What Are Your Teaching Styles and Methods?
Being able to explain your teaching methods demonstrates that you are competent and prepared to be a teacher.
There is always, of course, room to grow within any profession. You will learn a lot once you actually start teaching, but there is a basic level of understanding you should have about your discipline before you start teaching it.
Again, your teaching methods are the practical side of your teaching philosophy. What assignments will be most effective in helping you to achieve the purpose of your discipline? How can you capture your students’ imaginations and keep them engaged? What activities or projects can you assign that bring your subject to life?
After you land your teaching job, your fellow colleagues will serve as a valuable asset when exchanging ideas. In the meantime, there are many online resources you can browse that provide advice on the subject you’re teaching.
Why Do You Want to Work in This School?
Remember, you are allowed to ask questions too. Asking specific and relevant questions will show that you care about the school and the position. Researching the school beforehand can solidify the reasons why you want to work there and help you form a well-curated answer. Answering this question well shows that you care about getting the job and also helps you determine if the job is a good fit for you.
When researching the school, keep an eye out for the following:
What Is Your Teaching Philosophy?
Questions about your teaching philosophy are targeting what you believe is the purpose of your discipline and how best to fulfill that purpose. As you explore your teaching philosophy, consider:
For example, if you are an English teacher, you might believe in cultivating great thinkers. You may also recognize that thinking and language are connected to each other. The better people can articulate themselves, the more clearly they are thinking. You, therefore, believe that a significant part of your role as an English teacher is to help people become better thinkers by mastering the English language.
Your beliefs form one part of your teaching philosophy. You now need to explain how you intend on applying your philosophy practically in the classroom. How do you implement both formative assessment and summative assessment? Think of some creative and unique ways to engage your students.
Make sure you clearly understand the “how” as well as the “why” of your philosophy. Knowing the “how” will help you prepare for questions about your teaching style. Having a clear “why” will feed your passion as a teacher.
What Is Your Greatest Strength?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions, so don’t be shy about your answer! The key is to answer confidently without appearing arrogant. Craft your answer to objectively explain how and why you are a good fit for the school.
Browse through your past accomplishments and pinpoint the one of which you are most proud. If you need some help refreshing your memory, consider the following:
For example, if people know you as an exceptional communicator, give recent examples of that strength. Then explain how you’ll use that skill in a teaching context, such as setting clear expectations for your students or keeping parents updated about the happenings in your classroom. Specific examples always help strengthen your answer.