Representational image
Doha, Qatar: As the new academic year begins, students’ and parents’ back-to-school activities get the spotlight most of the time, but teachers also go through many preparations.
Coming back to a high workload can be stressful and overwhelming for teachers. However, looking at the timetable and making a workflow system is an excellent way to take the pressure off and ensure the teacher has sufficient time.
As schools reopen today after the summer break, The Peninsula spoke to teachers at private schools about preparing for the new academic year.
“I love being around the kids and in the classroom,” a teacher with a private school in Doha said.
“These kids have an interesting perspective that adults don’t have. They are bold and ask curious questions, sometimes making me think of things differently.”
Research has shown that psychologists attribute a new term with a new mindset, and teachers should always view it as a fresh start.
Some teachers may have new pupils to teach, and it is vital to note that the students will also have a new teacher. This is a great way to set new beginnings in the classroom and for teachers to get to know their students better. Meanwhile, several schools hold teacher orientation programmes that are vital in introducing new and old educators to the school environment, culture, policies, and instructional practices.
These orientation programmes help create a welcoming and supportive environment for new and returning educators because starting a new academic can be overwhelming. However, studies say a well-structured orientation plan helps alleviate anxiety and provides a smooth transition.
Another helpful method is classroom management plan which is a powerful determinant of the climate of a classroom. It refers to the prevailing mood, attitudes, standards, and tone that teachers and students feel in the classroom. A positive classroom climate feels safe, respectful, welcoming, and supportive of student learning.
Several researches have supported the claim that having a classroom management plan is a statement of purpose to help guide a teacher’s decision-making throughout the year.
These studies suggest that involving students in creating classroom rules, setting clear expectations about procedures and routines, displaying classroom rules posters, and using positive reinforcement are essential to creating a proactive classroom management plan. Studies have shown that academic and behavioural outcomes improve when teachers use positive reinforcement in the classroom.
“I have been doing a lot of reading at home,” a teacher with a top international school in Doha said.
“I am getting my plans ready for the school year. I am expecting a new batch of students in my class, so mainly what I’ve been doing is just clearing out the old stuff and updating my teaching templates -- we need to be giving our students better. I think you’re nervous every year, but all that goes away once you get all the kids in your classroom.”
