Education is vital for the future. It ensures that upcoming generations are skilled in critical thinking as well as containing the knowledge to function well in life and society. The following three strategies will help to improve education and ensure the success of today’s children when they are tomorrow’s adults.
Shrink Class Sizes
Studies have shown that students perform better and learn faster in smaller classes; the best results are in class sizes of fewer than twenty. This class size results in greater degrees of individualized attention, better communication between students and instructor, and increased participation by the students. Pupils receive more feedback from teachers and their peers; they also tend to receive more chances for hands-on learning than students in larger class sizes. Every student gets noticed in classes of smaller sizes. Every pupil gets the necessary attention and is encouraged to express opinions and take part in class discussions.
Students in smaller class sizes learn more; they also learn more quickly. The class can sail through course materials that would take longer with larger class sizes. More material gets covered this way. And the students’ learning is further enhanced by developing confidence in sharing their opinions and participating in asking and answering questions. Smaller groups provide more opportunities to participate; with fewer voices, the students all have more chances to participate in class, applying newly gained knowledge to take part in class discussions.
When the learning environment contains a more limited number of pupils, teachers have the ability to spend more time actually teaching the materials instead of taking precious moments regaining the attention of pupils who are easily distracted. Teachers can also apply different techniques to fulfill the individualized needs of students with differing learning styles to ensure that all pupils remain engaged and understand the course materials. Pupils also can get the help required to reach their fullest potential when teachers have greater degrees of time to make their feedback more individualized. Teachers and pupils have more of a chance to work one-on-one as well.
Broaden Research Options with Technology
Life as modern generations know it has been transformed by technology; the modern classroom looks vastly different than it did fifty years ago, or even ten years ago. Chalkboards have given way to digital whiteboards. Classrooms in wealthier districts have an abundance of tablets. While some naysayers may see the technology in the classroom as a mere distraction, it can actually assist in encouraging active participation. Devices such as tablets and computers can help transform subjects that are traditionally dull into activities that are fun and interactive. Textbooks can be transformed from simple paper to engaging programs.
Every child in a classroom is unique and different, and adjusting learning plans to fit each student can be a challenge. Technology in education, however, can assist in modifying lessons. For example, a student who wishes to draw throughout an entire class can use technology to create an infographic that demonstrates that pupil’s understanding of the material as well as unique capabilities. This might have gone unnoticed and unassessed without the aid of technology in the classroom.
* Some ways to include technology in the classroom are:
* Run a virtual field trip for locations that are traditionally out of reach
* Focus and quiet noisy classrooms with noise meter displays
* Have mini-lessons by using videos
* Add to presentations with multimedia elements
* Offer online activities for those pupils who complete their work early
* Bonus content to add to what textbooks supply
Utilize More Support Staff
Too much focus in schools is presently on security and not enough on the support staff that makes security less warranted. Many schools lack nurses, counselors, and mentors. Individualized attention to troubled students can help nip problems in the bud rather than allowing them to exacerbate and become truly dangerous situations. School support staff includes varied staff members skilled in providing specialized support, both instructional and otherwise.
Support staff:
* Provide a supportive learning environment
* Foster trusting, positive relationships with pupils
* Develop a nurturing school climate
* Offer adults as role models to encourage students to create connections within their communities and schools
A final way to improve education is to buy textbooks of the highest quality. With small class sizes to explore the content, technology to add to its content interactively, and support staff to ensure students are in a safe and engaging environment, when you buy textbooks that are shown to have great results, the outcome is highly successful.
