Resources for unit 5

5.5. Use of the blackboard/white board during lesson delivery

Activity: How will you better use the chalkboard/ whiteboard to support teaching and learning?

The chalkboard/whiteboard is a visual teaching aid. It is a medium of interaction between the teacher and the learner.

-        Erase the chalkboard/ whiteboard completely at the start of the lesson and after the lesson so that the following teacher will find the board clean.

-        Divide the chalkboard/ whiteboard into sections depending on its breadth, and use different sections of the board for different purposes:

·       Left edge of the board for the outline of the class plan

·       Middle zones for developing the lesson content

·       Right edge for lesson conclusion

-        Write from the left to the right. When beginning a lesson, write the date at the top left corner of the chalkboard. Write the subject, the unit, the topic of the lesson and the lesson objectives at the appropriate time. This will help both you and the students to stay on track.

-        Keep your writing clean and organized so the students can see connections. Don’t write too much. A cluttered chalkboard/whiteboard may confuse your students. Make sure your writing is large enough to be seen by students in the back of the room. Avoid writing too small or squished together.

-        Don’t just write things down silently, explain what you’re writing as you go. This helps reinforce concepts and allows students to follow along with your reasoning. Do not write irrelevant information, focus on the key points. Do not stand in front of the material you write.

-      Don’t erase the topic of the lesson and instructional objectives. Don’t erase the zone if you will need the material in that zone again later. Don’t erase the material on the board too soon after you wrote it.

-   Use different colors of chalk to emphasize important points, formulas, or keywords: green and yellow colors are better for headings while white chalks are good for all other material.

-     Do not use more than three colors. Provide your students with opportunities to write on the chalkboard. Many students enjoy the chance to display what they know and even to play the role of the teacher. Allow students sufficient time to copy what you wrote before you erase it.

-     If you’re teaching a subject that involves diagrams (e.g., math, science, geography), draw them as you explain. This helps students visualize the material.

-      While writing on the board, ask students questions to keep them engaged. This can also provide immediate feedback on whether they understand the material.

-       Give students opportunities to come to the board to solve problems, share or write their ideas. This can create a more interactive and engaging classroom environment. Students like to play the role of the teacher in class.

-    While writing on the board, avoid turning your back on the class for extended periods.

-        Engage with students as you write and talk to them to maintain eye contact.

-        Don’t be afraid to make mistakes on the board, correcting them in front of the class can be a valuable learning experience.

-       Write key ideas, a summary or key takeaways on the board as the lesson goes on.