TEACHING PRACTICE GUIDE
A Refined Handbook for Aspiring Educators
This handbook provides a practical and modern approach for student teachers, incorporating
personal reflection, pedagogical strategies, and classroom management insights.
Teaching practice
A guide for aspiring educators
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT THIS HANDBOOK...............................................................................i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS...................................................................................ii
ABOUT THE AUTHOR......................................................................................iii
DEDICATION.......................................................................................................iv
PART 1: PERSONAL FACTORS IN TEACHING......................................v
Personality traits ...........................................................................................................1
Communication skills.....................................................................................................2
PART 2: INTRODUCING A LESSON ..........................................................3
Gain attention........................ .......................................................................................4
PART 3: LESSON DEVELOPMENT..............................................................5
Presenting new information ......................................................................................6
Real life application......................................................................................................7
PART 4: CONCLUDING A LESSON ............................................................8
Summarize key points ..............................................................................................9
PART 5: TEACHING/ LEARNING RESOURCES.....................................10
Use of Chalkboard/ Whiteboard................................................................................11
Online learning platforms............................................................................................12
PART 6: CLASS MANAGEMENT & CONTROL.......................................13
Establish clear rules and expectations.....................................................................14
Build positive relationships..........................................................................................15
PART 7: LESSON PLAN ..................................................................................16
Lesson information..........................................................................................................17
Materials and resources.................................................................................................18
PART 8: SCHEMES & RECORDS OF WORK............................................19
Scheme of work................................................................................................................20
Record of work...............................................................................................................21
PART 9: TEACHING PRACTICE FILE..........................................................22
Teaching materials and resources.............................................................................23
Part 1: Personal factors in teaching.
Personality Traits - A teachers attitude, patience, empathy, and enthusiasm can greatly impact
student engagement and motivation.
Importance: Patience is essential in managing classroom behavior, addressing students individual
needs, and allowing time for learners to grasp new concepts.
Application: Teachers who are patient can provide clear explanations, give extra time to students
who need it, and remain calm in difficult situations.
Communication Skills - Clear and effective communication helps in explaining concepts, giving
feedback, and fostering a supportive classroom environment.
Verbal Communication
Definition: The ability to express ideas and instructions clearly using spoken words.
Importance: Teachers must explain concepts in ways that students can understand. Clear verbal
communication helps avoid confusion and ensures that instructions are followed correctly.
Key Strategies:
Clarity: Speak slowly and clearly, using simple language appropriate for the students age and
understanding.
Tone and Pitch: Adjust your tone to match the context (e.g., use an enthusiastic tone for a fun
activity or a calm, authoritative tone for discipline).
Pausing: Give students time to process information, especially after asking a question.
Questioning: Use open-ended questions to encourage critical thinking and discussion.
Part 2: Introducing a lesson.
Create Intrigue with a Hook or Question
Definition: A compelling question, statement, or scenario presented at the start of a lesson to
capture curiosity.
Importance: Hooks activate students' prior knowledge and make them eager to learn more.
Examples:
Rhetorical Questions: "What do you think would happen if gravity suddenly disappeared?"
Surprising Facts: "Did you know that the Eiffel Tower can grow by 6 inches in summer?"
Real-World Connections: Start by linking the lesson to students' daily lives. For example, for a
lesson on math, "Have you ever wondered how your favorite video game was created?"
Part 3: Lesson development.
Presenting new information effectively in teaching is crucial for student understanding and retention.
Connect to Prior Knowledge
Begin with what students already know and build on it.
Use analogies and real-life examples to relate new concepts to familiar ones.
Use Multiple Modalities
Visual: Diagrams, videos, charts, and infographics.
Auditory: Discussions, lectures, and storytelling.
Kinesthetic: Hands-on activities, experiments, and role-playing.
Integrating real-life applications into teaching makes learning more meaningful and engaging.
Problem-Based Learning (PBL)
Present students with real-world problems and let them work on solutions.
Example: In science, students design a water filtration system for a community facing water scarcity.
Case Studies and Scenarios
Use real-life examples to analyze concepts.
Example: In business studies, discuss how a company like Apple markets its products.
Part 4: Concluding a lesson.
A strong lesson conclusion reinforces learning, helps students retain information, and connects the
lesson to future learning. Here are effective ways to conclude a lesson:
1. Summarize Key Points
Briefly review the main ideas discussed.
