Effective classroom management implementations to control discipline problems.
The most challenging task of being a teacher is controlling and managing the classroom while conducting lessons. Most people want to join the teaching profession yet do not realize that they do not have a talent in motivating students, nor have the flair to control students' behaviour, or create the ideal learning classroom conditions, or eliminate discipline problems by getting their attention.
Most of the above mentioned will be taught during the teachers' training. The shocking fact is most people resign from teaching because they lack the most fundamental skills of being a teacher. It is NOT just having a passion, or being highly qualified with good academic results although important. The most important skill of a successful teacher is "classroom management".
Most teachers have a natural flow in this skill while some just struggle, trying to get the student to listen or want them to do some task. If you lack this important skill, especially those thinking of becoming a teacher as a mid-career change should pay attention to this. Often, you hear stress out teachers, the reason is because they still have not master this ability yet. If you are thinking of being a teacher, or going for a teaching job, nothing impress the interviewers more than by mentioning your "classroom management" skills!
The secret to some is not "confidence", or being "assertive", most students in this information technology age do not really like confident teachers who ask them to do this and listen to that.
If you really want to master the skill, or thinking how to become a better teacher, or thinking to sign up as a teacher, this is something that has to be learnt, and master well!
Over the years, I have tried and compiled many strategies but nothing beats the list of 4 guides I recommend below. They are effective, hands on step by step guides to get you started in the right path of being a successful teacher. I highly recommend them.
My Favourite Guide: Classroom Management Plan
For those who want better control: Effective Classroom Management
For teachers who want to improve their skill: How To Thrive And Survive In your Classroom
For teachers who have problematic students: Effective Classroom Discipline
Lastly For those Teachers Wanna Be who are reading this: Make A Difference! (I got my job and wanted to be a teacher so much after buying this)
Cheers! Click the links above to check out the guides!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Top 10 Reasons Why Join MOE To Be A Teacher
Top 10 Reasons Why Join MOE To Be A Teacher
1) Attractive salary and benefits. Compared to most private sectors, the starting pay is higher. With the new GROW 2.0 Package, expect better competitive salary.
2) More free time with your family and friends. Lots of
3) No need to climb the corporate ladder. No corporate politics. No rush hour. No lunch crowd.
4) Better Career Prospect. With the GROW 2.0 Package. Expect enhanced senior specialist track, further re-employment opportunities, future leader programme, revision to CONNECT plan, additional outstanding contribution awards, expansion of part-time teaching scheme, greater support for part-time teaching, enhancements to no-pay leave, greater support for post-graduate studies, and more in-service upgrading opportunities for non-graduate teachers.
5) Lots of opportunities for personal and professional development. Teaching a Subject Helps You Learn a Subject. You will never learn a topic better than when you start teaching it. A teacher grows with the student. Sharing the passion of learning through the student’s eyes, and to learn something in return
6) Teaching is an interesting and fulfilling work. When a teacher actually changes a student to be successful that others have written off as being unteachable, this can truly be worth all the headaches that do come with the job. Student success is what drives teachers to continue. Each student who didn't understand a concept and then learned it through your help can be exhilarating.
7) Autonomy in the classroom. A teacher in the classroom teaching, really are the ones who decide what's going to happen. Not many jobs provide an individual with so much room to be creative and autonomous each day.
8) Staying younger and happier. Being around young people everyday will help you remain knowledgeable about current trends and ideas. It also helps break down barriers. Sometimes it will be jokes that kids share with you. And sometimes students will come out with the funniest statements without realizing what they've said. Find the fun and enjoy it!
9) Affecting the future. Teachers mould the future of every student each day in class. A teacher makes some kind of difference in a student’s life, setting them on a path to success in school and life. If you like to see the child’s eye light up with understanding, you belong to the classroom.
10) If you are reading this, then it is a good reason to be a teacher!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Working in the Education Industry in Singapore
Working in the Education Industry in
Do you have what it takes to be a teacher? Information for fresh graduates
If you are a degree holder, and thinking of joining MOE,
When do I submit my application to be a teacher?
Application is open all year round. The teaching programme at NIE is called PGDE (Post Graduate Diploma in Education) or PGDE (PE) (Physical Education)
If I am not Singaporean, can I apply?
