Teachers are the gatekeepers and implementers of pedagogy, which is why they can transform a classroom into an inspiring place for learning.
In this blog post, we’re going to explore how teachers can develop their understanding of theories and implementation. With these tips, you’ll be able to strengthen your knowledge of what works in education and deepen your knowledge of how to educate students most effectively.
So, what is teaching theory? Teaching theory is the collective term for several theories and principles that have been developed by educators, psychologists, and philosophers to describe, understand, predict and explain teaching and learning. In recent years it has expanded to include theories from other fields such as cognitive science. This course for teachers can help you develop learning theories in detail.
Elements of Teaching Theory
A key element of teaching theory is teacher reflection, whereby teachers analyse their practice and consider the components that could be developed or refined to enhance the learning experience of their students.
It is not always agreeable what constitutes teaching theory, with definitions ranging from a synonym for “pedagogy” to a set of beliefs shared by professional educators and practitioners to an approach to understanding education that is scientific, rational and objective.
The key common feature is that it provides some insight into a teacher’s thinking as they reflect on their practice and the challenges they face.
Teaching theory is concerned with understanding how teachers and learners interact in a classroom or learning environment and include the study of the motivations of teachers, learners and administrators. It may consist of qualitative or quantitative observations to explain observations of teaching and learning processes.
Tips to get more profound knowledge on teaching theories
Read More
This might seem like an obvious one, but it’s essential. Reading allows you to have a deeper and more informed understanding of your field. You can read about the different research that has been conducted in education.
The classic texts in education are an excellent place to start, but it’s essential to keep up with today’s writing.
Attend Conferences
Conferences are an excellent way for teachers and other professionals in education to network, learn from one another, and further their knowledge and practice. They’re also a perfect opportunity to sample new teaching methods.
Watch Educational Documentaries
Educational documentaries are a fantastic way for teachers to find out about all different forms of education, and, as well as this; they’re also a great way to get some tips and tricks on how best to use educational technology in the classroom..
Attend Teacher Training Courses
Teaching training courses are an excellent way for teachers to learn about new teaching methods, put them into practice and gain confidence in their abilities. This can be achieved through online or in-person teacher training courses, but the most important thing is to find one that you genuinely feel will suit your needs.
Ask your peers
If you’re stuck trying to figure out how to implement a new theory in your classroom, it might be worth asking your colleagues what they think of it. The thing about pedagogy is that it’s different for every single teacher. As such, the best way to understand and learn about what works in teaching is to talk to other teachers and get their perspectives on the method that you’re considering using. This can help avoid miscommunication and confusion when trying out new teaching methods.
Read Educational Journals
Educational journals are a great way for teachers to share their knowledge and tips on implementing different pedagogies in their classrooms.
You might want to look for journals that cover similar topics, as having the same journal as your subject expertise can help you stay on top of all the latest developments in education.
Present your Research
Presenting your research at conferences is an excellent way for teachers to gain insight into new research and theories, as well as have the chance to share their researchwith other professionals. Often conferences allow you to discuss your findings with other professionals, enriching experiences.
Create Educational Content
Creating educational content is another excellent way for teachers to share their research, findings, and opinions with other professionals.
Educational blogs are a great place to start creating content, as they have the added benefit of getting your voice out there on the internet!
Join an organization
Joining an organisation that promotes education is an excellent way for teachers to meet other professionals and have the opportunity to discuss different theories.
Because there are so many different types of organisations out there, it’s best to join one dedicated to the pedagogy.
Reflect on What You’ve Learned
Reflecting on your teaching practice is an essential step to strengthening it. Reflecting is the process of taking a look at all the different things that you do and considering how they relate to one another. One way to strengthen your reflection is by practising reflective teaching.
Advantages of Teaching theory
Teaching theory is valuable to new and veteran teachers alike. The skills you cultivate while learning, practising and teaching theory are just as important as the knowledge itself. You’ll have a better understanding of your students, their needs, and the context in which they learn best. However, you must select a good course.
Whether you’re a new teacher looking for some basic professional development or an experienced teacher who would like to brush up their knowledge with some new developments in pedagogy, these interactive programmes are designed to support your teaching practice by giving you more tools for engaging your students in meaningful ways.
Theory is best defined as “a systematic formulation of a set of principles or propositions regarding a specific subject matter.” In simple terms, a theory is a set of ideas used to approach a problem. The same concept applies to work as language teachers. Language teachers need theories as frameworks that are logical and make sense.
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