When we think of teachers, we think of classrooms, instructions, lesson plans, etc. But a teacher is so much more than a mere presenter of information. A true teacher aims to inspire and motivate, to provide students with a better life through learning and education, to guide and advise. Good teachers know how to relate to their students, and they teach and lead accordingly. What’s more, they also know how to spot students that may need a little added guidance and instruction, then aim to provide adequate assistance.

Thankfully, there are numerous resources for students who need extra help when it comes to guiding, inspiring and motivating students, advancements in technology and communication provide today’s teachers with a number of valuable resources. From educational apps to tutoring and everything in between, modern society is definitely teacher/student-friendly.

Here are some of the ways teachers can help, motivate, inspire and instruct….

Tutoring

The benefits of one-on-one tutoring cannot be denied. According to some experts, the individualized setting of one-on-one tutoring sessions can help kids get ahead in school, prepare for exams and provide a much-needed boost to both self-esteem and academic skills. And contrary to popular belief, tutoring sessions aren’t just for students having trouble with a particular subject, but for more advanced pupils, as well. The added instruction provided by one-on-one tutoring allows advanced students to further explore their interests and abilities in a structured, nurturing environment. And for students who are little behind in one or more subjects, tutoring can foster motivation and improve learning skills. In addition to these advantages, tutoring can help in ways like the following:

1. Reduced distractions and competition.
2. Heightened test-taking skills, including prep for the SATs and other standardized tests.
3. Fewer time constraints, as tutoring allows students to work at their own pace.
4. Personalized, one-one-one instruction.
5. Improved self-esteem.
6. Improved study skills.

Educational Apps

Apps are on the rise in the classroom, and for good reason. From preschoolers to post-grads, there are educational apps available for virtually every type of student. The Huntington tutoring solution, for example, makes a flash card app available to students. Perhaps the greatest benefit of these apps is that they are available in the electronic format favored by modern students. Plus, many apps entertain as well as instruct, and are available in a large variety of types, subjects, skill levels and more. For example, the following types of apps can be beneficial in the classroom.

1. Drills. These types of apps feature timed practice drills, and are available in all different subjects and for all different ages. For example, drill apps can be found on every subject from simple addition to SAT prep and everything in between.
2. eBooks. From preschool readers to world classics, eBooks are a great way to learn on the go, so grab a reader and get to it!
3. Puzzle apps. Puzzles are a great way to boost cognitive function, as well as challenge students in a fun, playful way.
4. Dictionary and encyclopedia apps. These types of resource materials don’t always have to come in the form of big, dusty tomes. The electronic versions are just as informative, and can be carried everywhere. Plus, lots of dictionary and encyclopedia apps are interactive, featuring pictures, videos, audio and even games!

Social Media

Contrary to popular belief, social media, in moderation at least, can be conducive to learning. In fact, more and more teachers are turning to the web for help with everything from basic tutorials to tips on teaching students with learning disabilities, behavioral problems and cognitive disorders. Check out the following ways social media can supplement traditional lessons:

1. Feedback. Social media sites allow students and teachers to post projects and assignments, then receive tips and feedback from classmates and peers.
2. Sharing. Sites like Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram aren’t just for recipes, status updates and self-portrait photos; rather, teachers are turning to these types of sites to share lesson plans, project ideas, teaching methods, and more. Plus, students can use these sites to connect with classmates and share study tips and other types of educational info.
3. Support. Social media friends can be an enormous source of support to struggling students. Blogging sites like Tumblr, WordPress and Blogger allow students to reach large audiences, which helps them build a supportive online network. And like other social media sites, blogs provide a format for sharing tips and ideas. Plus, since there are really no rules when it comes to blogging, students are free to explore their creative interests without worrying about being graded.

And there you have it! With the tips provided here, teachers are better-equipped to provide students with the resources necessary to learning, creating, preparing and so much more. Through tutoring, educational apps and social media, students have access to all the information they’ll need to boost academic performance and broaden their educational horizons.