Teacher Self-Preparation
Behind the scene work determines the level of student understanding. Quality teaching depends
on what is done by the teacher before stepping into the classroom. Preparation is key:
Set the goals in terms of conceptual and process outcomes
Decide what students will do in the classroom to achieve these goals
Decide how to assess whether the goals are achieved, including the roles of both
formative and summative assessments
Maintain a positive outlook and be flexible
Prepare subject material: sequencing and correlating to standards
Prepare lab apparatus and equipment
Teacher-Student Interaction
The primary role of a teacher is to establish a learning environment where all students are able to
learn and are motivated to learn, an environment that is both challenging and supportive:
Establish a learning community consisting of the teacher and the students
Recognize and celebrate diversity in students
Design or select varied instructional strategies to accommodate different learning styles
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Establish and implement a consistent classroom management plan
Listen to student ideas and be prepared to address them
Guide students to view the place of physics in the wider scientific world
Encourage and support students in discovering concepts independently when possible
Maintain appropriate methods of communication with parents to keep them informed of
student progress and attitude and address any issues that may arise
Make sure that student activities are challenging yet doable, and that students can track
their progress
Make sure that students can establish connections between classroom activities and
everyday experiences
Review safety procedures with students
Assess student progress both formatively and summative
Community Building in the Classroom
It is important for students to feel comfortable in the classroom. A good teacher should make
connections with the students:
Be authentic and genuine