One of the most important tasks a teacher must master is communication. The lesson has to be presented in a language that is familiar to the learner. If the teacher fails to communicate in a way that the student can understand there will be little if any learning.

The teacher can be knowledgeable, well prepared and have a dynamite lesson prepared, but if the teacher fails to communicate in the students language; the lesson is lost. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that the teacher keep in mind how to communicate with the learner when they prepare each lesson.

Here are 11.5 strategies to help you focus on communication.

Strategy #1 - Carefully study the words your students use and learn the meanings they give to these words. Then use their words as often as possible to make them comfortable with you.

Strategy #2 - Determine your students knowledge of the subject. If you know where your students are in their learning, you can meet them there and then help them further their knowledge. Don't assume what your students know. If you do you will create gaps in their knowledge.

Strategy #3 - Express yourself as much as possible in the language of your students, carefully correcting any errors they read into your words.

Strategy #4 - Use the simplest and the fewest words that will express your meaning. Unnecessary words add to your students' work, and increase the possibilities for misunderstanding.

Strategy #5 - Use short sentences, of the simplest construction. Long sentences are difficult to follow and are frequently confusing to students.

Strategy #6 - If your students fail to understand you, try another approach, if possible with greater simplicity. Always be prepared to present a new idea in more than one way, not everyone learns in the same way and you must be prepared.

Strategy #7 - Develop the meaning the words by using illustrations, natural objects and pictures. Take illustrations from your students' own experiences whenever possible and use those illustrations to make your point.

Strategy #8 - When it is necessary to teach a new word, present the idea before the word. This can be done best by simple illustrations closely related to your students' own experience. The more you can connect to something they already know the easier the new word will be to learn.

Strategy #9 - Try to increase your students' vocabulary, and at the same time improve their understanding. A true increase in a student's vocabulary means an increase in his knowledge and power.

Strategy #10 - Since the acquisition of language is one of the important goals in the process of education, do not to have your students sit and listen in silence, no matter how attentive they are. Encourage them to be skeptical and ask questions.

Strategy #11 - Don't rush the learning process. Each word or idea should be mastered before new ones are added. Reteach concepts till your students are masters of the knowledge.

Strategy #11.5 - Frequently test your students' understanding of the words that they use to make sure that they attach correct meaning and they see the true meaning as vividly as possible.

If you take the time to learn and put into use these 11.5 strategies, your teaching results will change dramatically.

You will be a master teacher respected by your students, parents and peers. Now I invite you learn more about successful teaching by going to http://teaching411.net or http://ScienceTeacher411.com

Mr. Causey has been teaching for over 25 years and has worked with AP, Honors and Learning Disabled students.