Five Ways to Improve Your Students’ Ability to Learn
After a trying year, students have gone through so much change from in-person to at-home and virtual, learning new technology in an environment with all new distractions. It can be difficult to see their progress slow or to watch them lose enthusiasm for learning. There are a number of methods and techniques that can enhance a student’s ability to learn; here are five effective ways we encourage you to try.
1. Make Coursework Relatable
It can often be difficult for students to consistently relate to their coursework. This lack of connection can manifest through questions such as “Why does this matter? Why am I learning this?” Look for ways to tie lessons back to today’s world or to make them culturally relevant. Seek out the latest trends, entertainment, or even your students’ interests or activities.
Create lessons that show up in the form of your student’s everyday routine. During their snack break, infuse the basics of nutrition, reading (package labels), and math (serving sizes). Almost anything in their daily lives can serve as inspiration! When students see how their coursework can be applied to daily life, it can make learning feel more natural and more fun!
2. Allow a Student-Led Approach
Allowing students to choose how they want to complete an assignment can help their learning process and their progress. Some students are happy to do worksheets, while others may be happy writing, making a video, or creating a poster. Allowing them to lead the process can improve their engagement and allow for autonomy, as well as harness their creativity and individuality. It can give them a voice and show them how their unique qualities are what make them different and great.
3. Embrace Hands-On Learning
For some students, it can be difficult to grasp a lesson through traditional lecture or reading. By assigning activities or hands-on games or exercises, students will not only become more engaged, but it can also be a great way for a teacher or tutor to observe what students are grasping, and where they may need to spend more time. Try this hands-on lesson plan approach across all subjects from math to history and art, and offer moments for students to group together as teams. Students can learn from each other and build stronger bonds with their peers. Hands on learning can also help improve retention and ultimately embrace each students’ unique creativity.
4. Build a Positive Mindset
Learning can be an empowering experience for students. On the contrary, if challenged or struggling to make progress, it can also lead to lower confidence and self esteem. A teacher and tutor have a unique opportunity to instill confidence and boost their students’ self esteem. Use encouraging words and phrases like, “although it may be hard, you can do it.” When they see that others believe in them, in time they will learn to believe in themselves. Positivity is key to their success. Celebrate the small and the big wins. Find ways to recognize their hard work, their success and ensure they feel appreciated. Simply asking them how they are doing is one way to recognize them, to make them feel heard and cared for. In the end, students who are supported emotionally and mentally are better set up to achieve success in their academic and personal lives.
5. Open a Dialogue
While lectures are effective for some students, for others it can be difficult to stay connected, to stay interested, and to ultimately learn and retain the material. Implement ways and create opportunities for students to engage in the lesson directly. Open the session with an open discussion about the topic at hand. Allow students a moment to speak their mind and provide their perspective on the material. This discussion can create a more lively lesson, help students learn more effectively, and can provide teachers or tutors with a view into how their students think. A discussion can also bring about new concepts or ideas that the teacher or tutor may not have recognized. It can allow for students to think critically and may even bring about healthy debate.
By implementing these five methods, teachers, tutors and their students will gain an improved understanding of the material, of each other, and ultimately gain a better appreciation and love for learning.
If you’re interested in becoming a tutor at Pandemic Professors, visit us at pandemicprofessors.org/volunteer.
Written By: Irfan Jeddy
