3 teaching methods to adopt in 2018

For many, the arrival of a new year brings with it the desire to make resolutions, whether they involve giving something up, doing something differently or trying something new.

So, if you're a teacher, why not jump on the bandwagon?

If you're looking for ways to boost learning, motivation and engagement in the classroom, here are three alternative teaching methods you could adopt in 2018 to liven up those school exercise books.

1. Place-based education

There's a great deal to learn from the places we live in, and getting out and about in the local area can aid in teaching maths, languages, science, social studies and more. By taking part in projects that connect the school with local communities, the benefits are varied, the learning environment is fun, and very few school supplies are needed.

2. Project-based learning

Many schools are putting exercise books to use in a different way, adopting a project-based learning approach to education. By teaching students through the use of real projects, children can learn leadership skills, be more inquisitive, engage better, gain a deeper understanding of the subjects involved, and improve their questioning abilities. In a world where the employment market is becoming more and more of a gig economy, these are skills that will prepare them well for working life.

3. Formative assessment

Most schools rely on summative assessment - using test and exam results to gauge learning at the end of a term or year. Formative assessment, though, is different: rather than being about achieving goals at the end of a unit of learning, it's about giving students ongoing feedback throughout the term or year. This means that teachers can spot any issues and address them immediately, rather than discovering them in an exam setting, while students can gain a better understanding of the areas in which they perform best and worst, targeting specific areas for improvement. Formative assessment allows teachers to personalise feedback, tasks and general teaching much more easily, making it more likely that those who are struggling with certain elements of a subject can get up to speed.

If you're looking for top quality school supplies, including pens and pencils, to help with your teaching methods for 2018, contact us to find out how we can help.