Level of Teaching Mathematics for Low Achievers - K Bhanumoorthy

Level of teaching ,so that the low achievers are  benefited .( with special reference to maths learning).

A class is an amalgamation of students of almost  the same age,of different calibers          (abilities),and inborn capabilities; so a teacher has to modify/alter/change the way of teaching in order to achieve the specified objectives. If a teacher takes more than one section in a particular class, then to change the mode of approach depending upon the standard of students.The same approach may not help,  in the  learning  process.Ultimately this is a challenging task that a teacher face, when they need to adopt teaching pattern so that no student left behind.It’s not  the question of teaching ,how many have learnt/understood. One pertinent question , I do always think.Do we know our students?. Some time back,I heard from one  of my  friends .It goes like this. Student asks “ I am not able to  understand the way you teach, could you please teach me the way by which I can understand .” No doubt this question is a penetrating question to ponder over..One can easily understand the  inner feeling of a student ,what does a student he /she want from a teacher.Teaching has to be in such a manner,adjusting one’s teaching pace taking into consideration students skills .They are to be motivated .  Learning is a joyful experience.It is expected of every teacher, to make students think .It is that easy but it is earnest duty and concern .One has to put optimum efforts to get success in their committed work. Slow learners are not Non-learners, the learning  process can make a difference.A smile and concern, for the students by the teachers , changes, makes him/her  feel comfortable in the learning process.

                                            

When we talk about students ,some are visual learners, some are audio learners and some are good  at reading  .So teaching has to be a  combination of, types of students.First of all  lesson planning to be ,cater to all kinds of children.

Let us discuss some strategies:

1. Language :The language what you use has to be simple ,easy to understand ,be very clear with clarity.In brief ,the student understands fully without any ambiguity.One has to be slow when an explanation is given .New concepts ,definitions to be repeated twice/ thrice ,till everyone grasps. If required ,local  language ,be used .                                                                                             
   
2. Black Board :  This is an important tool in the class room teaching .All illustrations / examples are  to be written legibly. Some space can be preferably on the right side  kept ,how the topic is being developed. Colour chalks be used wherever required.                                                                                                                
   
3. Mode of teaching : As there are 3 types of students, teaching has to satisfy all types of students. Teacher has to prepare appropriate teaching aids,some visual video clippings,pictures, making learning much easier.Visual demonstration be adopted by showing some activities, so to say  project. Using different  modes of instructions shall certainly promote ,boost them to participate in discussions, and  stay focussed. Instead of merely telling, teachers  to guide,  to carry  out ,the activities assigned, facilitating, slow learners to understand thoroughly.Involving students in problem solving step by step  ,making   learning effective and hence whatever learnt is retained.It is essential to repeat instructions for activities,students to repeat back,to confirm the immediate feed- back.                                                                                                                                                                                      
4. Interaction and involvement.: In a school one can not follow the lecture method..It has to be student centered/ child centred.Students participation is essential,when a lesson is being developed by the teacher, to proceed step by step.There are some students who are timid, shy to ask doubts ,questions in  the class  Such kind   of students to be encouraged to interact  and feel free to talk to the teachers.  Some students may be asked to solve ,work out problems on the black board, to improve their self confidence.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Classroom Management:

This is an another area where teachers have to pay more attention.Maintaining discipline in the class is a must,teachers do observe the whole class weather all students are attentive and listen to  what teachers say.(Listening means paying due attention).If discipline is there automatically learning takes place.I have to say, one can   be, strict but not to be rude,blunt,offensively impolite.Students may be trained in note making,that would help in knowing facts what they are studying.

Miscellaneous :

Class-room can be decorated with teaching materials models,Charts,pictures of mathematicians,some paintings done by students,hung on the walls.The art teacher could extend support.Even furniture arrangement in the class-room could be thought of with the school head evolving a natural and befitting environment .persuading stimulating achieving the intended result.

Let me conclude, be instruments ,to ignite the minds of students ,with powerful thoughts,to unleash their true/latent potential.

A quote :

                 “ In an effective class-room ,students should not only know what they are doing,they should  also know why and how.”

                                              ---------Harrywong.

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    K Bhanumoorthy