Many teacher job interview questions revolve around teaching methods that optimize student learning in your classroom.
The resume and cover letter land you an interview, but the job seeker who is best prepared for the interview will secure the position. Practicing potential questions out loud is critical to a successful meeting.
The two following teacher job interview questions, centered on student engagement, are examples of questions you might be asked at your next interview.
What methods do you use to inspire students to be active in learning?
I am consistently striving for my students to engage in active learning. I utilize various active learning methods to encourage students to engage in hands-on learning experiences. These methods include brainstorming, mind mapping, case studies, role-playing, simulations, problem-based learning, collaborative problem-solving, and student creative construction.
Brainstorming, mind mapping, and collective problem-solving get students to think, contribute ideas, and record possible solutions. With mind mapping, students write down a central idea and then think up new and related concepts that radiate from it. Collaborative problem-solving focuses on rethinking the problem’s nature.
Student-created construction is fabulous because it gets students to develop a creative project to convey some themes. Students produce an artistic product either individually or collaboratively. Through creative expression, students approach the material more efficiently and reflectively.
Case studies and problem-based learning allow students to analyze a particular case or problem, using it as a basis for applying knowledge and concluding similar situations. These tasks are often based on real-world scenarios and environments. They are designed to foster learning and understanding of real-world problems that the learners may encounter in their futures.
In role-playing and simulations, I provide real or imaginary context and a range of relevant characters/functions. Students then improvise dramatic interactions among their characters, bringing the events of scenarios to life.
How do you make learning fun? Provide an example.
When learning is fun, it is more meaningful and enjoyable. Making learning fun will help students remain attentive and keep them motivated. An unmotivated student will not be willing to learn. Fun activities are great ways of helping students learn for many reasons. Besides making learning fun, they help students relax, break down their emotional filters, and focus on the classroom.
I try to make learning fun by incorporating many creative and engaging activities throughout my lessons and utilizing various teaching methods to reach all learners. When beginning a new topic or unit to teach, I try to plan so students will become immersed in the subject.
For instance, I decorate my classroom with things related to my teaching theme, such as dinosaurs. I start a topic or unit by playing an entertaining DVD connected to the topic. I incorporate group projects where students work together to develop something related to the content.
I try to utilize a variety of learning materials to complement my teaching. Apart from textbooks, I count on numerous sources to make my class fun: newspaper articles, audio texts, role-play activities, films, music, educational games, group work, experiments, field trips, guest speakers, and quiz games.
Challenging students with dynamic, hands-on activities that require critical thinking skills, such as problem-solving, riddles, or reading comprehension, works fabulously. I sometimes allow these activities to be performed in groups, allowing more student interaction. Using student question-and-answer sessions is excellent for optimizing students’ learning.
Finally, enabling students to utilize their imaginations actively will always be fun. I engage my students in role-playing, creating stories, theater productions, and computer-based creative simulations.
If you would like to prepare yourself further for the job interview to land an offer, check out the resources written by Candace Alstad-Davies, who has 16+ years of experience helping teachers prepare for job interviews.
