SEC | S19W4: Active and Fun Teaching Strategies

"If you're happy and you know clap your hands, if you're happy and you know it clap your hands, if you're happy and you know it and you really want to show it if you're happy and you know it clap your hands!"

This is one of the nursery rhymes I normally use to catch the attention of my pupils when I was a teacher, I was the kind of teacher my students normally looked up to, they were Always happy to have me around and looking forward to my class because I always make learning fun! Yes, creating an active & fun classroom atmosphere is so important, it ensures that students are engaged and motivated in their learning. It allows students to enjoy their school experience and learn better

An active and fun classroom atmosphere fosters a positive learning environment where students feel free to express themselves and explore their interests. When this happens students are happy and willing to learn, they will spend time studying and become successful in their academics. In this article, I will discuss various ways I'd promoted an active and fun classroom atmosphere for students before.

To create an active and fun classroom atmosphere, I normally follow these steps:

(1) I tried to get to know most of my students: know their interests, strengths, weaknesses, and how they
would like to learn, this usually helps me to tailor my lessons to their needs and make them more engaging. I usually do this through icebreakers and one-on-one conversations.

(2) The second step I usually Use is a variety of teaching methods: I used to try different teaching methods such as group study and work, discussions, games, and interesting projects. Sometimes I will tell them to do thorough research on the topic we will be treating in advance and I will switch roles with them, they will be teaching while I listen and ask questions. These normally keep students engaged and make learning more fun.

(3) I never fail to Encourage participation: I do this by asking questions and encouraging my students to do the same, I used to encourage them to share their opinions and listen to others while they are airing their views this normally Creates a safe and supportive environment for all.

(4) I used to Incorporate visual aids: students can't forget what they see and are very familiar with easily so I used to make good use of videos, and pictures. Yes, I usually use illustrations and good examples too Using these technologies makes the classroom experience more interactive and fun for students.

(5) Using humor: I'm very friendly, and lively with my students, I used to crack jokes with my students, which makes the class enjoyable for students. I can't be overly serious, because this will make the class bored, and then I will strike a balance of not making fun of anyone.

(6) I used to Provide incentives: When I was a teacher, I usually gave my students and pupils prizes and gifts as a reward for participation and good behavior and this normally motivates my students to engage more actively in classroom activities.

(7) As the teacher, I'm always enthusiastic, happiness is contagious so my students will get excited about learning when I'm excited.

Following the above steps helped me to create an active and fun classroom atmosphere, it promotes learning, creativity, and engagement among students. Showing genuine interest in my students and Being friendly & lively in class with my students makes them to be close to me, and always share their problems with me. So the results are desirable and rewarding !

Surely these Strategies have their strengths and weaknesses and these include:

Strengths of the strategies:

• They help me to identify goals, plan actions, and evaluate outcomes.
• They can provide structure and guidance for decision-making and problem-solving.
• It facilitates communication and collaboration between me and my students.
• They are flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances or feedback.

Weaknesses of the strategies:

• It can be time-consuming and resource-intensive to develop and implement.
• There may be certain situations it doesn't fit which may lead to undesirable results.
• They may make complex issues or solutions look simple, leading to unintended consequences or outcomes, that is why I normally strike a balance to avoid see finish.

In conclusion, I believe that implementing the steps I've outlined above can help to create a dynamic and enjoyable learning environment that engages students and promotes active class participation. Getting to know your students well showing genuine interest in them applying various methods of teaching, and giving incentives when necessary all these will contribute to creating a fun classroom atmosphere which stimulates creativity, fosters positive relationships, and promotes a love of learning. Creating this kind of learning environment will make students feel valued, motivated, and successful in the classroom, and it can ultimately lead to their academic success and personal growth.