You're navigating the world of diverse learners and teaching techniques. How can you find the right balance?

Understanding your students' unique needs is essential. As a former Principal, I made it a priority to get to know each student through surveys and individual meetings. This approach helped me understand their strengths, weaknesses, and interests, enabling tailored support. Similarly, in photography, understanding the subject allows for capturing the best shots. Knowing your learners helps you create a personalized and effective learning environment where every student can thrive.

In the first few classes, it usually becomes easier for a teacher to identify the preferred learning style of students. Knowing your students enables one to adapt instructions for each of the common sensory modalities. Further information about individuals can be obtained by personal interaction,previous progress…which will provide information about their specific preferences.

Use a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles. In my experience as a Principal, I encouraged teachers to incorporate visual aids, hands-on activities, and group work. This approach is akin to using different lenses in photography to capture the perfect image. By diversifying your techniques, you ensure that visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners all have the opportunity to engage and succeed in the classroom.

The pandemic brought a lot of changes to teaching techniques. “Flipped Classroom” is one of those which have effective and more popular in online teaching. This incorporates convergent/ divergent thinking, experiantial/ inquiry based learning , achieved in one project containing audio, visual and kinaesthetic support material.

In time feedback is a very important factor in growth and betterment of an individual. Positive feedback’s lead a student to high achievements. Take each student into consideration, as class has diverse learners. It must provide answers to 4 important aspects, what can student do, what a student cannot do,how can we compare and finally how can the student do better.

Na minha experiência, o feedback é uma ferramenta poderosa na educação. Ele vai além da avaliação de trabalhos, sendo um diálogo contínuo que permite ajustar o ensino conforme a compreensão dos alunos. Ao incentivar os alunos a expressarem suas opiniões sobre o que funciona ou não, obtém-se insights valiosos sobre suas preferências e processos de aprendizagem. Essa troca de informações possibilita adaptar a abordagem pedagógica, equilibrando diferentes métodos de ensino de maneira eficaz.

Reflection and adaptability are crucial. After each school term, I reviewed outcomes and adjusted strategies accordingly. This is similar to reviewing and editing photographs to achieve the best results. Reflect on your teaching practices, consider student feedback, and be willing to adapt. This continuous improvement cycle ensures you meet the diverse needs of your students effectively.

I mentioned using” Flipped Classroom “ method in online/ one to one teaching, where one needs to reflect what is working and what needs to be adjusted… what worked well, what did not work and what adjustments are required to adapt better teaching by integrating creativity into virtual environments. .

Collaboration among teachers enhances the learning experience. During my tenure as a Principal, I promoted regular collaboration sessions where the more experienced teachers were encouraged to share their strategies and resources with the new entrants. Just as motorcyclists rely on group rides for support and learning, teachers benefit from each other's experiences. Similarly you too should not hesitate to reach out for collaboration with your senor colleagues to benefit from their insights and then develop your own unique approaches. In mutual support lies the secret of successfully navigating diverse classrooms

Maintain patience and flexibility. Balancing diverse learners’ needs requires time and perseverance. Similar to handling unexpected challenges while motorcycling, approach teaching with a calm and adaptable mindset. Celebrate progress, remain committed to continuous improvement and stay dedicated to each student’s success. Your patience and adaptability will create a supportive and effective learning environment where every student is bound to flourish.