Significance

• Facilitating involves a concentrated effort by the teacher to gradually release students to learn on their own. This does not mean that the teacher hands out a worksheet or tells the kids to read the chapter and answer the questions at the end. Rather, the teacher shows children how to do something, whether it be a math problem, scientific research or reading skills. Then they practice the skill with them and observe while they apply what they have learned. If the teacher is the sole source of information, students will not develop independent learning habits essential either in school or in life.
  
  

Function

• Teachers must maintain an environment conducive to learning. They should establish and implement a behavioral plan with clear expectations, rules, rewards and consequences. Students thrive academically and socially when they feel safe and comfortable enough to ask questions and share concerns. The classroom setup is also a factor in the learning process. Charts and other visual aids should be clearly visible. Books and supplemental learning aids and manipulative materials, like blocks, rods and beans, need to be stored in easily accessible places. This creates a positive learning atmosphere.
  
  

Features

• Teachers facilitate learning when they motivate students. Although no one can make a student care about his education, teachers can motivate through their actions. For example, teachers should interact with students often and encourage them to express their thoughts. When appropriate, teachers can share their own experiences and struggles. Teachers have to know where to draw the line between being the authoritarian and a friend, but students need to know that their teacher genuinely cares about them. This will motivate most kids to try harder.
  
  

Types

• Teachers also facilitate learning when they find ways to help each child learn. Even teachers with little experience will soon realize that not all children learn the same way. While it may be extremely difficult to work one-on-one with each child, teachers can group students by their common learning styles and help each group with differentiated methods. This takes time and requires support from school officials and classroom assistants and parents. Hopefully, this will result in almost every child performing better on homework assignments and tests.
  
  

Considerations

• Facilitating learning also involves collaborative teaching. Many an educator considers the classroom as her personal island, where she is isolated from other teachers because of time constraints and sometimes overwhelming duties. Administrators should make teacher collaboration a priority by having grade level meetings. These give teachers insight on how to handle students with special needs as well as the chance to learn from each other. Teachers can discuss ideas, ask for suggestions and give each other support. The students ultimately benefit when a teacher has a positive outlook and works together with others.