EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING

Imagine a teacher who is always punctual, possesses a strong mastery of the content, accommodates questions from students, responds thoughtfully, utilizes resources effectively, is approachable, and has a genuine passion for teaching. What results can we expect from such a teacher? It may seem obvious: these traits signify effectiveness. I had similar teachers during my school days, and my grades reflected my positive attitude toward them and their subjects. It is rare for students who acknowledge and appreciate a teacher’s efforts to fail in that teacher's subject. When teachers are effective, they can inspire their students to achieve their best.

Effective teaching is a key factor that leads to quality education. During my training to become an educator, I encountered both good and bad teachers, which led me to make a conscious decision to be an effective one. I believe that effectiveness begins with a choice. I take pride in the results of my students at one of the prestigious private teacher training colleges in Malawi, IPTE 17, where I taught Social and Environmental Sciences and Religious Studies. After finishing my Licentiate degree in Pedagogy, I learned that all my students passed my subject, with no grades below a C. That, to me, epitomizes effectiveness.

Effective teaching means teaching with the purpose of improving both the knowledge of students and oneself. It requires commitment, dedication, and a clear sense of purpose. To transform education and ensure quality, educators must intentionally embrace this mission. Purpose provides strength, courage, direction, and focus.

Effective teaching goes beyond knowing various methodologies; it requires understanding how to apply them to foster lifelong learning. While it can be exciting to use different teaching methods, we must ask: How effective are these methodologies in the learning process? Are we merely showcasing techniques, or are we ensuring meaningful learning occurs? 

Passion is integral to effective teaching. When educators are passionate, they give their all. This passion drives us to achieve quality education, turning dreams of excellence into reality. Without it, striving for quality education remains an unfulfilled vision. Passion fuels motivation and propels progress.

Moreover, effective teaching involves looking to the future. Educators must be aware of the challenges ahead, as statistics show that by 2030, an estimated 84 million children and youth will be out of school, 300 million students will lack basic numeracy and literacy skills, and only 1 in 6 countries will meet universal secondary school completion targets. We must implement additional measures to prevent these outcomes. Effective teaching means preparing students for a future that is relevant to their lives and careers. Educators should constantly seek new strategies and approaches to enhance the teaching and learning process, especially in our technologically advanced world.

Effective teaching is not confined to the four walls of a classroom. Learning often occurs outside the classroom, through adventures that create lasting memories. In college, we had a saying: "Travel to learn, and learn to travel." Such experiences help students connect their lessons to real-life situations.

Effective teaching also challenges students to think critically by presenting tasks that go beyond their textbooks and immediate environment. In Africa, fear of failure often limits our ambitions. We may hesitate to push ourselves or challenge others, mistakenly believing that knowledge can overwhelm us. However, we must recognize that embracing the unknown is essential for growth. As educators, we should challenge ourselves to inspire our students.

Ultimately, effective teaching manifests in action and results. There is a saying that "actions speak louder than words." It is not enough to talk about change; we must take concrete steps toward it. Too often, we find ourselves stagnating despite countless discussions and seminars on effective teaching. We must break free from this cycle by taking action.

My fellow educators, we are called to this profession for a reason. Let us commit to our roles, and results will follow. While I have highlighted just a few examples of effective teaching, many more exist. Together, let’s strive for excellence in education.

Written By Oliver Kasito Jnr