All PR (permanent residents) and foreigners are welcome.
So what do I need to do to apply?
Submit an application online at MOE Teach website. You will be notified of the outcome after about 2 weeks. If short listed, come to MOE HQ for an interview by a panel of senior education officers. Apply early as admission to NIE at first available intake. Some maybe posted to school first before intake.
What are points to look out for during the teacher selection interview?
Passion for teaching. Communication skills. Aptitude and attitude. Awareness of teaching demands and challenges. Past teaching experience is advantageous but not a must.
What are the duties of a teacher?
A teacher must impart students learning skills, thinking skills, and life skills to prepare students for the future. Not only teaching academic subjects, they are mentors and role models to their students. They influence young minds, show and teach good values through word and deed, within and outside the classroom. They provide necessary guidance and support, uses creative strategies to cater to pupils of different abilities. Teachers are expected actively in school initiatives, duties, and ECA. They are continuously learning, sharing with fellow teachers how to enhance the skills and knowledge of the teaching profession.
Can I choose to teach at the primary, secondary, or junior college level?
This depends on the programme you have been selected for. Teaching at the secondary level, are for those with suitable teaching subjects. Graduates with honours are deployed to teach at the junior college level. Assignment of teaching level and subjects is based in total academic records and relevant experience. It is also based on fields of study in Primary, secondary and JC.
How is the remuneration package like for teachers?
MOE offers various salary scales, General Education Officer (GEO) 1 for most degree holder, GEO 2 (for polytechnic diploma, A and O level) Teachers are highly valued, with competitive and attractive pay to attract and retain them. MOE. A revised CONNECT Plan in 2008 allows teachers additional CONNECT payouts if $10800-$36100, which are made at defined points every 3 to 5 years. Visit MOE Teach website for more details.
What is the job progression as a teacher?
There are 3 career tracks under the Edu-Pac (Education service processional development and career plan) structure. They are Teaching track, Leadership track, and Senior Specialist track, which are aimed at nurturing and motivating all teachers to achieve their full potential in various areas. Visit MOE Teach website for more details.
What is the MOE Teach website address?
What is the GROW 2.0 Package about?
GROW is Growth of Education Officers, through better Recognition, Opportunities, and seeing to their Well-being. GROW 2.0 is a better version for GROW, which gives teachers more recognition for excellence and commitment to their calling, more career opportunities and professional development, and allows greater flexibility between career and personal lives. The packages will provide teachers with a more attractive remuneration package, for example, through Professional Development Packages, further enhanced financial support and leaves schemes are in place to enable more teachers to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies. A new Education Scheme of Service, EDUN in 2008, which is more market responsive to correlate between pay and performance, provides teachers better progression and rewards.
How to I know if I need to sit for the Entrance Proficiency Test (EPT)?
Candidates teaching English medium subjects are exempted if they scored at least a B3 in O level English or a B3 in AO level General Paper. Good mother tongues grades are expected for those who specialize in the teaching of Chinese, Malay or Tamil. There is no exemption for the Physical Proficiency Test (PPT) for those who specialize in teaching of Physical Education.
Do I need to take EPT before I submit my online application?
You need to pass the test before admission to NIE, if you are not exempted. You should apply to sit for the test at least 2 weeks prior to the test dates. Please see MOE teach website for the list of test dates. It takes 2 to 3 weeks for the release of the results.
If I want to be a Chinese teacher, do I need to take both the English and Chinese EPT?
With the exception of the Bachelor of Arts in Education programme, you only need to sit for the Chinese EPT if you are not exempted from it.
How long is the teaching bond?
The PGDE and Diploma in Education programmes carry a bond of 3 years.
Can a teacher request for a transfer before the bond period is over?
After 2 to 3 years, a request to another school or to HQ is possible.
What happens if someone breaks the teaching bond?
All trainee teachers have to sign the Teachers’ Training Deed (TTD). If one breaks the bond, liquidated damages have to be paid. The amount will be pro-rated based on the expenses incurred by the government for the tuition fees and salaries during NIE training, and number of months/years outstanding in the bind with compound interest added.
Click to Visit MOE Teach Website Now:
Thursday, March 27, 2008
MOE Singapore Teaching Job Interview Tips
Singapore
Thorough research and preparation will give you the confidence to shine in a teaching job interview. Even if your first interviews don't land you a job, you'll gain valuable experience for the future.
