As teachers, mastering effective teaching tips to give instructions is crucial. In this article, we’ll explore key rules and strategies to enhance your instruction-giving skills.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Giving clear and effective instructions is essential for successful learning and teaching. The manner in which teachers interact with students plays a crucial role in the learning process.
Perhaps the most important factor determining how successfully students will learn is the clarity and precision of the instructions given. This aspect often distinguishes great teachers from average ones.
Clear directions related to academic activities and behavior are fundamental. The best activity can turn into a disappointing failure if students don’t understand the instructions.
This article will explore practical teaching tips to give instructions.
The Impact of Ineffective Instructions
Before exploring some effective teaching tips to give instructions, let’s first discuss the impact of ineffective instructions.
While some students may remain focused on tasks, others might appear distracted or confused. If directions or instructions are not effectively and clearly formulated, some students will not understand what needs to be done or only grasp part of the information.
Any failure to comprehend teacher directions can result in:
- Incompletion of Tasks: Students may fail to complete tasks due to unclear instructions.
- Increased Need for Reminders and Reprimands: Teachers may need to use more reminders and reprimands, which can be time-consuming and counterproductive.
- Encouraging Passive Listening: Repeating instructions often can teach students to rely on repetition and not actively listen the first time.
- Frustration for Both Parties: Both students and teachers can experience frustration, which is detrimental to the learning process.
- Feelings of Helplessness: Learners might get angry or feel helpless due to unclear instructions.
- Teacher Discontent: Teachers may feel frustration and anger due to non-compliance from students.
How to Give Better Teaching Instructions
As teachers, we have to consider basic rules for giving instructions.
Rules for Giving Instructions to Students
There are two general rules for giving effective instructions:
- Keep Instructions Simple: Simplify instructions to ensure they are easy to understand.
- Maintain Logical Sequence: Instructions should follow a logical order.
Before giving instructions, teachers should consider:
- What is the essential information to convey?
- What must students know to complete the task successfully?
- What information should be given first, second, and so on?
- What materials are needed for the task?
- Will students work individually, in pairs, or in groups?
In addition to the above rules, teachers have to consider some effective teaching tips to give instructions.
Practical Tips to Give Instructions to Students
Here are some practical teaching tips to give instructions:
1. Simplify and Clarify Instructions
The success of any activity relies on clear instructions. Ensure formulations are short, easy to understand, and precise.
2. Gain Attention Before Giving Instructions
To attract students’ attention, try clapping your hands or knocking on a desk. Ensure students understand that this means to stop what they’re doing, look at you, and listen.
3. Provide Instructions Before Starting Work
Instructions should be given before students start their work. Perfect instructions given during the activity are often ignored.
4. Use Body Language and Demonstrations
Spoken instructions aren’t everything. Use body language, gestures, and miming to reinforce instructions. Follow verbal instructions with demonstrations. For example, pair with a confident student to demonstrate a role-play activity.
5. Establish Consistent Routines
Establishing routines by giving instructions in a consistent manner helps students know what is expected of them.
6. Prepare Instructions Carefully
Prepare everything beforehand. Group task types and determine the specific instructions for each type. This will simplify the instruction-giving process.
7. Keep Instructions Concise
Avoid lengthy instructions, especially for learners with low English proficiency. Break instructions into smaller phases aligned with the task stages.
8. Use Visual Aids
For low-level students, words alone might not suffice. Use visuals to support learners’ understanding of instructions.
9. Address Mother Tongue Interference
Be aware of potential mother tongue interference. Position yourself close to students who have difficulty following instructions and use their names to increase engagement.
10. Check for Understanding
After giving instructions, check for understanding by asking related questions. Circulate the room, observe compliance, and positively comment on those following instructions.
FAQs about Teaching Instructions
What are the most important elements of giving instructions in the classroom?
Clarity, simplicity, and logical sequencing are crucial elements for effective instructions.
How can I ensure that all students understand the instructions given?
Use a combination of verbal instructions, demonstrations, and visual aids. Check for understanding by asking questions.
What should I do if students frequently ask for instructions to be repeated?
Simplify and clarify your instructions. Establish consistent routines and use demonstrations to reinforce verbal instructions.
How can I help students with low English proficiency understand instructions?
Break down instructions into smaller steps, use visual aids, and provide additional support through demonstrations and clear, concise language.
What are some effective ways to gain students’ attention before giving instructions?
Use attention-getting techniques such as clapping hands, knocking on a desk, or using a specific signal that students recognize as a cue to listen.
Conclusion
Clear instructions and expectations significantly reduce disruptions and interruptions in the classroom. By employing better methods to direct students, teachers can support not only attentive students but also those who struggle with understanding tasks. Effective instructions pave the way for a more productive and less frustrating learning environment.
For more detailed guidance, refer to Jim Scrivener’s excellent book, Learning Teaching.
Here is a link about more classroom management tips