bachelor’s in communication. “I believe that being a teacher is a very special gift, and those that have that gift make a positive, lasting impression on the lives of their students that can totally change the trajectory of their lives.”
Course: Art , Crafts and Calligraphy (6410)
Semester:Autumn, 2021
Level: B.Ed/PGD ECE
Assignment No.1
Q.1 Discuss the role of teacher in effective teaching of arts crafts and calligraphy.
Ans
I know that general criteria exist for teaching in general, however, I believe that my subject is entirely unique. Children feel different in the art class than in any other class. They move differently and act differently.
My classroom is a platform for authenticity, individuality and personal freedom. This doesn’t mean there is no discipline. It means that my quest is to provide freedom for my learners in order to open up those valuable, creative cognitive channels that only artistic practice can.
It is through these channels that a learner who comes from difficult circumstances at home can release fears and anxieties, or just escape their circumstances for a while. A whole new world of possibilities can open up for the learner through expressive techniques and stimulation of imagination (which is simply blooming at this age). Pablo Picasso once said that all children are artists I couldn’t agree more.
My goal as a teacher is not only to provide academic knowledge and technical skills relating to art but also to be some sort of counsellor, or someone they can open up to.
Your artworks reveal much about what is going on in your head, and I think that the two fields of art and psychology are intricately entertwined.
I have a specific interest in art as therapy. Many learners who are struggling academically in other areas excel in art, and there is nothing that thrills me more than seeing the look of pride and accomplishment on those faces.
I don’t shape a learner to use only one particular style or approach. One of my biggest aims is to let him or her develop his or her own style, by constantly reminding him or her that there is no right or wrong in art: there is beauty and possibility. There should, however, be some technical know-how otherwise, assessment would be practically impossible. I give high marks to projects that show application, experimentation and ability.
If I could spark art magic in a few learners so that they could one day choose to follow a career in art … then, I believe, my job done. My approach often leans towards graphic design instead of fine art in order to steer the learners towards a smart career choice one day.
On a practical level, I try and instil respect for art material in my learners. I need to be strict, as art material are very expensive and it is important for the learners to realise that it is a privilege to have wonderful art material, when many underprivileged schools only have pencils and wax crayons.
We overcome obstacles as a team by cleaning the class and organising and counting materials. The art class can very easily become chaotic: children become excited during the creative process and this is where discipline needs to be maintained. It is very important to be quiet and be in a calm mental space in order to let the creative juices flow. It pleases me to see learners getting so involved with their artwork that they almost go into some state of trance. When it is time to leave, many children don’t want to stop drawing. This is when I know that the lesson was successful.
Art is not some unattainable ability — it is in all of us — we just need to find ways to access it. This is where I step in, as an educator, to assist in making art accessible in order for the magic to start happening.
Teacher education in Pakistan is leaping into the future. This updated Scheme of Studies is the latest milestone in a journey that began in earnest in 2006 with the development of a National Curriculum, which was later augmented by the 2008 National Professional Standards for Teachers in Pakistan and the 2010 Curriculum of Education Scheme of Studies. With these foundations in place, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the USAID Teacher Education Project engaged faculty across the nation to develop detailed syllabi and course guides for the four-year B.Ed. (Hons) Elementary and two-year Associate Degree in Education (ADE). The syllabi and course guides have been reviewed by the National Curriculum Review Committee (NCRC) and the syllabi are approved as the updated Scheme of Studies for the ADE and B.Ed. (Hons) Elementary programs. As an educator, I am especially inspired by the creativity and engagement of this updated Scheme of Studies. It offers the potential for a seismic change in how we educate our teachers and ultimately our country’s youngsters. Colleges and universities that use programs like these provide their students with the universally valuable tools of critical thinking, hands-on learning, and collaborative study. I am grateful to all who have contributed to this exciting process; in particular the faculty and staff from universities, colleges, and provincial institutions who gave freely of their time and expertise for the purpose of preparing teachers with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions required for nurturing students in elementary grades. Their contributions to improving the quality of basic education in Pakistan are incalculable. I would also like to thank the distinguished NCRC members, who helped further enrich the curricula by their recommendations. The generous support received from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) enabled HEC to draw on technical assistance and subject-matter expertise of the scholars at Education Development Center, Inc., and Teachers College-Columbia University. Together, this partnership has produced a vitally important resource for Pakistan.
