Class 8 is a pivotal year for students. It helps them build a strong foundation for future studies and prepares them for the upcoming exams.
However, the course material for class 8 is complex and can be challenging for students to understand. Students often seek extra help through home tuition or online learning platforms.
1. Listen to the students
Getting students to focus and listen in class can be a challenge. Whether it’s at the beginning of the course or halfway through, it’s easy for kids to zone out and miss important information. Luckily, there are some strategies teachers can use to keep students engaged.
For example, one way to encourage student listening is to teach them how to listen effectively. Listening skills are essential because they can help students retain more information, feel more confident and prepared in school, and have better self-efficacy.
When teaching students how to be good listeners, it’s also essential to make sure they know how to communicate with each other. To do this, have them pair up and ask each other questions about their understanding of the material or homework assignment. This helps build community and makes the learning process more fun.
Another way to encourage students to listen is by using a “blurt” system. Have them pretend that there’s a marshmallow in their mouth, and if they talk while you’re talking, the marshmallow will fall out. If they don’t yell, they’ll get the marshmallow back and can earn the right to speak again.
Young kids are more likely to listen to their peers than to an adult, so teaching them silent signals can be an effective strategy. When kids see other students giving the quiet call, they’ll be more likely to follow suit. This is a great technique to use when you have to give an announcement or teach a long lesson.
Another great way to improve listening skills is by teaching kids how to read their teacher’s cues. Many teachers have a distinct voice they use to call on students and to begin or end the class. If you’re struggling to hear what your students are saying, try changing the tone of your voice or moving around to find a more comfortable spot.
It’s also helpful to introduce a fairness cup, which is a fun way to get students to listen to each other. Put everyone’s name on a stick and then draw to decide who gets to answer a question. Make sure that the questions you ask are not too difficult so that all students can participate.
2. Ask questions
Students can be reluctant to ask questions in class, especially if they don’t want to disrupt the flow of instruction. However, if a student is struggling to understand a topic, they must raise their hand and ask the question. This will help the teacher identify areas of confusion and clarify any misconceptions. It also allows the student to take a closer look at the material.
In addition to encouraging students to raise their hands, teachers can help them learn to ask better questions. Instead of simply asking, “Do you have any questions?” ask, “How does this relate to your life?” and “What do you think about this?” These types of open-ended questions encourage higher-level thinking.
Some teachers use a “parking lot” for questions, where students write their questions on sticky notes and place them in a designated area (e.g., a bulletin board or a piece of paper) during a lesson or activity. This helps to cut down on random questions that may interrupt the class.
Another way that teachers can help students learn to ask questions is by showing them how to search for answers independently. For example, if a student doesn’t understand a particular concept, they can always review their textbook and notes to find the answer. This will teach them how to research on their own, and it will also improve their ability to comprehend what they are learning.
It is also vital that teachers make it clear that they will respond to all answers, even if the answer is incorrect. This will help students feel comfortable and confident in their abilities. Moreover, it will demonstrate that the teacher is invested in their success.
In addition, teachers must plan for their lessons. They should anticipate what topics might be most difficult for students and spend extra time addressing any confusion. For example, they can set aside time during a short break or at the end of class to review student questions and provide clarification. This will help them feel more in control of their classroom and allow them to better prepare for exams.
3. Ask for help
Teachers know that learning is a lifelong process, and it is perfectly normal to need help from time to time. In fact, it’s a great way to build your skills and learn how to work through challenging situations on your own. Whether you’re struggling with class concepts or feeling overwhelmed by your responsibilities at home, asking for help is a great way to get back on track. However, many teachers avoid asking for support for the same reasons that their students do: They feel embarrassed or awkward; they don’t want to appear untrained or incompetent; and they might not know what resources are available to them. For new teachers, these concerns are even more acute because they often feel like they need to master their craft quickly.
Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to make it easier to ask for help. For starters, try to talk to your teacher in private rather than during class. This will make you feel more comfortable and will give them more time to assist you. Additionally, it is essential to be specific about what you need help with and to provide as much detail as possible. This will allow the teacher to understand your situation better and offer helpful advice.
Finally, try to problem-solve before asking for help. This will show that you are trying to help yourself and not just relying on them for every answer. In addition, it will also make your teacher feel like you are responsible and willing to take initiative.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you get the help you need when needed. In addition, you can encourage a growth mindset in your students by teaching them that it is okay to ask for help and to embrace challenges. This will help them develop a positive attitude towards learning and be more successful in their academic careers. The CBSE Class 8 Syllabus provides a well-structured approach to learning and helps students build a strong foundation in all subjects. This will prepare them for the following classes and enable them to score more marks in the future.
4. Make the lessons fun
There’s no doubt that students learn better when they’re having fun. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to make a lesson more interesting. For example, try having students write learning reflections on the material or ask them to generate questions for the class. These activities can be beneficial when the subject matter is complex or new.
Another way to make a lesson more interesting is to incorporate games into the class. Research shows that games improve engagement, focus, and concentration. Plus, they can help to teach kids essential skills like patience and discipline. If you’re using technology in the classroom, try group online games such as Kahoot! or quiz video games.
You can also use storytelling to teach the curriculum. For instance, you could share a story about a boy who scored only 125 on his IQ test but later became one of the most listened-to physicists of his time. The report demonstrates how he was able to explain particle physics through his storytelling and imagination.
A fun way to practice writing skills is to have students write a story with you in the class. You can even provide a list of vocabulary words and ask them to come up with stories using those words. This can be an excellent activity for younger children, and older students can work in groups.
You can also play a game called “20 Questions.” Choose a student to be the answerer and then ask the other students questions about that person, place, or thing until they narrow down the answer. This is a great way to learn vocabulary and logic. You can also prepare flash cards to give students a quiz on the topic.
