How to Balance between Finishing Syllabus & Learning Outcomes

Teachers always find themselves conflicted between finishing the syllabus and achieving learning outcomes for each student. When time is limited, it can be difficult to focus on the latter. However, with the advancement in technology and pedagogical techniques, a need to provide quality education has been recognized. This quality of education can only be attained by making sure the learning outcomes of students are achieved. But at the same time, finishing the syllabus in an academic year is also mandatory for teachers.

So, how can teachers strike a balance between the two? Here are several ways in which teachers can accomplish this goal:

Re-invent Teaching Methods

If you’ve been using the traditional teaching methods for years, this may be the right time to enhance and reinvent your methods to teach online. If you want to finish the syllabus on time and achieve learning outcomes, find creative ways to do so. 

For instance, you can cover a part of the syllabus while fostering team spirit by allowing students to work in groups. You can also experiment with different learning activities such as debates, paper presentations, role-playing, seminars, group discussions, and so on.

Use Technology

The last two years made us realize the power of technology in delivering education. Using online tools such as animated videos and virtual labs, teachers can cover the syllabus faster while keeping the students engaged. When technology is used effectively, students not only pay more attention but also grasp concepts better. 

Creating and grading assignments is another time-consuming task. Teachers can utilize apps like SuperTeacher to create auto-graded tests in minutes. This way, they can save time for other important tasks while making the assignments more interesting for the students.

Ask Students to Take Initiative

The most effective way to finish the syllabus on time and achieve learning outcomes is by letting students take initiative. Instead of always choosing the traditional ‘lecture’ method, you can delegate your students to teach the class. This will also lead to self-learning.

Asking students to take initiative can help them in many ways. For example, they can overcome performance anxiety or stage fear. In fact, teaching concepts to the class will also allow them to comprehend the syllabus better. Try to give your students tasks that will enhance their learning abilities. Give them assignments that require research or ask them to create a questionnaire from their syllabus.

Provide Regular Feedback

One of the best ways to stay on track with the syllabus and achieve learning outcomes is by providing them regular feedback. This helps them know their progress and rectify mistakes in the learning process.

Make sure you highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each student but do so constructively. Giving instant feedback allows students to relate to their shortcomings and do better in the next assessment. Give your students honest feedback based on their performance, be positive, and ensure they implement the feedback.

Encourage Classroom Interaction 

Teachers can encourage interaction in the classroom by asking questions, prompting students to ask questions to not just the teacher but also each other, and by initiating discussions and debates. These interactions can be made part of the lesson plan itself, where different topics can be covered in different ways. Peer-to-peer learning is a proven methodology that ensures positive learning outcomes.

We hope these tips will help you succeed in both – finishing the syllabus on time and in achieving the learning outcomes for your students. The trick here is to get creative and smart with your teaching methodologies!