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Teaching Tips

Using the Board to Maximum Effect
by Neerja Sharma

The whiteboard or blackboard is an integral part of any classroom. In developing countries like India, boards are very commonly used in the classrooms and are still the most popular classroom equipment. Invariably in every school, private or public, the use of the board in the class can be noticed. If used in the right manner, it can produce marvelous results in the class participation levels.

The teacher can use the board to maximum effect in different innovative ways to inculcate the interest of the students and reduce distractions in the class. Using the board for writing, drawing, sticking things on, or showing transparencies brings about a break in the monotony of the class. Also, it gives an opportunity for the students to redirect their focus from their books or notebooks.

The board can also be divided into different sections or columns for discussing or explaining different aspects of the same concept. Being a language teacher, I usually divide the board into sections when teaching vocabulary, grammar, or giving notes. To emphasize particular words, language points, or concepts, I use different colored markers on the board. This will highlight the word concerned and also help students relate better. For example, I might use a blue marker to refer to adjectives, a red one for verbs, and a green one for adverbs, so that it's easier for the students to understand which color corresponds with which part of speech.

In addition, the board can be utilized to involve students in the writing process. Invite them to come and write on the board. This will keep the students alert and also give them a chance to feel a part of the classroom. The teacher can devise the lesson plan in such a way that there is at least one activity that requires each of the students to come in front and write on the board. My experience as a teacher tells me that whenever I call students to come and write on the board, after the initial hesitation, they start loving it. This fosters confidence in them to face the class and write something publicly in front of their peers.

Keep in mind that the board must always be kept clean by the teacher, as this is one piece of classroom equipment that he/she might need to use on a regular basis. Write legibly and clearly on the board. Many teachers may forget that their writing might not be easily read by the students. This seems a very small error, but it can have serious implications when students misunderstand the writing on the board. Write large enough for the students to read on the board. Students who sit on the back benches may not be able to read the message on the board if the font is too small.

Finally, use the board for writing only the most important or main points. Avoid using it for everything under the sun. As they say, "excess of everything is bad". The teacher needs to intersperse the use of board with other activities and exercises to retain its charm and full effect.

The author is an ESL teacher, who has taught English for the last six years in a Canadian college based in India. Neerja is also a freelancer writer. She regularly contributes articles to a locally based current affairs magazine. One of her short stories has been published in a New York based publication's anthology titled Grab Your Tiger.