To teach like a champion, master effective teaching techniques that boost student engagement and achievement. This involves a multifaceted approach encompassing lesson planning, classroom management, and building strong student relationships.
Key Strategies for Champion Teaching
The core tenets of champion teaching hinge on several interconnected elements:
1. Setting High Expectations and Planning for Achievement (References 1, 2):
- Establish clear learning objectives: Begin each lesson with explicit, measurable learning goals. This provides a roadmap for students and helps you gauge their understanding.
- Plan meticulously: Develop detailed lesson plans that incorporate various teaching strategies to cater to diverse learning styles. Anticipate potential challenges and prepare engaging activities to keep students motivated.
2. Structuring and Delivering Engaging Lessons (References 3, 4):
- Structure lessons logically: Employ a clear structure with a beginning, middle, and end. This provides a sense of order and facilitates understanding.
- Active learning techniques: Incorporate interactive elements like group work, discussions, and hands-on activities to keep students engaged and actively participating in the learning process.
- High-quality curriculum: Use a robust, knowledge-rich curriculum designed to be adaptable and include rich daily lesson plans (Reference 8).
3. Cultivating a Positive Classroom Culture (References 5, 7):
- Build strong relationships: Create a supportive and inclusive classroom environment where students feel respected and valued. Get to know your students individually and show genuine interest in their well-being.
- Establish clear behavioral expectations: Set high behavioral expectations from the start and consistently enforce them fairly. This fosters a respectful and productive learning environment. (Reference 6)
- Champion character and trust: Foster a sense of community and trust within the classroom. This enables students to feel safe taking risks and participating fully in learning (Reference 7).
4. Addressing Criticisms:
Some critics argue that the "Teach Like a Champion" approach prioritizes compliance over student autonomy and lacks sufficient emphasis on equitable teaching practices (References 10, 11). It's crucial to adapt these techniques thoughtfully, considering the unique needs and contexts of your students. Focus on building relationships and understanding diverse learning styles to ensure inclusivity and respect for individual students (Reference 10).
Resources:
- Teach Like a Champion Website: https://teachlikeachampion.org/ – Offers resources, techniques, and professional development opportunities.
- Teach Like a Champion Book: https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Like-Champion-Techniques-Students/dp/0470550473 – Provides a comprehensive guide to implementing these techniques.
