Importance of Understanding Students' Background in Commerce Studies

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COMMERCE STUDIES
Name
Institution Affiliation
Date

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Commerce Studies
Teachers are expected to have a good understanding of students’ background. Having
that understanding, he individual needs of students and covering their diverse social, cultural and
linguistic characteristics. Students learn best when the content they are taught augurs well with
the things they can easily relate to. Since they have different learning abilities, it is the job of the
teacher to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each student.
Know the content and how to teach it
It is also important to have a full grip on the content that is being taught to students.
Having a full understanding of the content is important for purposes of effectively designing and
implementing teaching programs. A teacher needs to understand the content first to know the
way of formulating a good teaching approach to the teaching program. A teacher, who
understands the content well, is also able to change or modify the content, without losing the
meaning, for purposes of drawing the student closer to understanding the content. Full
knowledge of content will also be useful in boosting the confidence of the teacher in his/her
teaching sessions. Students’ confidence on the teacher will also be boosted, creating a good
attitude on students towards their teacher.
Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning
Bearing a good understanding of the content is important because of the following
reasons; having a good understanding of the subjects taught, teaching strategies and curriculum
content. It is also useful for designing lessons meeting the reporting, curriculum and assessment
requirements. Teachers should know the right amount of time for teaching a certain subject and
at what frequency should the subject be taught. A good teacher should also be able to offer

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support in the planning of the curriculum because they are the ones in direct contact with the
students. They, therefore, should know what is needful and what is not.
Create and Maintain Supportive and Safe Learning Environments
Teachers should be able to create or develop a safe learning environment for the students.
A productive, safe and positive learning environment will help to boost the morale and
enthusiasm of students in the learning process. Teachers at this level should engage the relevant
parties in the development of a safe learning environment. For example, since the teachers are
the ones who continuously engage the learning environment, they should report to the right
persons to provide safe learning tools and environment.
Assess, provide feedback and report on student learning
A good teacher reviews his/her work. The best way of conducting a review is by
reviewing student results. Another way is through the use of assignments. A good tutor hands the
students assignment tests to test their prowess and progress in understanding the topics and the
content they have been taught. Since the teachers work with the help of other parties, providing
feedback and report on the student learning progress will go a long way in soliciting support.
Engage in Professional Learning
The process of learning has no end and even teachers need to continuously improve their
knowledge. Knowledge is dynamic and what is considered to be the knowledge now may be
obsolete tomorrow. Therefore, there is a great need to continuously engage in the process of
learning for teachers to stay up to par with the current technological, economic, social, political
and any other aspect of the trend. That will ensure that students are fed relevant and useful
knowledge.
Engage Professionally with Colleagues, Parents/Carers and the Community