Q.2 Explain the demonstration method of teaching arts and crafts in detail.
Ans
The word demonstration means to give demos or to perform the particular activity or concept. In demonstration method, the teaching-learning process is carried in a systematic way. Demonstration often occurs when students have a hard time connecting theories to actual practice or when students are unable to understand applications of theories. In order to make a success of demonstration method, three things are necessary.
(a) The object being displayed during demonstration should not be so small.
(b) During the demonstration, the clear language should be used so that pupils may understand concept easily.
(c) The pupils should be able to question teachers in order to remove their difficulties.
Characteristic of demonstration method
(1) The demonstration should be done in a simple way.
(2) In this strategy, attention is paid to all students.
(3) Goals and objections of demonstration are very clear.
(4) It is a well-planned strategy.
(5) Time is given for rehearsal before the demonstration.
Steps of Demonstration method
There are six steps of demonstration process.
(1) Planning and preparation
proper planning is required for good demonstration. For this following points should be kept in mind.
- Through the preparation of subject matter.
- lesson planning
- collection of material related to the demonstration.
- rehearsal of demonstration.
In order to ensure the success of demonstration, the teacher should prepare lesson minutely and very seriously.
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(2) Introducing the lesson
The teacher should motivate students and prepare them mentally for the demonstration.
The teacher should introduce the lesson to students keeping in mind the following things.
- individual differences
- Environment
- Experiences
The lesson can also be started with some simple and interesting experiments. Very common event or some internal story.
The experiment should be able to hold the attention of students.
(3) Presentation of subject matter
– In demonstration presentation of subject matter is very important.
– The principle of reflecting thinking should be kept in mind.
– The teacher should teach the student in such a way that their previous knowledge can be attached to their new knowledge.
(4) Demonstration
-The performance in the demonstration table should be ideal for the student.
-The demonstration should be neat and clean.
(5) Teaching Aids
-The teacher can use various teaching aids like models, blackboard, graphs etc.during demonstration.
(6) Evaluation
-In this last step, evaluation of the whole demonstration should be done, so that it can be made more effective.
Merits of demonstration method
(1) It helps a student in having a deeper understanding of the topic.
(2) It helps students remain active in teaching -learning process.
(3) It leads to permanent learning.
(4) It accounts for the principles of reflective thinking.
(5) It helps to create interest for topics among students.
(6) It helps in arousing the spirit of discovery among students.
(7) It imparts maximum learning to students.
Demerits
(1) Students can not benefit with direct and personal experiences as teacher carry out the demonstration.
(2) It can be costly as it requires costly materials.
(3) It can be a time-consuming method.
(4) It is not based on learning by doing.
(5) This method does not provide training for the scientific method.
(6) There is a lack of experienced teachers to carry out the demonstration.
Art education has its roots in Massachusetts. Manufactures realized that skilled draftsmen and designers were needed for creating new products and expanding America’s world market. Drawing was taught through imitation, drill and practice. John Dewey believed in a child-based method of teaching, based on the child’s needs and self-expression. When the Soviets launched Sputnik, America was put in the “space race” and needed engineers and scientists. The shift in art education moved from “soft” and child-centered to DBAE (discipline-based art education), which has four criterion: art production, art criticism, aesthetics, and art history.
Q.3 Explain the relationship of art and craft curriculum with other subjects.
Ans
Arts and crafts should be an essential part of any school curriculum, especially in view of the academics-oriented performance parameters prioritised by parents and educational institutions. Arts and crafts put the ‘fun’ back in ‘curriculum fundamentals’.
Of the ten named Interest Areas in The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Dramatic Play, Art, Music and Movement can be especially effective at introducing a wide variety of experiences for students throughout the day while supporting standards for preschool. Early childhood teachers, even with limited training in the arts, can work to deliver meaningful and high quality arts instruction. The Creative Curriculum for Preschool provides excellent suggestions for embedding arts content into weekly planning, and can even be taken farther. Here are some additional suggestions for each arts area:
Arts and crafts as a subject in the school curriculum are typically taken for granted as a must for children and young kids in the formal education setup. But, over the past several years, many schools have unfortunately cut down on arts in their school curriculum. Music, painting, theatre- they are fast disappearing.
