When one teaches, two learn. This statement by Robert Heinlein has been one of my inspirations in pursuing my ikigai—to educate and influence the next generation.

Fortunately, by being part of the LPU Cavite community for almost 10 years, I can say that my teaching experiences have made me a better educator as the days go by. In my journey as a Lycean educator, I strive to improve my teaching methods and my communication with learners to ensure that my goal of imparting new knowledge is achieved. To stay relevant to the present generation, I created a list of basic classroom management practices that I regularly apply during class discussions:

Technology Integration Mastery – I incorporate educational technology into our lessons and classroom rules, utilizing tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Mentimeter, Kahoot, and our MyLPU Learning Management System (LMS), along with other digital assessment platforms. These technologies have helped me effectively monitor attendance and online quizzes. Additionally, using our LMS allows me to upload recordings and lessons for students’ reference, while the other platforms create a more interactive classroom atmosphere during lectures.

Engagement through Active Learning – In addition to integrating technology, I ensure that my learners are engaged and enjoy the tasks assigned. To promote active learning, I regularly assign group activities with differentiated tasks that cater to the interests, talents, and skills of the learners. I group them strategically to ensure that no one is left out and to make collaboration easier.

Assessment Literacy – In line with the differentiated tasks, I curate various analytic rubrics to assess the learners’ assigned activities. This approach ensures that everyone is given an equal opportunity to be creative and express their insights without compromising the specific criteria that need to be evaluated.

Continuous Professional Development – During our class discussions, I incorporate practical information related to the learners’ fields of study and encourage them to attend workshops, seminars, or any activities relevant to their expertise. This allows them to apply what they have learned in class (e.g., PAFTE Quiz Bee for Education students).

Holistic Classroom Management – To develop globally competent learners, I strive to be a role model of the principles I teach. I consistently emphasize the values of commitment and integrity in even the simplest and smallest actions, both inside the school and within the larger community.

By adopting these best practices, educators will have greater opportunities to enhance the competence and skills of 21st-century learners.

References:

[1] Avalos, B. (2011). Teacher professional development in teaching and teacher education over ten years. Teaching and Teacher Education, 27(1), 10-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2010.08.007

[2] Desimone, L. M. (2009). Improving impact studies of teachers’ professional development: Toward better conceptualizations and measures. Educational Researcher, 38(3), 181-199. https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X08331140

[3] Ertmer, P. A., & Ottenbreit-Leftwich, A. T. (2013). Removing barriers to technology use in the classroom: The key to sustained technology integration. Journal of Teacher Education, 61(1-2), 260-276.  https://doi.org/10.1177/0022487111404241

[4] Evertson, C. M., & Weinstein, C. S. (Eds.). (2013). Handbook of classroom management: Research, practice, and contemporary issues. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203866772

[5] Marzano, R. J., & Marzano, J. S. (2003). The key to classroom management. Educational Leadership, 61(1), 6-13.

[6] Ottenbreit-Leftwich, A. T., Glazewski, K. D., Newby, T. J., & Ertmer, P. A. (2010). Teacher value beliefs associated with using technology: Addressing professional and student needs. Computers & Education, 55(3), 1321-1335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2010.06.002

[7] Popham, W. J. (2009). Assessment literacy for teachers: Faddish or fundamental? Theory Into Practice, 48(1), 4-11. https://doi.org/10.1080/00405840802577536