What's One Teaching Habit You've Changed That Made a Big Difference?

We teachers are always learning—just like our kids. Over time, we all adjust our strategies, change our thinking, or even ditch habits that don't work anymore.

I'm wondering to know
What is one teaching habit or routine you changed that led to noticeable improvement in your classroom?
It might be something minor—such as how you begin a lesson—and something major, such as your assessment, discipline, or classroom discussion strategy.

Changing from lecture-based lessons to more student-directed activities was one change that worked for me.
My classroom vibe and students' comprehension both shifted for the better.

Let's exchange these "small change, big difference" moments your idea might be just what another teacher needs today

My name is Shumaila Qayoom, and I’m from Pakistan.
I work as a High School Teacher (HST). What I enjoy most about my job is seeing students grow in confidence and curiosity, especially when they connect deeply with a concept or idea. Helping them discover their potential is incredibly rewarding.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, exploring creative teaching methods, and spending quality time with my family. I also love learning from other educators—it keeps me inspired and motivated in my teaching journey.

What's One Teaching Habit You've Changed That Made a Big Difference?

We teachers are always learning—just like our kids. Over time, we all adjust our strategies, change our thinking, or even ditch habits that don't work anymore.

I'm wondering to know
What is one teaching habit or routine you changed that led to noticeable improvement in your classroom?
It might be something minor—such as how you begin a lesson—and something major, such as your assessment, discipline, or classroom discussion strategy.

Changing from lecture-based lessons to more student-directed activities was one change that worked for me.
My classroom vibe and students' comprehension both shifted for the better.

Let's exchange these "small change, big difference" moments your idea might be just what another teacher needs today

@MARIY0b647d9a23 said in Effective Classroom Management in a Hybrid Learning Environment:

With many schools adopting hybrid learning models, where some students learn in person and others online, managing the classroom effectively has become more complex than ever.

Let’s discuss:
What strategies do you use to keep both in-person and online students engaged during lessons?
How do you maintain discipline and focus across different learning settings simultaneously?
What tools or platforms help you manage hybrid classrooms smoothly?
Have you faced any specific challenges in balancing attention between virtual and physical students? How did you overcome them?
What advice would you give to teachers new to hybrid teaching about classroom management?

Please share your experiences, tips, or questions. Together, we can find ways to make hybrid classrooms productive and inclusive for all learners.

Hybrid instruction does present some challenges, but with proper strategy, it also has the potential to produce adaptable and accessible learning environments.

To ensure that both on-campus and online students remain engaged, I implement interactive tools such as Google Jamboard, Padlet, and live polls where everyone can contribute in real time. I also ensure that I speak to both groups equally during group discussions to ensure connection and engagement.

Staying disciplined depends on clear expectations from the beginning. I establish routines that work for all students, and whether they are in the room or not, I utilize visual timers and cues to move the pace at a consistent speed.

One of the difficulties I experienced was balancing attention—I initially paid more attention to those in front of me. To correct that, I started calling on online students more deliberately and utilizing breakout rooms for both cohorts to work together.

To teachers new to hybrid classrooms, my suggestion is: begin small, have patience with technology, and establish strong habits. Flexibility and transparency are essential.

Definitely, I think everyday hands-on projects can really enhance student performance. If students are involved in activities, they learn concepts more effectively and are more inclined to pick up things.

In my class, even low-key, low-budget activities—such as role-playing in language class or employing simple objects in science—have made a huge difference. To work efficiently on time and resources, I frequently design short, targeted activities that closely fit the lesson topic. Teamwork among colleagues helps also exchange ideas and materials.

The most successful activities are those that prompt students to think, to create, and to reflect. Whether a group challenge, an experiment, or a game, the common denominator is to keep the student at the forefront of the learning process.

@MARIY0b647d9a23 said in Daily Hands-on Experiments: Making Learning Active at Our School:

At our school, hands-on experiments have become a daily part of learning—and the impact is amazing! Whether it’s a science activity, a math concept, or even language learning through games and models, our students are actively involved in experimenting, exploring, and discovering every day.
This regular practice has made learning more meaningful and enjoyable. Students understand concepts better, stay more engaged in class, and develop important skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Let’s discuss:
Do you think daily hands-on activities can improve student performance?
How can we manage time, resources, and planning to include them in every subject?
What types of activities work best in your classroom?

Definitely, I think everyday hands-on projects can really enhance student performance. If students are involved in activities, they learn concepts more effectively and are more inclined to pick up things.

In my class, even low-key, low-budget activities—such as role-playing in language class or employing simple objects in science—have made a huge difference. To work efficiently on time and resources, I frequently design short, targeted activities that closely fit the lesson topic. Teamwork among colleagues helps also exchange ideas and materials.

The most successful activities are those that prompt students to think, to create, and to reflect. Whether a group challenge, an experiment, or a game, the common denominator is to keep the student at the forefront of the learning process.

@Oojala-Tasneem said in Preparing Students for the next Decade.:

What skills do you believe will be essential for students in the next decade?

Over the coming decade, students will require a blend of cognitive, digital, and interpersonal abilities to succeed.

Critical thinking and problem-solving will be central as they address complex global issues. Digital literacy—how to learn new technologies and critically assess information—will be required. So too will emotional intelligence and teamwork, as students interact with diverse teams and communities.

Strong communication skills and a spirit of lifelong learning will keep them up to date in an ever-changing world. As teachers, we need to attend to building learning cultures that cultivate these skills through active, student-centered means.