There is no doubt that arts and crafts are fun activities for kids. Be it coloring with crayons or making miniature statues from clay, folding paper to create fine origami or designing a handmade birthday card, there are several arts and crafts activities, which can enhance the interest of the children and exploit their artistic potential.
By introducing arts and crafts to the kids and involving them in such activities in schools, you will invest in building their cognitive, physical, and social development. The following are the benefits of arts and crafts in school curriculum found in the best schools in Lebanon:
Physical Benefits
- Development of fine motor skills
Since most arts and crafts activities consist of moving fingers and hands, they help in developing fine motor skills. Simple actions like holding a paintbrush and coloring with pencils help strengthen muscles and improve their control.
- Enhances dexterity
Arts and crafts activities can enhance the children’s dexterity and agility. With the enhancement of fine motor skills and much practice, a child’s manual dexterity, artistic skills, and speed will also increase.
- Improvement of hand-eye coordination
Engaging in activities related to arts and crafts from a very young age leads to a tremendous improvement in hand-eye coordination. This will help a child during later primary school years when she or he is spacing out words or forming letters.
Social Benefits
- Learn to appreciate art and culture
Through arts and craft, children learn to value and appreciate artifacts and images across cultures and times. Experience in design, art, and crafts enable them to reflect critically on their own work and those by others. They learn to act and think like designers and artists, working intelligently and creatively. They also learn about the preservation of heritage through art. A lot of the information we have now about people that lived millions of years ago came solely from art.
- Enhances self-expression
By engaging in creative pursuits of music and arts and crafts, children get the opportunity of expressing themselves in a positive, tangible and meaningful way. They also learn to create artwork on their own.
- Helps in socializing
Participating, with other students in art class, gives children a chance to interact with others while sharing common interests. The process of arts and crafts also strengthens parent-child bonding.
- Boosts confidence
Arts and craft activities help instil a sense of achievement and pride in children, boosting theirself-confidence.
Cognitive Benefits
- Enhances creativity
The opportunity to create whatever a child desires helps foster creativity.
- Sharpens skills of decision making
A child will learn to make correct and effective decisions by facing and solving artistic challenges. This helps to develop a problem-solving attitude, which in turn, will help them in the future.
- Enhances memory and visual learning
A child learns about new colors and shapes through arts and crafts as well as gains familiarity with various figures and patterns. Activities like learning guitar, jewelry making, etc. need visualization and memorization of complex designs in mind.
Q.4 Discuss the historical role of arts crafts and calligraphy in detail
Ans
Arts
The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form
such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or
emotional power
Myths about Art,
· Art is not for everyone, those who are not good in their studies they get good marks in art
and vice versa with good student with less creativity because less mark which affects their
result, it is expensive subject in terms of materials to afford.
· Art can limited children and focuses on to draw figures only.
Nurturing Creativity:
· Creating art helps children in discovering the unexpected possibilities of their creativity.
· The development of the creative power in all children could blossom in accordance with
“natural laws.”(Franz Cizek).
· As per the contemporary researches, meaningful learning can be encouraged in a setting
where child’s expression and creativity are balanced with important formation and
facilitation by an insightful teacher.
· Art and creativity should not be limited to become merely an artist but it must allow a
child to explore their vision and to solve problems in a different way and contribute to the
workforce, society, and humanity in the days to come.
Crafts
The term crafts is often used to describe the family(relations) of artistic practices within the family
decorative arts that traditional are defined by their relationship to functional products such as
sculpture forms in the vessel tradition or by their use of such natural media as wood, clay, glass,
textiles and metal. (Wikipedia)
Calligraphy:
Calligraphy is a type of visual art. It is often called the art of fancy lettering (Mediavilla 1996:
17). A contemporary definition of calligraphic practice is “the art of giving form to signs in an
expressive, harmonious and skillful manner”
Islamic calligraphy has evolved alongside the religion of Islam and the Arabic language. As it is
based on Arabic letters, some call it “Arabic calligraphy”. However the term “Islamic calligraphy” is a more appropriate term as it comprises all works of calligraphy by the Muslim calligraphers from Morocco to China.