Preparation
1) Find out more about the organization
2) Prepare a short self- introduction first relevant to teaching as a career
3) Take note how teachers are dressed, your choice of interview clothing should fit this image
4) Brainstorm and rehearse answers to likely questions about your qualifications, relevant experience, that might be asked
5) Prepare all the necessary documents needed to bring down
6) Find out more about the interview process from your friends who are already teachers
7) Ask yourself why. Interviewers will ask you why you want to teach, so it's a good idea to work this out for yourself beforehand.
The Interview
Treat the interview as a classroom situation; project your sincere enthusiasm for teaching and pleasure in communicating with others. Answer questions specifically, using examples from your own relevant experience whenever possible.
Passion in teaching is not enough. The interviewers want to hear is how you plan to facilitate student learning. This happens when the teacher gears her lessons toward the students’ interest and the ability to show compassion. They don't want to hear how getting the teaching job benefits you. Yes it is important that you enjoy what you are doing, but they are looking for whether you have what it takes to teach.
Focus on the students; not only in how much you love working with them, but more on how you will help them grow, when the learning takes place. You must know how to tap into the students’ interest. You are fine to share your passion of teaching with the students, as a role model for example. But you must know how students’ learn, where their passions are, how their mind works, how their thinking gets running, and this is when learning takes place. Know how to use assessment to guide learning and facilitate interaction, to ensure students are learning. These are the kind of teachers that get hired.
Some ideas to convey in your interview: (Do not say exactly! Be creative, think of your own)
1) "The look in their eyes when they discover something"(state motivation)
2) I am compassionate and patient! (Cite real life examples)
3) I am someone they can trust. I am approachable and is a good listener (Give examples)
4) Student Involvement (any relevant experience)
5) What is your unique style of teaching strategies. Is it “creative thinking”, or “cooperative grouping", "peer tutoring" or anything that makes you stand out? Or are you a teacher who can inspire, and guide the students to think independently. Show your interviewer how you will accomplish this.
Don't come across as a teacher who will be harsh, controlling, demanding, insensitive, poor listener, arrogant, all-business, or anything "me" focused.
Be prepared to talk about your classroom management skills. Principals want teachers that are low-maintenance, who are people that know how to handle students with minimal help. You should be independent, good at discipline and have good classroom management skills.
Focus on your strengths, with real life examples. For example, when asked "What are your professional goals or career path?" Schools want teachers who are learners, who have bigger dreams than a classroom can hold. Talk about your skills and where you want to put your energy to use in the school community. Remember "When you're going to be working closely with people, it's important to show you care from the start."
Thank the committee before you leave. Good luck!
The Decision To be a Teacher In Singapore - Why and How To Be a Teacher In Singapore
The Decision To be a Teacher In Singapore
"How and Why be A Teacher In Singapore"
Becoming a teacher is a personal journey. It begins with inspiration - many want to become teachers from young, some decide before they enter University, others make the decision at mid-career.
Most teachers have had a classroom experience that was inspirational, a realization of a love of learning, a joy in striving for excellence. They have become teachers to pass on that experience.
Why Teach?
A career in teaching requires passion, talent and commitment. At the beginning of the journey, an aspiring teacher must ask a few essential questions: What do I want to teach? Where do I want to teach? What can I bring to the classroom that is unique?
Think about what age group and subject matter interest you and then pursue that path.
Is Teaching for me?
Take steps to find out if teaching is really for you. There are teachers who have come before you and have found their way through the system. Reach out to them.
There are difficult and important choices you will have to make along the way. It's essential that you get feedback early on in your journey.
Test the water: volunteer, tutor, substitute, work with kids, or observe a class. Get an inside look into teaching before making a commitment to becoming a teacher.
What is the certification for being a Teacher in
Certification is the critical step a teacher must take in order to enter a classroom. It is the process of qualifying for the job - meeting the requirements set by Ministry of Education (MOE).
