In the modern world, the pace of change can move rapidly. Developments take place across industries that can influence the daily activities of millions of people. For example, advances in technology such as cloud-based IT services can change working cultures, allowing an increasingly remote workforce to flourish and collaborate effectively without needing to be in one shared physical location.
In recent years, changes and developments have also taken place in the educational sector. The perennial challenge for teachers is to find unique ways to encourage their students to engage more with their studies. However, in the age of increasing social media usage amongst the younger generation, it can be difficult to inspire students and hold their attention for extended periods. Schools have adapted to the learning needs of modern students and are increasingly using a range of different teaching methods that are far removed from traditional blackboard-based studies.
In this article, some key examples are provided that illustrate how teaching methods are evolving to allow students to engage with their studies.
Increase the use of collaboration in the classroom
Traditionally, schools relied on a system of learning by rote when it came to key subject areas. Students would be encouraged to memorize key pieces of information before being tested on them at a later date. However, this form of learning is exceptionally rigid and does not promote the development of higher learning skills such as critical thinking. Many students do not enjoy learning by rote, and it can be difficult to get them to engage with tasks that revolve around memorization and simple repetition.
Today, teachers aim to improve pupil engagement using a greater range of activities that promote collaboration between students. One example of this is to create a school book project. Pupils can work together on key tasks such as creating the artwork and written content for the book. In addition, some pupils may wish to focus on project management aspects of the activity, ensuring that all the subtasks are effectively managed and are completed within timescales.
Teachers can access a range of written materials that will help 4th grade students to create a school book to the highest possible standards, while also ensuring that key learning objectives are achieved. In short, such book projects help to create an engaging learning environment where all pupils can contribute to the success of the project.
Use school trips as an effective source of education
School trips are often seen as a luxury form of education or simply as a form of reward for students at the end of a school year. However, it is important to recognize the educational benefits of such trips and how they can be used to bring learning to life. For example, foreign language teachers can plan short school trips to the country whose language is being studied. Students are then immersed in an authentic learning environment where they can hear the language spoken by native speakers and test their own skills in the subject by ordering food in a restaurant or buying items in a shop. This form of real-world learning can be incredibly effective when learning a foreign language and allows students to engage more fully in an immersive foreign environment.