Islamic calligraphy is associated with geometric Islamic art on the walls and ceilings of mosques
as well as on the page. Contemporary artists in the Islamic world draw on the heritage of
calligraphy to use calligraphic inscriptions or abstractions.
Instead of recalling something related to the spoken word, calligraphy for Muslims is a visible
expression of the highest art of all, the art of the spiritual world. Calligraphy has arguably become the most venerated form of Islamic art because it provides a link between the languages of the Muslims with the religion of Islam.
Art vs Craft
Most people do not see any difference between art and craft as they are both considered to be forms of creativity. Let’s consider how art and craft differ.
Art is a form of work that is the expression of emotions. Craft is a form of work, which results in a tangible output, for example, moulding and carving.
Art is often described as unstructured and open ended. It has no limitations of expression, just like in painting. Craft on the other hand is structured, which means that it has a certain form that is visible.
While Craft can be quantified, this is more difficult to do with art. Â Another thing that can be seen is that one can create duplicate craft forms, which is not possible with art. It can also be seen that art forms move people on an emotional level whereas crafts attract people. For example, a piece of painting can create emotions in a person whereas a piece of jewellery or pottery can be an attraction.
Unlike craft, art is known to come out of the heart and soul. Crafts come out of the mind and need considerable practise to come out with world-class forms.
Art is a result of a person’s innate talents whereas skill in craft can be acquired with experience. Craft forms can be called skilled forms. In craft, more practical thought is needed whereas in Art, it is the emotions that make a perfect creation. Art is more related to aesthetics.
A craftsman will have an idea about what he wants to actually make. In art, it is the emotions that flow out, whereas in craft, no emotion is involved.
Pottery, metal works, glass works and jewellery are some examples of craft works. Painting, architecture and sculpture are examples of art forms.
Summary
1. Art is a form of work that expresses emotions and expressions. Craft is a form of work, which has a physical form just like in moulding and carving.
2. While Craft is quantified, Art seldom is.
3. One can create duplicate craft forms, which is not possible with art.
4. Art forms move people emotionally, whereas crafts attract people.
5. Unlike craft, art is known to come out of the heart and soul. Crafts are a product of the mind.
6. In art, it is the emotions that flow out whereas in craft no emotion is involved.
7. Art comes out from a person’s innate talents whereas craft is the result of experience.
What is Arts and Art Education?
Any value that art might have in the eyes of our culture is something that has to be the concern of
schools, as well as the rest of society. Otherwise we ignore what makes us human. Art is part of
the human condition and contrasts sharply with our specific needs to invent things and make
discoveries through technology. (Rob, 1996)
From the beginning of our existence we have needed to make forms which express the values
which makes us human beings whose imaginative gifts distinguish us from other animals.
―The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination; typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power called arts.”
Traditionally, the term art was used to refer to any skill or mastery. Generally, art is made with
the intention of stimulating thoughts and emotions. Art, in both traditional and contemporary
terms, is generally about aesthetics rather than function.
Art appeals human emotions. It can arouse aesthetic or moral feelings, and can be understood as a way of communicating these feelings. It’s also known as the process or the activity of the
creating of art objects. Art in general is a representation of its culture. By examining works of art, one can often differentiate the culture from which it came. To do this well, one must be aware of the styles, purposes, and techniques that were used to make the work of art.
Jane Cooper Bland once said, “Art, to the child, is more than a matter of painting pictures or making objects. It is a means by which he expresses his individuality and communicates his ideas about himself and his world.”
Picasso said that ―To create man (and woman) who are capable of doing new things, not simply
of repeating what other generations have done- men who are creative, inventive and discoverers‖.
Art is one subject that can help achieve this and more.
According to Elliot W. Eisner, emeritus professor of art and education at the Stanford University
School of Education, ―Art helps a child to create his or her own world as well as to explore and
understand the world around him. Creating art helps children discover the unexpected possibilities of their creativity.‖
Education depends on its objectives. Since now our attention towards arts was to produce artist
only, who could draw pictures and sceneries, make sculpture only. Such students cannot do
anything except these activities which overall affect their personalities.
