Not all teachers are born with the key skills of a teacher. To a large extent, teachers’ training helps develop their abilities of teacher. No doubt, teachers have to be aware of the teaching skills they lack and enroll in a training program that can help build core teaching skills.
1. Knowledge of the subject matter
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If teachers understand and have comprehensive knowledge of their subject matters, such teachers should let their students actively participate in the lessons.
Teaching is said to be a noble profession. It encompasses imparting knowledge, skills, and attitudes. A teacher should have a mastery of the subject matter in the teaching and learning process as it has a direct impact on the teaching and learning process.
Teachers are required to know what they are teaching because, an understanding of the subject matter by a teacher implies that the teacher can grasp the main points, teach them to the learners and correct any misconceptions of knowledge, all of which revolves around the teacher’s understanding of the subject matter.
2. Have Class Control
The purpose of classroom management is that every learner can learn in an orderly manner so that the teaching objectives are achieved effectively and efficiently.
Classroom management has component skills including skills related to the creation and maintenance of optimal learning conditions and skills related to optimal learning condition control (behavior modification, group management, finding and coping with behaviors that cause problems).
Small group and individual teaching allow teachers to pay attention to each student and the occurrence of a closer relationship between teacher and students.
3. Have a Communication Skill
This key skill of a teacher should include excellent verbal and written communication. A class has to interact with 20 to 30 students in a class, and it might be challenging to pay attention to each of them.
Good communication skills and friendly behavior can help engage students. Communication skills also help a teacher develop strong interpersonal relationship between members of a classroom.
4. Be Patient
Patience is a crucial teaching skill and ranks high on the teaching skills list. A teacher has to interact with students who can test their limits constantly.
This is not easy and requires emotional control to remain calm when students misbehave, are late to class, don’t turn in assignments on time, or refuse to answer questions in class.
A teacher who loses control and gets irritated would no longer retain the trust and respect of students. Teachers have to be empathetic to understand the problems of their students.
5. Be Creative
Being creative and innovative in implementing the basic teaching skills elements is very necessary so that the learning atmosphere is always interesting and enjoyable for students. Creativity is the elements of the basic teaching skills that are used are delivered more interestingly. Through creativity, new ideas will emerge which are different from the way it was done before.
For example, when applying skills to open the lessons, it can be done by giving pre-tests, quizzes, games in the form of body movements, or providing illustrations so that it can increase the enthusiasm and motivation of students. People learn best when they are doing something fun and interesting.
6. Be Enthusiastic
An essential skill required to be a teacher is enthusiasm (lively/interesting). Enthusiastic teachers may easily attract their student’s attention. Enthusiasm is practical teaching because it energies the environment of a classroom.
Students tend to see the involvement of their teachers in the teaching-learning process. Enthusiastic efforts of a teacher, can inspire motivation and spark curiosity in students. An enthusiastic teacher is guaranteed an attentive class and implored student behavior.
Passionate teachers should put in the time and effort to learn new teaching methods and enhance their classroom environments. Students will be likely to achieve their learning goals when taught by an enthusiastic teacher.
7. Be Confident
For a teacher to be someone who is or can become comfortable in their role for their students, a key component of achieving this role is to be confident in their ability. One key to confident teaching is effective planning; planning begins with setting clear goals and objectives.
A teacher should not enter the class with vague goals such as “fishing as much of Chapter One as possible in fifty minutes” or “covering six chapters before the next day.” A more useful approach is to formulate specific instructional objectives for each class session which need not be restricted solely to the material contained in the required textbook, rather consider ways to address objectives such as providing opportunities for experimental learning (e.g., demonstrations, teacher self-confidence more than visible signs of students’ satisfaction and growth)
8. Be Dedicated
Commitment is a core skill among the types of teaching skills required to be a teacher. Dedicated teachers understand the impact they have on their students’ lives and futures. Passionate teachers dedicate time and effort to ensure that their students achieve learning environments.
The committed teacher is aware of the responsibility that is before them. They are conscious of their role in their students’ intellectual and moral development, helping them grow into responsible citizens. A teacher embraces new methods of teaching and ensures that students benefit from his or her motivational presentation.
9. Be Organized
Organization is one of the types of teaching skills expected in a teacher. It is challenging to systematically maintain study materials, student assignments, records, and exam papers without organizational skills.
Organization is a core teaching skill that comes in handy while planning or designing exciting lessons to engage students. It is a teaching skill essential for classroom management. Classrooms should have the required study materials organized in the allotted places and readily available to students.
Well-organized lesson plans and classrooms reduce teaching time and teachers tackle last-minute problems that can crop up. An organized teacher is also punctual and becomes a role model for students.
10. Have a Leadership Skill
Teachers should be good leaders to command the love and respect of students, parents, and colleagues. Leadership seems to be a core teaching skill that can bring about transformation. Teachers with leadership skills become role models and inspire students.
Leadership is a key skill of teachers who are willing to take risks and find solutions to complex problems. Leaders are eager to innovate and try out new ideas and initiatives. Good teachers are often good leaders. They are eager to share effective teaching skills so that it benefit students and fellow teachers.
A good teacher should be also a patient listener, lending an ear to the problems of students, parents, and colleagues, and an expert in finding solutions.
11. Know how to Resolve Conflicts
Conflict is a normal part of any healthy relationship. Whether you are experiencing conflict at home, work, or school, learning these skills can help you resolve differences healthily and build stronger, more rewarding relationships.
Sometimes, these differences appear trivial, but when a conflict triggers strong feelings, a deep personal need is often at the care of the problem.
It is important to keep in mind that the problem may not be solved right away, even if the solution is obvious. Ideally, you will want to take the time to listen to every participant and value each argument.
Even if there is a clear answer, rushing to a resolution can make people feel like they are left out of the decision-making process. Taking the time to equally consider all options now can help create a long-term solution that will save you a headache later.