Students depend on teachers for guidance because during the phase of building the foundation, it may not be possible for one to wrap their head around concepts all by themselves. It is hence the reason why independent learning is encouraged at a much later stage, such as in pre-university and university education.
Although there are numerous tutoring services out there (both private and online tutoring), it doesn’t mean that tutors spoon-feed their students or offer them answers on a silver platter. The whole idea of learning is based on the concept of the tutor being a good guide who shows the path instead of revealing the answers.
Learning outcomes are highly dependent on students’ learning capability and tutors’ way of teaching. So, here are some ways in which learning outcomes can be improved…
CURIOSITY AND DETERMINATION
In order for students to be good learners, they need to be curious enough to ask questions and need to have the determination to work hard to learn new material constantly. Learning can be daunting at times, especially when concepts are challenging to digest. However, when one accepts this reality, the learning journey becomes a much less bumpy road.
Source: media.npr.org
Curiosity doesn’t come overnight and nobody can teach determination to others. These are traits that have to come from within, which requires loads of time, practice and patience!
POSITIVE LEARNING ATTITUDE
The Chinese philosopher, poet and politician, Confucius, once said, “The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, and the man who does not ask is a fool for life.”. This primarily teaches us that one should never feel inhibited in asking questions. With the rise in competitiveness among students and in the race to get stellar grades, students forget the real meaning behind education.
Source: connectionsacademy.com
Many students would rather memorise and regurgitate the content in fear of asking questions. Or maybe even because of the apprehension that it may take a significant part out of their day in trying to understand the small things. The habit of asking questions and critically thinking about concepts need to be cultivated from a young age. It starts with parents and tutors from home.
TEACHING METHODS
As the world evolves, the mode of education changes and the concepts that students are being taught are much more advanced for their age. This means teachers need to roll with the punches and adopt new teaching techniques in order to teach students in ways in which they will better understand.
Children these days have a smaller attention span and they need learning to be more visual so as to retain the concepts being taught. It is essential for tutors to use techniques like flipped classroom, conduct seminars, conduct group discussion and presentations and so on.
OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Learning outside the classroom is one of the most important aspects that teachers need to incorporate into their teaching methods. When students visualise concepts, and when they involve themselves hands-on, the information in textbooks makes more sense. When concepts come alive in 3-dimension form, they are better encoded in the brain and chances of forgetting the information is far lesser as well.
Source: fourpointeducation.com
Apart from being able to recall concepts easily during examinations, learning outside of the classroom helps to cut down on the boredom and adds more “flavour” to learning on the whole. Students can be encouraged to save up their class funds to prepare themselves for field trips to places which are relevant to topics being taught. This gives them a sense of responsibility and it encourages them to take ownership of their own learning as well!