Art is one subject that utilizes our creativity and those who have original and novel ideas tend to
do better in it. Art education provides children great opportunities to express themselves.
Art is a creative subject, needs serious attention in education. There is a need to realize the
importance of art in schools and teachers must understand how art should be used in teaching.
Unfortunately, it was never under consideration. Art teacher should understand its creativity,
objectives and advantages not in education only but in culture and society respectively.
So it is really important to realize and understand the importance of the art and its objectives and
how we can use it for the development of education and our society.
Art Education
Art has always played a central role in the education and development of children. Painting,
drawing and other art activities enhance other areas of development, including perception, fine
motor skills, language and social interaction. These activities involve the idea of ―thinking in art.‖
“Art lives upon discussion, upon experiment, upon curiosity, upon variety of attempt, upon exchange of views and the comparison of standpoints.” Henry James
All children need a variety of experiences which facilitate them in exploring their environment.
Through art, children learn to value their own uniqueness and appreciate the individuality of
others. The teacher needs to choose variety of art activities which will nurture all aspects of
child’s development.
At the end of the fifteen century we could hardly have claimed that Leonardo da Vinci’s scientific achievements were the sum total of his fame or education He expresses his worth through art as well as science in that rare combination which makes for genius (Perry, 1973)
· Arts education increases self-esteem, teaches teamwork, greatness motivation, hones
discipline, and sharpens problem-solving skills.
· Arts education enhances early childhood development, especially that of the brain and
motor coordination.
· Arts education programs help keep kids out of trouble, and are proven to be effective in
reducing misbehavior and absence problems among at-risk youth.
· A high quality arts education leads to superior overall academic performance
2 Characteristics and role of an art teacher and creative environment
Art teachers observe and evaluate a student’s performance and potential. They are increasingly
asked to use new assessment methods. For example, art teachers may examine a portfolio of a
student’s artwork or writing in order to judge the student’s overall progress. They then can
provide additional assistance in areas in which the student needs help. Art teachers also grade
projects, prepare report cards, and meet with parents and school staff to discuss a student’s
academic progress or personal problems.
Q.5 Write detail note on the following: (20)
- Instructional Method
- Qualities of good Teacher
Ans
Instructional Method
An instructional method is defined by the process that you use to instruct people on a particular topic. Each instructional method has its own use case with certain advantages and disadvantages.
Instructional methods are kinds of instructional ways or activities used to guide the facilitation of learning in each phase of the instructional process. There are hundreds of variations. Examples are lectures, case studies, journals, blogs, story telling, peer feedback, quizzes, performances, brainstorming, video taping and review, etc. Learn more in: Teaching Adults across Cultures, Distance, and Learning Preferences: Universal Tools for the 21st Century
Instructional methods consist of principles and methods used by teachers to enhance and relate training to learners. Learn about these strategies and use them in relation with characteristics of your learners and your training needs.
When going through a training a course, you have a series of methods at your disposal that can help you transfer knowledge and skills at the right level.
An instructional method is defined by the process that you use to instruct people on a particular topic. Each instructional method has its own use case with certain advantages and disadvantages.
In this guide, you will be introduced to a comprehensive list of such instructional methods that can help you choose the right method for your specific needs.
Many trainers often use the same instructional methods over and over again mainly due to habit. This list will introduce you to other instructional methods that can improve your training and learning for your delegates.
Terminology
The term Instructional Methods is sometimes referred to differently by
researchers though they all mean the same thing. Other terms include Teaching Methods, Teaching Strategies, Instructional Strategies or Training Methods.
Styles
In general, the use of instructional methods also depends on your overall aim and how you want people to learn. Hence, each instructional method is suitable for a particular learning style. There is also a specific teaching style associated with each instructional method.
Let’s see what each style represents
Qualities of a Good Teacher
Some qualities of a good teacher include skills in communication, listening, collaboration, adaptability, empathy and patience. Other characteristics of effective teaching include an engaging classroom presence, value in real-world learning, exchange of best practices and a lifelong love of learning.
