How to teach 2 sessions/day effectively?

Teaching 2 sessions/day requires a flexible and reasonable schedule, balancing study and experiential activities.

Photo: Dao Ngoc Thach

Difficulty appears... 2 sessions/day

That year, I was assigned by the Department of Education and Training to be the principal of X High School. After only two weeks of "holding the seat", I... felt the blow! Students lacked confidence when participating ineducational activities, fighting was "a daily occurrence in the commune", the landscape was messy, the school was unsanitary... Difficulties in teaching and learning, recruiting students for grade 10, only "rats running in the same cage" could enter this school.

Some students take extra classes with teachers from other schools. Although they try hard, it is not effective because they cannot keep up with their classmates from other schools. I persuaded teachers, parents, and students to ask the Department of Education and Training for permission to teach two sessions a day. The school is small with few classrooms, no subject rooms; the playground and practice field are only a few hundred square meters. Although the facilities are difficult, if we falter, the school will have more difficulties and will not be able to connect with other schools in the area.

I crossed the fence, sent teachers (and students) "down the mountain" to many places to "study and learn from teachers". The brothers in the school together built a 2-session/day teaching program and gradually perfected it. According to the characteristics of the school, this teaching model has helped teachers and students gain confidence, gradually erasing the inferiority complex of teaching at a school "in a low-quality area". Although there are 2 sessions/day, the teaching plan is not spread out but follows the motto of concise theory; increasing time for skill training and practice. Special attention is paid to the students' ability. Remember, if students are not confident and "cram" knowledge in the second session, they will fail.

Design a 2-session/day teaching program to ensure comprehensive education goals for students

Photo: Dao Ngoc Thach

"Secret" to successful teaching 2 sessions/day

I focus on building a reading culture, setting aside two classrooms as libraries, and buying reference books for students. All necessary newspapers are available in the reading room.

Every flag-raising ceremony at the beginning of the week, thematic activities, stories from the principal, tests of subjects... all guide students to enjoy reading, read books diligently, live kindly, study actively, and nurture their dreams. During the 2-session/day teaching, the school organizes for students to learn guitar, martial arts, swimming, soccer...

After several years of teaching 2 sessions/day (at its peak it was 3 sessions/day), the school gradually improved. Teachers and students shed the "old traces", the entrance score for grade 10 is in the top 10 highest high schools in the province every year, the school is spacious, and the school's restrooms have a "brand" of cleanliness.

Through many years of implementation, here are some ways to effectively organize 2 sessions/day teaching.

Designing a 2-session/day teaching program: This is a teaching and education plan, aiming to ensure comprehensive educational goals, is a tool to innovate teaching methods, and an opportunity to help students develop their qualities and abilities.

There is consensus among the board of directors, teachers, parents, and students: The key is consensus among the teaching staff. When the school's teachers "turn their backs", teaching 2 sessions/day will be confusing, cause controversy, and be difficult to achieve results.

Tuition fees must be sufficient to cover expenses: Absolutely do not organize 2 sessions/day as a way for the school to "increase revenue", teachers to "improve their lives", and have additional income. The board of directors and teachers discuss and agree to propose a fee that is basically enough to cover teaching activities according to regulations, pay for renting facilities, etc. Focus on students with difficult family circumstances, and skillfully encourage them to participate in 2 sessions/day.

Arrange flexible and reasonable timetable : Harmony between studying and experiential activities. Flexible school start and end times in the morning and afternoon, ensuring convenience for teaching, learning as well as personal activities of teachers and students.

Finally, the 2-session/day teaching records must be neat, meet requirements, and be approved by superiors.

Thus, depending on the characteristics, schools choose appropriate teaching models. Teaching 2 sessions/day depending on the conditions of each school has advantages, but is not a universal key.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/day-hoc-2-buoi-ngay-sao-cho-hieu-qua-185250410102416279.htm