Ten Principles of Effective Teaching: Noureddine Boutahar

 Counting down to my retirement in a few months, I find myself reflecting on the significant journey of almost four decades spent in the teaching profession, a voyage filled with moments of growth, challenges, and innumerable rewards. From the classrooms to the workshops, from colleagues to supervisors, and from Moroccan to foreign classrooms, each experience has left an indelible mark on me. Now, as I contemplate the journey ahead for today’s teachers, I feel a strong urge to offer insights geared towards enhancing their teaching practices and alleviating some of the burdens they may face – the very essence of this article.

First, love for one's vocation is of paramount importance. Lacking authentic passion for the teaching profession renders one's professional journey burdensome and devoid of fulfillment. Conversely, embracing one's calling wholeheartedly infuses vitality, dedication, and a mindset conducive to triumph. Enjoying one’s job does not only make it easy but also brings peace of mind, boosts productivity, and enhances performance. As psychologist R J Sternberg aptly posits, genuine love for one's work engenders passion, connection, commitment, and a sense of purpose, thereby fostering creativity and efficacy.

Second, Benjamin Franklin once wisely said, "If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!" This timeless saying holds true, particularly in the field of education. Success hinges upon meticulous planning, serving not only as a roadmap but also as a tool for foreseeing potential obstacles, optimizing the resources at one’s disposal, and establishing clear objectives to steer one's path towards success. In the context of education, effective planning is vitally necessary and must be a continuous, evolving process. Each class, each school year, and each class stream possesses its own peculiarity and presents unique challenges and opportunities, necessitating a tailored approach. Therefore, consistent review and refinement of lesson plans are essential to adapt to changing circumstances and ensure progress towards successful teaching goals.

Third, in education, fostering meaningful relationships with students is indispensable. Central to this endeavor is the cultivation of mutual respect and rapport. Learning students' first names, lending a compassionate ear and a comforting shoulder, and upholding their dignity are the foundation stones for building strong bridges of connection with students, paving the way for effective teaching and learning. As child psychiatrist James Comer accurately stated, “No significant learning can occur without a significant relationship.”

Fourth, understanding generational differences also is essential in bridging the gap between educators and students. By embracing contemporary tools, media, and concerns, can help teachers not only play students at their game but also tailor their approach to resonate with the evolving needs of their pupils. The interests of Gen Xers do not necessarily align with the preferences of Gen Zs, just as the characteristics of Gen Zs do not necessarily mirror the traits of Gen Alphas. British author, speaker and international advisor on education Sir Ken Robinson reinforces this point when he warns that clinging to outdated paradigms risks alienating millions of today's youth.

Fifth, the ideal balance between permissive and authoritarian teaching style is authoritative, another hallmark of effective teaching. Embracing the traditional teaching adage of "Don't smile until Christmas," or being excessively lenient with students, are extremes that can result in discipline problems and ineffective learning outcomes. However, employing a judicious blend of firmness and empathy will certainly foster an environment of collaboration and mutual respect, one that is conducive to optimal learning and impactful teaching practices. As Aristotle keenly observed, true virtue lies in moderation, lest extremes often descend into folly - "Virtue is a mean between two vices."

Sixth, maintaining a positive attitude and distancing oneself from negativity are crucial for sustaining morale in the teaching profession. Surrounding oneself with positive influences fortifies one's resilience and resolve amidst adversity. In the classroom, the focus should be on giving one’s all, not on advocating for one’s rights or seeking revenge for society's injustices. Compartmentalizing personal biases and affiliations from the educational milieu is essential for fostering inclusivity and impartiality. Union affiliation, political party allegiance, and ideological beliefs should be left beyond the confines of the classroom.

Seventh, modeling integrity is of primary importance in teaching. This value underscores honesty, consistency, and authenticity in one’s words and deeds. Students are vigilant copycats and discerning morality police who will confront inconsistency between rhetoric and action. In Israelmore Ayivor words, “You don’t lead by what you say to them; you lead them by what they see you do. True leaders are self-leaders.”

Eighth, the gamification of learning enhances engagement and retention. We are not only homo sapiens, but homo ludens (man the player) as well. So incorporating games in one’s lessons, regardless of age group, makes learning enjoyable, easy, and engaging. For the American poet, essayist and naturalist Diane Ackerman, “Play is our brain's favorite way of learning,” because humans are not solely rational beings but also playful creatures, and play is not just a frivolous activity, but a serious and essential part of human life.

Ninth, good teachers bookend every lesson with engaging activities. Stimulating warm-up exercises capture students' interest from the start, while compelling concluding activities leave a lasting impression. Introducing elements such as riddles, jokes, proverbs, optical illusion art and so on at the start of the lesson, and concluding with engaging and practical activities that assess understanding, promote critical thinking, address misconceptions, and inspire students, all contribute to minimizing disruptions and enhancing student satisfaction.

Tenth, teaching transcends mere monetary gains; it is about making a difference in the world, earning respect, nurturing genuine connections, and molding young minds. While financial rewards may be scant in teaching, the intangible dividends – witnessing students' joy, gratitude, and success – are immeasurable. While money hold significance too, to me, there is no greater reward than inspiring a fervent love for learning in others. In the realm of teaching, it is not a matter of what one can extract from society, but rather, what one can contribute to it.

In conclusion, I hope these insights gleaned from decades of experience will serve as guiding beacons, especially for novice teachers. Since experience is the greatest teacher, it is essential to heed the wisdom of those who have walked this professional path before. School life has challenged them, tested their resolve, and propelled them to grow.