A good teacher can make a world of difference in a student’s life, impacting everything from their classroom learning to their long-term success. If you’re considering a career in education – or looking to boost it with a Master of Education (MEd) – it’s important to explore the qualities of a good teacher.
Research from the Economic Policy Institute shows that good teachers are the single most important factor that contributes to student achievement in the classroom, more important than facilities, school resources and even school leadership.
A study from the American Economics Association (AEA) found that improvements in teacher quality positively impact everything from the quality of colleges students attend to students’ future salaries, the quality of their neighborhood and even their future participation rates in 401k savings plans (AEA PDF source).
So, What Makes a Good Teacher?
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) education faculty and university students shared their thoughts on the qualities that make effective teachers stand out.
1. Good Teachers Are Strong Communicators.
When it comes to effective teaching, strong communication skills are a must, said Dr. Daniel Tanguay, senior associate dean of faculty and education programs.
Tanguay got his start as a high school math teacher and said that many students came to his class feeling afraid of math, discouraged by their prior experiences and too overwhelmed to approach the subject positively.
By communicating with students at the beginning of the year about how math applies to their favorite hobbies, sports and future careers, Tanguay said his students were able to approach the subject in a more enjoyable way that better supported their learning.
“I’m a firm believer in communication in all forms,” he said. “As a leader, communication is a tool for overcoming fear.”
2. Good Teachers Listen Well.
Great communication doesn’t stop when the teacher is done talking. Listening well is one of the most important skills needed to be a teacher.
“Teachers that are skilled in listening and observing often pick up on what isn’t being said, such as any anxieties a student may have, and can then help the student build their skills and confidence levels,” said student Kristine Ducote, who is earning her bachelor’s in criminal justice.
Student Latricia Maddox, who is studying for a bachelor’s in business, said that effective listening skills also help a teacher better understand their students and tailor lessons to reach them how they learn best.
“If an educator can truly hear a student, they can learn how to reach them where they are,” she said. “This will open the door for them to receive and learn the lesson that is being taught.”
3. Good Teachers Focus on Collaboration.
Working in education means you’re never truly working alone. From paraprofessionals and teaching assistants to other classroom teachers and school leaders, working as a teacher often means working effectively in a group. It’s also important to keep an open mind and learn from other educators.
The key to success in this kind of environment, Tanguay said, is the ability to collaborate. “You really need to be able to fill various roles in order to collaborate effectively,” he said. “If you already have someone on your team who is going to be the one to critique all of the suggestions made, then you don’t need to join in on that. Instead, maybe you need to be the person who is going to come up with creative ideas. You need to have that flexibility.”
4. Good Teachers Are Adaptable.
Effective teachers need to be able to work in a constantly evolving environment and adjust their teaching methods based on the age of their students, the resources available and changing curriculum, practices and requirements.
As a teacher since the 1980s, SNHU education professor and on campus undergraduate program chairman Dr. Audrey Rogers said she’s seen tremendous changes in the education field throughout her career, particularly with the rise in access to the internet, computers and other technology. What is teaching going to look like in another 30 years? The only thing certain, Rogers said, is change.
“Change is a constant,” she said. “Learning how to adapt and adjust, that’s been one of the skills that’s been most helpful in my career. It’s about keeping my finger on the pulse of who my students are over time and all the trends, standards and new research, and being able to continually improve.”
Adaptability is also one of the key skills needed to be a teacher who may be educating students of varying grade levels or different learning styles, Tanguay said.
“You have to be able to adapt based upon your audience,” he said.
5. Good Teachers Are Engaging.
Being able to engage students with humor, creative lessons and a strong classroom presence is an important part of what makes someone a good teacher, Tanguay said.
“If you were to envision that teacher that you would want in your life, even now, you’re going to want someone who is very engaging in front of the classroom,” he said. “A good teacher will perform for their students to keep them going… It’s not about sitting back and just lecturing, it’s about engaging in the work.”
What an engaging teacher looks like will vary depending on grade level and subject matter, Tanguay said.
In kindergarten, an engaging teacher might be one who gets down on the floor to do activities with their students on their level. In high school, an engaging teacher may be one who thinks outside the box, adds humor to their lessons and finds creative ways to bring learning into the real world.
