Like any other profession, one who starts a journey needs to adopt key practices. Pre-service teachers too have to navigate the complexities of modern education and excel in their roles as educators.Here’s a guide to help pre-service teachers build their confidence, master teaching techniques, and connect meaningfully with their students.
Building confidence
Confidence in teaching begins with recognising the unique position teachers hold. As educators, you may not know every bit of information, but your role goes beyond content delivery. It’s about engaging students, nurturing curiosity, and creating meaningful learning experiences.
Instead of focusing solely on what to teach, prioritise how to teach. Students seek dynamic, interactive environments that captivate their attention and make learning enjoyable. By cultivating confidence, pre-service teachers can establish a strong foundation for their teaching careers.
A well-prepared teacher exudes assurance and can handle unexpected situations more effectively. Celebrate small successes to build your confidence over time. Remember, confidence is not about being perfect; it’s about being prepared, adaptable, and authentic.
Instead of focusing solely on what to teach, prioritise how to teach
The importance of teacher identity
Understanding your teacher identity is essential for building confidence and efficacy. Reflect on your strengths, challenges, and aspirations as an educator. Embrace adaptability, as the teaching landscape is constantly evolving.
Identifying your core values and teaching philosophy, you can create a consistent and authentic presence in the classroom. For example, some teachers thrive in promoting creativity, while others excel in delivering structured, methodical instruction. Knowing your strengths allows you to build a teaching style that resonates with your students.
Teacher efficacy, or belief in your ability to inspire and educate students effectively, is a critical factor for success. A strong sense of efficacy empowers teachers to overcome obstacles, connect with students, and thrive in any teaching environment. Cultivating this belief requires practice, self-reflection, and openness to feedback.
Mastering diverse teaching environments
The transition between teaching environments, online, hybrid, or in-person, requires understanding the unique demands of each. Online teaching, for instance, emphasises technology integration and innovative communication strategies, while in-person teaching relies on physical presence and hands-on activities. Pre-service teachers should adapt to the diverse needs of schools and students.
The tools and techniques may vary, but the goal remains the same: encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for learning.
Five essential practices for pre-service teachers
1. Cultivate a positive attitude
Your attitude sets the tone for your classroom. Be approachable, honest, and transparent. A sense of humour can also be a powerful tool to foster rapport and create a relaxed learning environment.
Developing a positive and approachable personality doesn’t mean sacrificing professionalism. Instead, it’s about balancing authority with empathy. Show genuine interest in your students’ well-being and acknowledge their efforts.
Mistakes are inevitable; you can embrace them as learning opportunities. Admitting and correcting errors demonstrates humility and earns students’ respect. Your willingness to learn alongside your students can also model a growth mindset, which is a valuable life lesson for them.
2. Prioritise preparation and flexibility
“Expect the unexpected” should be every teacher’s mantra. A well-prepared lesson plan is crucial, but adaptability is equally important. Unexpected situations such as uncooperative students or spontaneous teachable moments may require quick adjustments.
Lesson plans serve as a roadmap for your class, but flexibility allows you to explore unplanned yet enriching opportunities. For instance, a student’s question or a current event related to your lesson can lead to meaningful discussions. Seizing such moments not only enhances learning but also demonstrates your ability to connect classroom content to real-world scenarios.
3. Master time management
Effective time management ensures a seamless flow during class. Structure your lessons with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Aim to keep students engaged throughout the session, leaving them surprised when time flies.
Create a balance between planned activities and open discussions. Use timers, transitions, and visual cues to maintain momentum.
4. Ask thought-provoking questions
Engage students from the start by posing interesting, open-ended questions. For instance, a biology teacher might ask, “Would you rather be a butterfly or a caterpillar?” before diving into the lesson. Such questions stimulate curiosity and create an energising atmosphere.
5. Seek support and build a network
Collaboration is a cornerstone of teaching. Fellow educators are invaluable resources for advice, strategies, and emotional support. Share experiences, seek guidance, and learn from their insights to grow both personally and professionally.
Remember, the heart of teaching lies in inspiring and empowering students.
To gain additional insights, we sought the perspective of an experienced educator. Here’s what she had to say:
“The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.” – Mark Van Doren
As an experienced principal in a CBSE school dedicated to inclusive education, the focus is on supporting pre-service teachers by building their confidence and fostering the development of a strong professional identity. A supportive environment is cultivated where teachers feel valued and empowered, achieved through regular coaching, constructive feedback, and ample opportunities for reflection.
In promoting critical thinking and engagement, the emphasis is placed on inquiry-based learning and problem-solving activities. Teachers are encouraged to create interactive lessons that involve real-world scenarios to stimulate student curiosity.
By empowering pre-service teachers through mentorship, practical experience, and a commitment to reflective practice, we are ultimately shaping the educators who will lead the next generation towards a brighter future.
“The influence of a good teacher can never be erased.”
Quick tips for pre-service teachers
- Confidence is not about being perfect; it’s about being prepared, adaptable, and authentic
- Some teachers thrive in promoting creativity, while others excel in delivering structured, methodical instruction. Know your strengths
- Encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for learning
- “Expect the unexpected” should be every teacher’s mantra
- Remember, the heart of teaching lies in inspiring and empowering students
