Lessons should reflect the curriculum and build incrementally toward the goals therein. To the extent possible, lessons should also be “gamified” such that typical elements of game playing, such as scoring points and competing with others, incentivize students to devote more attention and effort to class activities.
The best teachers are those who achieve a balance of flexibility and rigidity. A proper curriculum incorporates activities that simulate real-world encounters and empower students to undertake increasingly difficult tasks. Ultimately, each classroom encounter should be oriented toward serving students in their careers. Therefore, classroom exercises should challenge students to collaborate and assume leadership roles. By the end of a course students should gain not only knowledge of the subject matter but confidence as well.
To build confidence, students must reduce their anxiety levels by constantly performing increasingly anxiety-inducing activities until they are desensitized to them. Classes should involve both teacher- and student-centered learning so students can gain skills operating within both dynamics.