Do’s and Don’ts of Effective Teaching

Abstract

The work of scholars in various academic fields has much to contribute to the success of those who would be effective teachers. In like fashion, the day-to-day experiences of practitioners in school classrooms have much to contribute. This chapter is a compilation of some practical suggestions gathered from the experience of many years in the classroom, from observing other beginning and experienced teachers, and from reading and talking to people who have thought seriously about teaching and for whom the quality of teaching matters a lot. Theoretical supports for some of these suggestions abound in the literature. Where they do not, the practitioner would say that existing theory needs to be reexamined or that future scholarship will provide the supports. In short, in this chapter we do not hesitate in going from the practical to the theoretical, rather than vice versa. Finally, please do not interpret our suggestions as “preachiness.” They are offered as views, not dogma.