4 Ways to Adapt

While teaching is difficult these days, it is possible to adapt. Here are a few methods I use in my own classroom.

Visual Learning

Today’s learners are accustomed to information being delivered quickly. As a result, they are quick to shy away from lengthy passages or instructions. Many of these students see a wall of words and instantly shut down.

To address this phenomenon, teachers need to utilize the power of visual learning. Incorporating visual learning tools such as anchor charts or comics can have an immense impact on retention and engagement.

Relatable Content

With our learners’ uncanny ability to dismiss anything that seems boring, educators need to make content relatable. Take some time to investigate current trends on their platforms. I often take a break to try out the newest dance moves. While I certainly make a fool of myself, it gets a laugh and builds rapport.

Comics also have the power to make the content relatable. Following characters through the learning process is far more approachable than simple paragraphs.

Hands-on and Involved

The more you can get your learners involved in the learning process, the better. Get them on their feet and actively learning. A majority of kids spend too much time indoors and sitting still. If you want more involvement, get them actively learning.

As a middle school science teacher, I try to incorporate as much project-based learning as possible. An issue I often faced was a resistance to reading directions. I once again turned to comics and visual learning to increase engagement. With instructions being formatted in an approachable, visual format, ALL of my students took an active role in my projects.

Build the Rapport

I know it can be a struggle sometimes, but rapport is one of the most important tips to making teaching less difficult.

I used to teach math and science at a charter school for at-risk youth. My students hailed from all walks of life, and most had a negative experience in school. Behavior issues, lack of effort, and attendance issues were the norm.

The only way I could successfully connect with my learners is to take the time to build rapport. I let them tell their story and listened when they had something to share. I would greet even my most challenging students with a warm smile. Rapport is key.

The Comics

I spent the first half of my teaching career believing teaching is difficult. It was not until I started creating comics and delivering information in this format that I actually began to succeed as an educator. Today’s students are growing up in a world far different than the world we grew up in. We need to adapt and meet them where they are. Trying to force traditional methods only works for a small minority of learners.

Comics made information approachable and relatable. Even my most reluctant learners were eager and excited to read the content. Comics make learning FUN.