There are many roads that can take you into the classroom. It's important to know your options. Requirements will. If you're serious about becoming a teacher, check out MOE Website and get the requirements you need to get certified in your state.
http://www.moe.gov.sg/teach/
The road to certification can be long and unyielding. Don't get overwhelmed. Persevere and you'll make it through the process. Be aware that your personal pathway to getting certified is determined by a combination of factors - your experience, the subject you intend to teach and other requirements.
What's Up Ahead
School systems are large and complex institutions. Prepare yourself for what's up ahead. Many teachers have experienced roadblocks. Don't despair. If you face any of these problems along the way, remember why you're there in the first place - to teach.
Stay focused and you'll come out stronger and more patient from the experience, all qualities that you'll need to bring to your first classroom.
Joy Of Teaching In Singapore – Thoughts from a Teacher’s Perspective of How to be a Good Teacher
Joy Of Teaching In Singapore – Thoughts from a Teacher’s Perspective of How to be a Good Teacher
The real joy of being a teacher is realizing my endeavours have touched someone’s heart. Making a difference in the direction their lives took. It is a never ending source of joy and pride to see our students succeed in ways they never imagined when they first came to us. Real joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of men, but from doing something worthwhile. Nothing is really work unless you would rather be doing something else.
What Makes A Good Teacher?
Good teachers require students to think, to solve problems, to pose questions, to wonder about the why behind the what that we know.
Good teachers establish high academic standards. These teachers require their students to demonstrate a high level of competency. They establish rigorous, but fair, grading criteria and they offer their students the support and encouragement needed to meet or exceed those criteria. Knowing what you can expect from students is really important.
Good teachers share the joy of being a teacher. They are enthusiastic about their subject matter, about teaching, and about students. They make their passion for teaching obvious to their students by taking an interest in the students themselves. Good teachers develop positive rapport with their students, which makes it more likely that students will attend class and participate in learning activities.
It is not enough to just to want to teach others. The others have to want to be taught. You have the gift of encouraging others to want to be taught.
Good teachers possess a deep sense of humanity and a seemingly boundless capacity for caring about others. They perceive themselves as partners with their students in the learning process. They realize full well that they cannot connect to, or reach all their students, but this awareness does not prevent them from trying.
Good teachers teach because that is what we would 'rather' be doing, privileged to have the opportunity to do what they love, with students who are ready and eager to share the joy.
Quotes from Teaching In Singapore
Quotes from Teachers
“If you want to get inspired, spend time with a child.”
“Later I realized that I enjoyed helping people learn. I felt that I could be of value to someone through teaching.”
“I want to share my love of learning with my students.”
“Every kid has a story. There are 30 stories every year. Every year I have 30 opportunities to improve at least one person's life.”
“I never say I'm going to work. I say I'm going to school. I don't see teaching as a job. It's way too much fun. I love what I do and I love my kids, even with the problems that I have to tackle everyday. I love being there - in the classroom.”
“I never say I'm going to work. I say I'm going to school. I don't see teaching as a job. It's way too much fun. I love what I do and I love my kids, even with the problems that I have to tackle everyday. I love being there - in the classroom.”
“Get involved in a youth program and tutor. Observe classes before you begin the process. It makes teaching much more tangible. I still observe classes and get so much out of it. I have learned a lot from watching other teachers' styles.”
“It was invaluable for me to observe before I taught. It gave me a real sense of what goes on in the classroom. Check out different grades and different teachers. Every teacher has a unique style and personality. It's important to figure out what works for you and how to come up with your own teaching style.”
“Keep an open mind. Remember you're going to make a lot of mistakes. The kids are your guinea pigs. If you mess up, believe me, they'll let you know.”
“No matter how difficult it gets, you have to remember that you are there to make a difference in society.”
“Try to get extra support when you start teaching. Networking with other teachers is so important. You're going to need to talk to other teachers for emotional and practical support and direction all along the way.”
“Get assigned a mentor your first year - it's essential.”
“Find an ally at your school with the same mindset who is willing to support you, a veteran teacher or a mentor at your school, and make sure that person has a positive attitude about teaching.”
“The most important thing to do is go in with a plan and know how you're going to manage your class. It's as basic as where the students will sit, how they will line up and how they will enter a classroom. You have to control the classroom from the beginning.”
"Our lives are unimportant, except for the influence we have on others." This is certainly one of the greatest joys of teaching - the difference we are allowed to make in the lives of our students.
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