IMPROVING the teaching and learning process involves addressing weaknesses or defects in learners' behaviour and academic habits. Psychologists suggest that humans naturally prefer leisure over work, and learners are no exception—they often wish to perform well without significant effort.

However, success in any endeavour including education demands hard work. Learning is a behavioural process, meaning a student’s conduct directly impacts their academic performance. Teachers must not only teach but also closely monitor learners’ behaviour to make schooling more effective.

For learners to excel academically, they must manage their time efficiently. Completing exercises on time and dedicating sufficient time for revision helps reduce the teacher’s workload and improves performance.

Teachers must address learners' behaviour, as poor time management that can significantly affect learners’ academic results. Intelligence alone is not enough; the time learners invest in their studies is a critical factor.

Learning is a multifaceted process that depends on a combination of factors, including effort, discipline, and consistency.

It is well-known that practice makes perfect. When learners diligently complete classwork and invest time in revisions, they increase their chances of performing well. Success in learning requires hard work, seriousness, commitment, and consistency. 

A student determined to succeed should have a well-structured study plan, read daily, and maintain discipline in their studies. Teachers can motivate learners through rewards, words of encouragement and recognition for their efforts, something which fosters a positive learning environment.

Motivation plays a key role in the learning process. Some learners may not fully understand the purpose of being in school, and rewarding good performance can reinforce positive behaviour. 

Motivated learners are more likely to actively engage with teachers and and explore the subject beyond what is required. Learning can be challenging, motivated students are more likely to persist through difficulties. When motivation is high, students are willing to overcome obstacles, such as difficult topics or tasks, because they see the value in mastering the material.

Motivating learners helps to improve their attention, which is essential for absorbing and retaining information. It encourages deeper cognitive processing, where students think critically and connect new knowledge with what they already know.

Teaching goes beyond delivering lessons; it involves shaping learners’ personalities and making sure their conduct aligns with what they are taught. Regular evaluations help track learners' progress and ensure the curriculum objectives are met.

Teachers must ensure they lead students in making corrections to solidifying their understanding of previous lessons. If learners fail to correct their work, it results in lack of seriousness which can undermine their academic progress. 

Teachers must emphasize the importance of correcting mistakes to reinforce learning and ensure that the teaching process is effective.

Some learners make incorrect corrections, which indicate lack of understanding and seriousness. Wrong corrections mean that when similar questions are asked, learners will likely make the same mistakes. Teachers must ensure that learners correct their work accurately and do not repeat mistakes.

For young learners, teacher-provided notes are essential since they are not yet capable of writing their own. Since tests and exams often come directly from these notes, failing to write them increases the risk of poor performance. Teachers must follow up to ensure learners complete their notes, as this directly affects their academic success.

Regular assessment through marking exercises is vital in the learning process. For young learners, marking helps identify mistakes, such as spelling errors and handwriting issues. 

Marking allows teachers to point out mistakes, clarify and correct errors promptly, thus helping students to learn from their mistakes and avoid repeating them in the future.

Marking exercises enables both students and teachers to gauge how much the student has learned and how well they understand the subject. Marking exercises is a key tool in the learning process because it not only provides valuable feedback and tracks progress but also encourages accountability, builds confidence, and prepares students for future success.

It allows the teacher to assess whether the lesson was understood. If learners do not submit their work for marking, it prevents teachers from properly evaluating their progress and undermines the effectiveness of the teaching process.

Follow-up is critical in ensuring learners implement the instructions given by their teacher. A serious and committed teacher must make sure that their guidance is followed, as learners who neglect instructions are unlikely to succeed. 

If a teacher’s instructions are not implemented, the teacher may be perceived as ineffective. Teaching requires addressing these defects to create an environment where learners can thrive and improve their performance.

Teaching is not just about delivering content but also about managing and guiding learners' behaviour. Addressing key defects in the learning process—such as failure to correct mistakes, incomplete notes, or lack of time management—can significantly improve learners' performance. 

By maintaining a consistent follow-up system and creating a motivating learning environment, teachers can ensure better outcomes for their students.