The term Teaching method refers to the general principles, pedagogy and management strategies used for classroom instruction. Your choice of teaching method depends on what fits you — your educational philosophy, classroom demographic, subject area(s) and school mission statement. Teaching theories primarily fall into two categories or “approaches” — teacher-centered and student-centered:
Teacher-Centered Approach to Learning
Teachers are the main authority figure in this model. Students are viewed as “empty vessels”
whose primary role is to passively receive information (via lectures
and direct instruction) with an end goal of testing and assessment. It
is the primary role of teachers to pass knowledge and information onto
their students. In this model, teaching and assessment are viewed as two
separate entities. Student learning is measured through objectively
scored tests and assessments.
Student-Centered Approach to Learning
While teachers are an authority figure in this model, teachers and
students play an equally active role in the learning process. The
teacher’s primary role is to coach and facilitate student learning and
overall comprehension of material. Student learning is measured through
both formal and informal forms of assessment, including group projects,
student portfolios, and class participation. Teaching and assessment are
connected; student learning is continuously measured during teacher
instruction.
To better understand these approaches, it is important to discuss
what is generally understood as the three main teaching styles in
educational pedagogy: direct instruction, inquiry-based learning and
cooperative learning. Through these three teaching methods, teachers can
gain a better understanding of how to govern their classroom, implement
instruction and connect with their students. Within each of these three
main teaching styles are teaching roles or “models.” Theorist A.F.
Grasha explains the five main teaching models in her publication
Teaching with Style (1996): Expert, Formal Authority, Personal Model,
Facilitator and Delegator. To gain a better understanding of the
fundamentals of each teaching style, it’s best to view them through the
lens of direct instruction, inquiry-based learning, and cooperative
teaching.
Direct Instruction
Direct instruction is the general term that refers to the traditional
teaching strategy that relies on explicit teaching through lectures and
teacher-led demonstrations. Direct instruction is the primary teaching
strategy under the teacher-centered approach, in that
teachers and professors are the sole supplier of knowledge and
information. Direct instruction is effective in teaching basic and
fundamental skills across all content areas.
Inquiry-Based Learning
Inquiry-based learning is a teaching method that focuses on student
investigation and hands-on learning. In this method, the teacher’s
primary role is that of a facilitator, providing guidance and support
for students through the learning process. Inquiry-based learning falls
under the student-centered approach, in that students play an active and participatory role in their own learning process.
Cooperative Learning
Cooperative Learning refers to a method of teaching and classroom
management that emphasizes group work and a strong sense of community.
This model fosters students’ academic and social growth and includes
teaching techniques such as “Think-Pair-Share” and reciprocal teaching. Cooperative learning falls under the student-centered approach
because learners are placed in responsibility of their learning and
development. This method focuses on the belief that students learn best
when working with and learning from their peers.
In order to identify your personal teaching style, it is important to acknowledge your personal values toward education and how your students learn.
Understanding your teaching style early on will prove effective for
both you and your students, creating and maintaining a balance between
your teaching preferences and your students’ learning preferences.
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