Effective teaching strategies to encourage learning behaviour

Abstract

Getting pupils' attention as a way to engage them in learning activities poses a challenge to teacher. Various strategies have been used to make their learning effective. Based on these issues, this study was carried out to investigate the ways strategies are used by a teacher in encouraging pupil learning behaviour. Five teaching strategies were identified and observed in this study: encouragement, praising, guidance, positive reinforcement and ignorance. The first ten minutes (induction-set phase) of three lessons organised by one female teacher were digitally recorded and independently analysed. Data analysis focuses on the effect of teaching strategies towards pupil learning behaviour. Learning behaviour observed includes pupils' participation in lesson activities, proactive action initiated by pupils, answering a question and facilitating group works. Overall results suggest that the effectiveness of induction-set is dependent on teacher's creativity and pedagogical content knowledge. As one strategy does not fit all situations, it is vital for the teacher to initiate creative lesson plans to attract pupils' attention. Results also suggest that the display of positive actions toward disruptive behaviour as well as the lack of praises given to pupils increased problematic behaviour in classroom. This study provides insight to effective teaching practice for promoting learning behaviour in classroom contexts. Implications towards teaching practices are discussed.