From Trades to Teaching: Top Tips for New Lecturers from IronBridge Partners
Teaching is a fulfilling profession that requires dedication, patience, and skill. For tradespeople who have decided to transition into teaching, it can be challenging to navigate the new terrain. You may have extensive knowledge of your trade, but teaching is a different ball game. For a smooth transition, here are some top tips for new lecturers.
Understand Your Learners: Your classroom is filled with individuals who come from different backgrounds, have varying levels of experience and knowledge. Every classroom is a unique melting pot of diverse students, each with their own learning needs and preferences. Some students may be visual learners, needing to see a concept in action before they can understand it. Others may prefer audible learning, needing to hear information out loud or discuss it with others. And then there are those who learn best through doing, through hands-on experiences and kinetic learning. As an educator, it is crucial to recognise these differences and create an inclusive learning environment that caters to all. By adapting your teaching methods to incorporate different learning styles, you can help every student reach their full potential and foster a positive, inclusive classroom culture. Take your time to learn about the individuals in your class, and you'll be able to tailor your teaching to meet their unique needs.
Plan Your Lessons: Your lessons should be well-structured and planned out to achieve maximum effectiveness. Begin by setting clear objectives that outline what students should be able to do and understand by the end of the lesson. Planning effective lessons can make all the difference in your students' learning experience. It can feel overwhelming at times, but luckily, there are many resources available to help you along the way.
One great place to start, especially for lecturers and trainers in Construction is GoConstruct. This website offers free lesson plans, powerpoints and activities for KS3 students studying construction.
Another helpful resource is Edutopia, which provides articles and videos on lesson planning strategies and techniques, such as A Checklist for Lesson Planning.
Additionally, websites such as Pinterest and YouTube offer a wealth of ideas and inspiration for lesson planning. Canva, a free resource, offers a range of tools and templates and can be useful when designing lesson plans and creating visual aids.
By utilising these resources, you can ensure that your lessons are well-structured and thoughtfully planned out to create the best possible learning experience for your students.
Assessment is Key: As a teacher, assessment is a crucial part of your role to ensure students are achieving their learning goals. Fortunately, there are various resources available to assist with assessment strategies and techniques to enhance student learning.
The " 7 Smart, Fast Formative Assessment Strategies" guide from Edutopia offers helpful tips and strategies for formative and summative assessments.
Another great resource is the " Assessment Toolkit" from the University of London which provides guidance for assessments. Utilising these free resources can significantly contribute to the success of your students and the teaching and learning process.
Continuous Professional Development: As a new lecturer, it's essential to keep learning and developing your teaching skills. Attending workshops, training sessions, and conferences focused on teaching and assessment can provide valuable insights and strategies to improve the classroom experience for both you and your students. Seeking feedback from other experienced lecturers is also a valuable tool for professional development.
The Open University offers a variety of free courses specifically designed for new teachers in their Education and Development section.
Twinkl also has a vast collection of free CPD for teachers at all levels.
Alternatively, STEM Learning offer Professional development for secondary and Post-16 educators.
Taking advantage of these resources can help you continually improve as an educator and ensure your students receive the best possible education.
Use Technology to Enhance Learning: Technology has become an essential part of teaching. With the availability of numerous educational tools and platforms, it's now easier to add dynamism and creativity to your lessons. With a vast array of educational technology available, teachers can take advantage of these tools to enhance their lessons and keep their students engaged. Technology brings a new level of creativity and dynamism to the classroom, making learning an enjoyable experience.
Online platforms like Quizlet and Kahoot allow teachers to present their lessons in a game format, invoking a level of enthusiasm that traditional methods simply can't match.
And with Google Classroom, it's easier than ever to deliver assignments, grade work, and communicate with students. Utilising technology opens up a wealth of resources for both teachers and students alike and is an excellent way to ensure that students have all the tools they need to succeed.
STEM Learning, is an online platform that also provides a multitude of resources for teachers and lecturers to utilise.
Classcraft is a powerful tool that allows teachers to gamify their lessons, making them more engaging and interactive for students. Instead of traditional lectures, Classcraft allows for more immersive learning experiences that students will be eager to participate in.
Transitioning from trades to teaching may seem daunting, but with a clear understanding of your students, a well-structured lesson plan, effective assessment strategies, and continuous professional development, you can become an accomplished lecturer. Always seek feedback and strive to master the art of teaching, and with time, you'll find it to be an incredibly rewarding journey.
At IronBridge Partners, we are dedicated to empowering those who transition from trade to education. Our team is here to provide guidance and assistance throughout your teaching journey. If you're looking to enter the field of teaching or seeking your next role, don't hesitate to reach out to us at 0333 0326 333.