Example: "Today, we learned about the water cycle and its importance in nature."
2. Exit Tickets
Have students answer a quick question or summarize what they learned.
Example: "Write one thing you understood well and one question you still have."
3. Reflection and Discussion
Ask students to reflect on how the lesson applies to real life.
Example: "How does understanding percentages help when shopping?"
4. Connect to Future Learning
Show how todays lesson relates to upcoming topics.
Example: "Next time, well explore how the water cycle affects climate change."
5. Quick Quiz or Game
Use a short quiz, Kahoot, or a game to reinforce learning in a fun way.
Part 5: Teaching/Learning resources.
Using a variety of teaching and learning resources can enhance engagement, improve
understanding, and cater to different learning styles. Heres a breakdown of useful resources:
1. Print Resources
Textbooks & Workbooks - Provide structured content and exercises.
Handouts & Worksheets - Reinforce learning with guided activities.
Flashcards - Useful for memorization (e.g., vocabulary, formulas).
2. Digital & Online Resources
Educational Websites - (e.g., Khan Academy, Coursera, BBC Bitesize).
Interactive Apps - (e.g., Duolingo for languages, GeoGebra for math).
E-books & PDFs - Provide flexible learning options.
Online Simulations & Virtual Labs - (e.g., PhET for science).
3. Audio-Visual Resources
Videos & Documentaries - (e.g., TED-Ed, National Geographic).
Podcasts & Audiobooks - Great for auditory learners.
Infographics & Charts - Simplify complex information visually.
4. Manipulatives & Hands-On Tools
Math Blocks, Counters, and Shapes - Help with conceptual learning.
Science Kits & Models - Bring abstract ideas to life.
Role-Playing Props - Useful for language learning and history lessons.
5. Experiential Learning Resources
Field Trips & Guest Speakers - Provide real-world insights.
Community Projects - Encourage practical application of knowledge.
Part 6: Class management and controls.
1. Establish Clear Rules and Expectations
Set classroom rules from day one (e.g., respect others, raise hands to speak).
Involve students in rule-making to increase ownership.
Use visual reminders (posters, slides) to reinforce expectations.
2. Build Strong Relationships
Learn students' names and interests to foster respect and trust.
Show empathy and listen to students' concerns.
Use positive reinforcement (e.g., praise, rewards) to encourage good behavior.
3. Create Engaging Lessons
Bored students are more likely to misbehave-keep lessons interactive.
Use group work, discussions, and hands-on activities to maintain interest.
Incorporate technology and multimedia to make learning dynamic.
4. Use Effective Classroom Routines
Start with a consistent opening routine (e.g., warm-up question, quick review).
Establish procedures for transitions (moving between activities) to minimize disruptions.
End lessons with a structured wrap-up or reflection.
5. Address Misbehavior Calmly
Use non-verbal cues (eye contact, hand signals) before verbal warnings.
Apply the "Three Warnings Rule" (gentle reminder firm reminder consequence).
Deal with disruptions privately when possible to avoid escalating situations.
Part 7: Lesson plan.
Key Elements of Lesson Information in Teaching
A well-structured lesson ensures effective learning and engagement. Heres how to organize and
deliver lesson information effectively:
1. Lesson Plan Structure
A solid lesson plan typically includes:
Objective - What students should learn by the end of the lesson.
Materials Needed - Resources and tools for the lesson.
Introduction - Hook or warm-up activity to engage students.
Instruction - Explanation and demonstration of new content.
Practice - Activities where students apply what theyve learned.
Assessment - Checking understanding (quizzes, discussions, exercises).
Closure - Summary and connection to future lessons.
2. Delivering Lesson Information Effectively
Use a variety of teaching methods (lecture, discussion, multimedia, hands-on).
Chunk information into small, digestible sections.
Encourage active participation (group work, problem-solving).
Check for understanding using formative assessment (Q&A, quick quizzes).
3. Adapting to Different Learning Styles
Visual Learners - Use charts, diagrams, slides.
Auditory Learners - Include discussions, storytelling, recorded lectures.
Kinesthetic Learners - Incorporate hands-on activities, role-playing.
4. Making Lessons Relevant
Use real-life examples to connect learning to daily experiences.
