Chapter 4
Effective Teaching

Good teachers are constantly scrutinizing themselves and their teaching. They do not just ask, "How might I teach this material?" Instead, they ask, "How might I best teach this material?" In some ways, that is what separates going to a lecture from reading a textbook. The textbook provides information along a predetermined plan; the classroom presentation, on the other hand, is constantly adapted and honed in real-time. Thus, for the most dedicated teachers, teaching is a learning experience.

In this web chapter we look more closely at the process of teaching and learning. We address basic pedagogy, introduce teaching technologies and provide advice on how you might become a more effective teaching assistant. We also address the common concerns and classroom difficulties that all instructors eventually encounter.

• For advice on developing your approach to teaching, see the section on Instructional Styles.
• Looking for ways to improve your interaction with your students during class? See Teaching Tips and Techniques.
• For information on using audiovisual and computer technologies to improve your class, see Teaching with Technology.
• Having a difficult time with bored or disruptive students or don't know what to do in an emergency, see Crisis in the Classroom.
• Looking for ways to assist your students with special needs? See Students with Special Needs or jump directly to our discussion of students who need tutoring, students with physical and learning disabilities, international students, emotionally distressed students and athletes.
  

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