AIDS TO EFFECTIVE TEACHING:

THE RECITATION, ASSIGNMENT

, AND ART OF QUESTIONING

BY: RIC SAGGE

 RECITATION
a general sense is the act
ofrecitingfrom memory,
or a formal
reading of verseor other
writing before an
audience
 CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD
RECITATION
It may be inferred that the most important characteristic of a recitation is to
develop wholesome attitude essentials to effective teaching-learning process. It
is in the recitation where varied ideas take place. It is this kind of learning
atmosphere where pupils (students) develop creative expressions.
Although there is no hand-and-fast rule in the conduct of the recitation, some
authors in pedagogy recommended some guidelines.

The recitation should be well planned. Planning and organizing of the learning
materials will ensure the smooth unfolding of various activities during the
recitation.
The recitation should be motivated to arouse the interest of the learners.
Learning is most effective when the pupils/students are motivated by goals
which are intrinsic to the learning activity.
The recitation should be purposive. In an effective environment, pupils/students
are working at purposes that are real to them. Inasmuch as classroom activities
are learning situations, the learners should realize their significance and value
to their lives. If they know why they are engaged in particular learning activity,
they will try their best to accomplish the task to the best of their ability.
The recitation should provide opportunities for
active and productive participation in the learning
situations. The pupils/students learn by doing.
Activities like dramatization, debates, and free
discussion encourage maximum participation.
The recitation should make use of real-life
situations. The classroom should be transformed
into a laboratory for the pupils/students to develop
democratic ways of solving their own problems.
Problems in the community, like cleanliness, health
and juvenile delinquency will certainly interest
them.
The recitation should provide for individual differences. The
recitation should consider the varied interest, capabilities,
and needs of the pupil/students. Activities for bright
pupils/students should be different from the less bright ones.
The teacher should be aware of shy learners and should be
given preferential attention.
The good recitation should provide for evaluation. Every
activity in the classroom should be evaluated to determine
the degree of performance of the pupils/students. They
should be encouraged to give their suggestions and
comments about the conduct of the recitation. Constructive
criticisms should be allowed as long as they are given
without hurting the feeling of others and these are for the
improvement of learning.
 There are certain factors that are to be identified and considered to insure
the success of the recitation. Among these are:
Good Learning Environment
The classroom should be free from any form of distraction, whether inside or
outside. An ideal setting for a good recitation conducive to learning is a
quiet, well-kept, clean, well-lighted, well-ventilated and with cool and pastel
colors on the walls of the classroom.
Proper Class Management
A properly managed class is usually free from distraction. In some cases,
because the teacher lacks mastery of the subject matter, contribute to class
distraction.
Interest and Enthusiasm are Contagious
Interest and enthusiasm usually excite involvement. A resourceful and
dedicated teacher to his profession always motivates the learners by using
teaching aids and devices to arouse and sustain the interests of the class. A
healthy teacher is always enthusiastic to give his best every teaching
session.
Facilitate Effective Teaching: Factors That Influence an Effective
Recitation

There are certain factors that are to

be identified and considered to
insure the success of the recitation.
The recitation as a tool of effective
teaching and learning may not
achieve its desired goal if students
do not do their part. High standard of
performance may be achieved by the
learners if the recitation is properly
motivated and understood.
 A Spirit of Cooperation and Cordial Relations should
Always Prevail in the Classroom
If the teacher and the pupils/students maintain cordial
relationship they will cooperate with the teacher and look
forward to with interest and anticipation every recitation.
The teacher who has a genuine desire to help his
pupils/students, develop intellectually, emotionally and
socially will adapt the attitude of a guardian to his children.
The recitation as a tool of effective teaching and learning
may not achieve its desired goal if pupils/students do not
do their part. High standard of performance may be
achieved by the learners if the recitation is properly
motivated and understood.
 Don'ts in Conducting
Recitation
The pupils/students should be aware that
they should recite for the class and not
for the teacher alone. They should
realize that when they recite, they have
something to tell and their classmates
should listen.
No one should be allowed to monopolize
the recitation. The teacher should not do
the talking for the whole period.
 Do not interrupt a pupil/student who is reciting for
his thoughts may be disturbed, and as a result, he
might forget what he wants to say. It is a sign of
discourtesy on the part of the teacher or any
pupil/student to interrupt the one who is sharing
his thoughts.
If a pupil/student commits an error while reciting,
corrections should be made after the recitation or
during the evaluation. The learners should be
trained to write down the errors during the
recitation. Comments and suggestions should be
presented and discussed during the evaluation.
 The teacher should exercise due care and prudence
in handling the responses of the pupils/students.
Sarcasm and ridicule have no place in the
classroom. Teachers should refrain from asking only
bright ones for it will discourage the others to recite.
The teacher should not embarrass any pupil/student
for giving a wrong response, for it will make him
uncomfortable, self-conscious causing confusion and
shame.
It is important the pupils/students are aware of
classroom courtesy and decorum and should be put
into practice every day.
 Thank
you
for
listening