Teaching Tip #19

Incorporate Pop Culture

This goes along with #18.  If the students like a show, movie, music group or book, use it!  You will never know what you will find yourself enjoying.

When I was student teaching, I did a probability lesson on Taylor Swift songs.  My 8th graders went ballistic - and I discovered that I enjoy her music.  I had never listened to her before.

If your curriculum/supervisor/principal allows you to, swap a "usual" book students have to read for one that is more recent and/or they may like more that has the same theme(s). 

Sing songs to get their attention, quote from movies, and mention things on tests and quizzes.  The quirks show the students you care and that you're actually paying attention to them.

Teaching Tip #18

Make Things Relevant

No matter what the class, even history, you can make things relevant for the students.  Don't stick with the same boring word problems the books have been using for eons.  Change the names/ places of things that makes the students want to participate.  Give them writing assignments they'd actually enjoy. have them do a small project on the history of their favourite TV show or movie.

The possibilities are endless, and the more students recognize that everything can relate to their lives, the more apt they will be to actively participate (and maybe enjoy) the material.