Relate topics to students' interests and cultural backgrounds.
Show practical applications to increase engagement.
5. Ensuring Retention and Understanding
Use review techniques (summaries, peer teaching, exit tickets).
Implement spaced repetition (revisiting concepts in later lessons).
Provide feedback to guide student progress.
Materials and resources
Selecting and Utilizing Teaching Materials and Resources Effectively
Choosing the right materials and resources plays a crucial role in making lessons engaging and
effective.
1. Criteria for Selecting Teaching Materials
When choosing teaching materials, consider:
Relevance - Does the material align with the curriculum and learning objectives?
Engagement - Does it capture students interest?
Accessibility - Is it easy for all students to use, including those with special needs?
Cultural Sensitivity - Does it represent diverse perspectives and avoid bias?
Cost & Availability - Is it affordable and accessible to students?
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2. Customizing & Adapting Materials
Modify Content - Simplify complex information for younger students.
Use Supplementary Resources - Combine textbooks with digital tools and real-life examples.
Create Your Own Materials - Develop custom worksheets, presentations, or hands-on activities.
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3. Organizing and Storing Teaching Resources
Digital Organization - Use Google Drive or Dropbox for storing and sharing digital materials.
Physical Storage - Label and categorize books, flashcards, and manipulatives for easy access.
Resource Bank - Maintain a collection of useful materials for future use.
4. Maximizing Resource Effectiveness
Rotate Resources - Keep lessons fresh by using different materials over time.
Encourage Student Interaction - Let students explore and interact with resources rather than
passively consuming them.
Evaluate and Update - Regularly review materials to ensure they are up-to-date and effective.
Part 8: Schemes and records of work.
Scheme of Work in Teaching
A Scheme of Work (SoW) is a structured plan that outlines the sequence of lessons, topics, and
learning activities for a specific subject over a given period (e.g., term, semester, or year). It helps
teachers organize content efficiently to ensure curriculum coverage and effective learning.
1. Key Components of a Scheme of Work
A well-structured SoW typically includes:
a) General Information
Subject & Grade Level - What subject and student level the SoW applies to.
Timeframe - Duration (e.g., weekly, term-based).
Learning Objectives - What students should achieve.
b) Weekly/Daily Lesson Breakdown
Each lesson or topic should include:
Topic/Theme - The focus of each session.
Record of Work in Teaching
A Record of Work (RoW) is a document where teachers systematically track what has been taught
over a specific period. It helps monitor lesson progress, ensure curriculum coverage, and assess
student learning.
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1. Purpose of a Record of Work
Tracks Lesson Delivery - Ensures all planned topics are covered.
Supports Assessment & Evaluation - Helps measure student progress.
Provides Evidence for Accountability - Useful for school administrators and inspections.
Aids in Future Planning - Helps improve lesson effectiveness.
2. Key Components of a Record of Work
A good RoW should include:
a) Basic Information
Teachers Name
Subject & Grade Level
Term/Academic Year
Date/Week of Teaching
Part 9: Teaching practice file.
A Teaching Practice File is a comprehensive document that trainee teachers or practicing educators
use to record and reflect on their teaching experiences. It serves as a guide, evidence of teaching
progress, and a resource for professional growth.
1. Importance of a Teaching Practice File
Organizes Lesson Plans & Records - Helps keep track of teaching activities.
Supports Self-Reflection - Allows teachers to evaluate their performance.
Provides Evidence of Teaching Practice - Useful for assessments and school records.
Aids in Professional Development - Helps identify strengths and areas for improvement.
2. Essential Components of a Teaching Practice File
a) Cover Page
Teachers Name
Institution Name
Subject & Grade Level
Date & Term
b) Teaching Timetable
A schedule showing the time and subjects taught.
c) Lesson Plans
Well-structured plans for each lesson, including objectives, materials, activities, and assessments.
d) Scheme of Work
A term-wise breakdown of topics and lessons.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Brown, H. D. (2007). *Teaching by Principles: An Interactive Approach to Language Pedagogy*.
Pearson Education.
2. Harmer, J. (2015). *The Practice of English Language Teaching*. Longman.
3. Marzano, R. J., & Pickering, D. J. (2001). *Classroom Instruction That Works*. ASCD.
4. Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). *Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes*.
Harvard University Press.
