Teach Like A Champion
"Teach Like a Champion: 62 Techniques That Put Students on the Path to College"
by Doug Lemov is a widely acclaimed book for educators that focuses on practical, effective teaching strategies. The book offers actionable techniques to improve classroom management, student engagement, and instructional delivery, all aimed at fostering high achievement. With real-world examples, Lemov provides tools to help teachers create structured, high-performing classrooms.
Key Themes
High Expectations for All: Lemov emphasizes that every student has the potential to succeed with the right guidance and support.
Technique Over Talent: Effective teaching is a skill that can be developed through practice and deliberate use of proven techniques.
Engagement and Participation: Keeping students engaged and actively participating is central to effective learning.
Efficiency in Instruction: Teachers should focus on clear, concise instruction that maximizes learning time.
Classroom Culture: A positive, disciplined classroom culture is crucial for both academic and personal growth.
Techniques Highlighted
No Opt Out: Ensuring students cannot avoid participating or answering, creating a culture of accountability.
Cold Call: Calling on students at random to encourage attention and equal participation.
Right Is Right: Holding out for the correct answer without lowering expectations or settling for partial accuracy.
Precise Praise: Offering specific, meaningful praise that reinforces desired behaviours or efforts.
Do Now: Starting each class with a short, focused activity to build momentum and set the tone for learning.
Check for Understanding: Continuously assessing students’ comprehension to guide instruction.
100 Percent: Insisting on full compliance with classroom rules to ensure fairness and consistency.
Stretch It: Asking follow-up questions to deepen understanding or challenge students to think critically.
Why It Matters
Doug Lemov's work is grounded in his observation of highly effective teachers. The techniques presented are practical, replicable, and designed to address common challenges in classrooms. The book is particularly valuable for new teachers, but its insights are equally applicable to experienced educators seeking to refine their craft.
Conclusion
"Teach Like a Champion" is a cornerstone text for educators aiming to create impactful learning environments. Its focus on actionable strategies, combined with a strong belief in the potential of every student, makes it a must-read for teachers. Whether addressing behaviour management, academic engagement, or instructional clarity, the book equips educators with tools to drive student success and build a classroom culture of excellence.