How to be a Good Teacher?

 Classroom Climate is defined as the type of environment that is created for students by the school,teachers and peers. Teachers are continually looking to create a positive classroom Climate in which student learning is maximised. Students in the classroom have to be physically comfortable, emotionally safe, mentally alert and socially amicable for successful continuance of learning.

Misbehaviour of most  students results from failure of teachers and school to fullfil their needs. Before we can expect a child to learn, the physical need such as food , clothing,shelter, and safety must be met. In addition to these physical needs, humans have mental needs that must be met in order for them to be happy, emotionally healthy , successful people. There are four basic mental needs : love or the need for belonging, power to be in control of our own life,fun and freedom. When interacting with students it is important to recognise individual differences,learn names, arrange the seating where all the students are to receive instruction, establish expectations immediately, make yourself (as the teacher) available to your student and encourage students positively to achieve.

For making better classroom Climate, as a teacher you should:

1. Be patient with yourself and with students

2. Make parents your allies.

3. Not talk too much. Use the first 15 minutes of class for lectures or presentations, then get the kids working.

4. Begin at the very beginning of each class period and end at the very end.

5. Keep all the students actively involved.  For example while a student does a presentation, involve the other  students in evaluating it.

6. Discipline individual student quietly and privately. Never engage in a disciplinary conversation across the room.

7. Keep your sense of perspective and your sense of humour.

8. Know when to ask for help.

Unnecessary and constant confusion from unclear expectations can cause students to be uncomfortable in the classroom which leads to a depleted climate.

(Source : psychology of learning and human development byDr.M . Maniratnam)