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Classful

When it comes to teaching, sometimes the old ways are best.

After all, if they’ve been working for generations, what needs to be changed? As an old-school teacher, I understand all the new and exciting ways modern teaching can help students. But injecting a little bit of tradition into the classroom can go a long way in supporting and teaching your students as best you can. Why stay old-school?

There are a few reasons why modern isn’t always the best:

  • New teaching techniques may be exciting, but they’re also untested and untried – why jump in head-first when existing methods work well, and fewer students complete their education than they did in the 1970s?
  • New technology and equipment can cost a fortune – and with many schools and families unable to meet requirements, sometimes traditional is better on the budget.
  • There’s value in experience – as someone who has been teaching for many more years than newer educators, I know my knowledge and understanding are as valuable as the latest information provided through this year’s degree classes.

With so many reasons why tradition is still important in the world of education, it’s no wonder that some teachers are sticking to what they know in an ever-changing landscape. Here are just a few reasons why sometimes, old-fashioned doesn’t have to be overlooked:

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Communication is still key – but face-to-face has more impact

Technology has brought many benefits to the modern classroom. But it has undoubtedly resulted in a vast reduction in students’ time communicating face-to-face.

The same is true for teachers, with email and online communication taking precedence over simply talking directly to a person. Technology can reduce attention spans and even lead to issues with students absorbing or understanding the work they are completing when simply conveying a concept through talking can do the job ten times better.

Tough love is sometimes the most suitable form of discipline

No matter how traditional teachers are, we never jump to the prospect of discipline lightly. But often, modern schooling has far too much emphasis on cushioning students from the world. The real world can shock the system for these children, who become teenagers and adults.

Being a little harsher about bad grades and more focused on students achieving the highest level they can, can be more important than ensuring their feelings aren’t hurt in some cases, especially for students raised in bubbles, who have little understanding of how life will work after school.

Technology has made us all lazy

Everything from auto-correct on our phones to the ability to reverse mistakes in seconds has made us lazy. This doesn’t just apply to students; teachers are also becoming more lenient with allowing smartphones in the classroom and allowing students to read to themselves instead of reading aloud.

However, in the long run, these methods can impact students – leaving them unable to match the level of productivity required. Distractions are everywhere; the classroom should be one place where those distractions aren’t at the forefront.

Test scores do provide valuable feedback to students

Many parents and teachers don’t agree with the standardized testing system used in the USA. However, this testing provides students with something specific to work towards. They offer a way for children to succeed on paper, something they will continue to do in their working lives following education. Getting in the habit of quantifying their success can be highly valuable, and giving them the drive to focus solely on one thing can provide this too.

Are you old-school in your teaching? Do you think students benefit from modern education, or are the old ways still the best?