How to Write Effectively on a Blackboard?

How to Write Effectively on a Blackboard?

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Although various technologies such as PPT and slides have made it unnecessary for teachers to rely on blackboards for real-time writing during lessons, learning to use blackboards effectively remains an important skill that should not be overlooked, especially in unexpected situations.

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Techniques for Writing on a Blackboard

The best area for writing on a blackboard is at "eye level while standing." However, this area is limited, and we must effectively utilize other areas, which requires changing our posture. When writing in lower areas, it's better not to bend over but to use a "kneeling" method, with one foot in front and the other behind to avoid distorted vision and writing slanted letters, which can also harm the spine over time.

Here are some techniques and points to note when writing:

1. Space Utilization and Letter/Line Spacing
   Avoid writing in the four corners of the blackboard. Each letter should be about ten centimeters square, with spacing between letters about one-quarter of the letter size, and line spacing about one-half to one-third.
2. Eliminate Calligraphy Habits
   Using calligraphy techniques at the "bends" of strokes, the beginning and end of vertical and horizontal strokes, and the starting points of slants and dots is time-consuming and can make writing messy.
3. Control the Thickness and Darkness of Strokes
   If the chalk does not change the point of friction while writing, the strokes will inevitably thicken and fade. We can improve this by "turning the chalk" and changing the angle of contact between the chalk and the board.
4. Letters Should Lean Slightly Upward to the Right
   According to the aesthetics of regular script, try to avoid horizontal strokes in the letters, as they can reduce the liveliness and artistic tension of the writing and make it appear stiff.
5. Correcting the Habit of Writing Slanted Letters
   Some students may write neatly for the first few lines, but the letters become slanted or larger in later lines, possibly due to differences in vision or poor posture while writing. To improve, in addition to "looking up and down," be sure to "look left and right" when changing lines, using peripheral vision to compensate.
6. In addition to focusing on the artistic aspect of writing, it must conform to the basic characteristics of Chinese characters, following the "standard form of regular script." Key points include writing from left to right, top to bottom, outside in, horizontal before vertical, and slant before dot...

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Combining Text and Images on the Blackboard

Traditionally, blackboards were thought to be solely for writing, but they can also be used for drawing. Combining graphics with text can enhance the delivery of teaching content. Here are some examples illustrating the integration of text and images:

1. Chinese Literature:
   In Chinese literature classes, key characters should be written on the blackboard rather than continuously writing the entire text. This saves time and allows students to focus on the teacher's oral summary. When reading classical texts, the teacher can depict the scene gradually, filling it in slowly from the poem, immersing students in the context, and allowing them to visualize it.
2. Geography:
   Certain geographical names may be meaningless to students. Providing them with a map indicating locations allows students to learn quickly and reinforce their memory.
3. Physics:
   Physics can be challenging for many students, as they find it abstract. However, if teachers utilize the blackboard effectively, they can transform abstract concepts into concrete examples.
4. Mathematics:
   Students may not have a strong sense of numbers or equations. Combining formulas with illustrations on the blackboard can help them understand the problem better.

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Other Uses of the Blackboard

Besides writing during classes, blackboards have other applications.

• Maintaining Classroom Order:
  For example, during morning self-study, the class monitor can write the seat numbers of disruptive students on the blackboard to alert the teacher about those causing disturbances.
• Reminders for Students:
  The blackboard can display the date, the names of students on duty, and any announcements made by the teacher.
• Assigning Homework:
  The homework assigned by different subject teachers can be written on the side of the classroom to remind students to note them in their notebooks.
• Daily Inspirational Quotes:
  For example: a reflective saying (Desires must be grand, ambitions firm, spirit gentle, heart meticulous).
• Countdowns:
  Writing the exam date and countdown days on the sides of the blackboard can increase students' tension and motivate them to study.
• Using Magnetic Blackboards:
  If the classroom's blackboard is magnetic, it allows for flexible use. Teachers can display images that are difficult to show directly on the blackboard using magnets.

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Points to Note

1. Blackboard Layout:
   Since the blackboard is the most noticeable part of the classroom for students, if it is too cluttered, it can decrease students' willingness to learn and reduce learning effectiveness. As mentioned earlier, if there are too many disorganized writings on the blackboard, it will appear too cluttered. A solution is to use a small blackboard next to the large one for announcing matters and homework.
2. Cleanliness of the Blackboard:
   The cleanliness of the blackboard is an important aspect of overall classroom tidiness. If the blackboard is too dirty, not only will students’ willingness to learn decrease, but teachers' willingness to teach will also decline. Therefore, it's important to have students assigned to clean the blackboard at the end of each class.
3. Writing on the Blackboard:
   When teachers write, they should avoid blocking students' views and prepare in advance to reduce mistakes in the content written on the blackboard. They should also leave time for students to copy important points onto their learning sheets without erasing the freshly written content.

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Writing well on a blackboard is not a skill that can be mastered in a day; consistent practice is necessary, and one should not expect to achieve mastery overnight.

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