AWDteaching

Delivering an effective explanation was something I struggled with when I started teaching. I would often waffle, be unclear, and watch as students glazed over, failing to follow the knowledge I was trying to convey, I would even ensure that if I was not explaining if I was being observed. However, after extensive research and observing other educators, I’ve identified two key principles to ensure explanations are effective: Principle One: Concrete to Abstract All explanations should start with a concrete example that illustrates the key aspects of the abstract concept you’re teaching. I also find it incredibly useful to explicitly explain what the concept is  not . This can be done by providing a non-example and explaining why it doesn’t fit, helping students better understand the boundaries of the concept. Principle Two: Checks for Listening Attention is essential for teachers, and unless we check that students are actively listening, our explanations may fall flat. I spend time ...