6. Good Teachers Show Empathy.
Another key to engaging students and improving their learning is to treat each student as an individual, by being empathetic and understanding to what may be going on in their lives, Tanguay said.
“We need to take a moment to think back and think about what could be going on in this student’s life,” he said. “It’s so important to be observant, attentive, empathetic and always have a positive attitude.”
Rhonda Garrison, a student in SNHU’s psychology program, said empathy and understanding from a teacher can not only help that teacher make a connection with a student, it can directly impact a student’s learning in the classroom.
“Something that may be easy for one student may not be so easy for someone else,” she said. “Everyone learns differently, whether it be faster or slower than normal, learns better by writing, reading or hands-on. Teachers need to always keep this in mind and always pay close attention to ensure each student is on the track they need to be.”
7. Good Teachers Have Patience.
No matter what grade level you’re teaching, your patience will be tested while working as an educator.
Whether you’re managing classroom behavior, working with colleagues with different views, or communicating student issues or progress with parents, patience is one of the most important skills to practice as a teacher.
“More often than not you actually have to have more patience with the parents than you do with the students,” Tanguay said. “Parents are coming in with their perceptions of what happened to them when they were students or previous experiences that may have been detrimental to their child… You have to be patient and understanding of them.”
8. Good Teachers Value Real-World Learning.
Teachers who bring their students’ learning into the real world are often some of the most engaging. But it’s important for teachers to bring their own learning into the real world, too.
One of the best preparations for effective teaching is to ensure that education students get plenty of classroom experience early on in their degree programs, Rogers said.
For education majors in SNHU’s on campus program, this preparation includes embedded coursework that begins in a student’s freshmen year. They spend time at a local school once a week to collaborate with teacher partners and apply their learning to the classroom. A year-long student teaching experience is also a powerful way to ensure soon-to-be teachers have the time to hone their teaching skills, Rogers said.
“Our students have that benefit of seeing the practical application (of) what they’re learning in the moment they’re learning it,” she said.
9. Good Teachers Share Best Practices.
A willingness to share knowledge and experiences with others is one of the most important qualities of a good teacher, Rogers said.
Education is a hands-on field and often requires experimentation within the classroom to discover which methods of communicating with students work best. Part of being an effective teacher is sharing your findings and best practices with others in the field, Rogers said.
“I always challenge my students to think, ‘What is your contribution?’” she said. “Are you brave enough to post on Twitter about your ideas on technology integration in the classroom? Your willingness to share your practice, to keep an open door, to be transparent and to be observed are an important part of your teaching.”
10. Good Teachers Are Lifelong Learners.
One of the key skills needed to be a good teacher is a dedication to continued education and a love of learning.
Whether you’re learning more about your subject area, learning new methods of communication or even exploring how to bring more technology into your classroom, continuing to expand your own knowledge is key to expanding that of your students.
“Those dedicated to their subjects with a passion for learning make the best teachers,” said student Jennifer Gardner, who is earning a bachelor’s in mathematics. “They also need to have a desire to pass on that knowledge.”
Ducote said it’s important for teachers to never feel as though they’ve learned it all, and to remain open to new experiences.
“No matter your education level, you can learn something from everyone you encounter, including fellow educators as well as students,” she said. “Being willing to continually add tools to your toolbox – even unconventional ones at times – will keep things new and exciting, as well as giving you excellent skills.”
Learn the Characteristics of Effective Teaching
If you’re interested in starting a career in education, it’s important to first focus on your own learning. Whether you’re seeking a bachelor’s degree in education, an education master’s degree or even a Doctor of Education (EdD), building a strong foundation of knowledge and real-world experiences is key to becoming a good teacher.
No matter where your career path takes you – whether to an elementary school, secondary school or even to the university level – your teaching can have a profound impact on the lives of students, and your education is the foundation for that work.
“Teachers make such a huge impact on their students’ lives,” said student Donna Whisman, who is earning her bachelor’s in communication. “I believe that being a teacher is a very special gift, and those that have that gift make a positive, lasting impression on the lives of their students that can totally change the trajectory of their lives.”