Introduction
Teaching is an activity that has to be done expertly and with great responsibility. Teaching is a skill that requires in-depth knowledge and methodical tools that are based on a solid theoretical foundation. Every teacher must have a well developed repertoire of teaching methods and techniques, so they can account for the different needs, abilities, and challenges of their students.
The primary purpose of educational methods is to help students learn and be able to comprehend, apply, and value the knowledge they obtain. To that end, this article will assess the most common teaching methods found in the field of education.
The 5 Educational Methods are:
1. Direct Instruction
Direct Instruction is a teaching approach that involves the teacher providing their students with a lesson or instruction in small, structured steps. It is, typically, a one-way communication from the teacher to the students.
This instructional technique relies heavily on the teacher’s use of questioning and feedback to ensure students fully understand the information given. This approach is often used when teaching complex topics that require students to understand, over time, the different steps and concepts involved to reach mastery.
2. Inquiry-Based Instruction
Inquiry-Based Instruction is a teaching approach that is based on the scientific method and encourages students to think and explore questions independently. This instructional method encourages students to ask questions and explore the provided material to come up with an answer.
This approach requires teachers to create an environment that allows for students to feel safe and comforted with the material given and crafting an understanding. During this type of instruction, the teacher acts more like a facilitator and provides assistance when needed without directly guiding the student’s learning.
3. Problem-Based Instruction
Problem-Based Instruction is a teaching strategy that uses real-world problems to introduce or assess different concepts. This instructional technique is best used when teaching abstract concepts.
It encourages students to connect the theoretical concepts to problems in their everyday lives. This could be done through group discussions, written assignments, and problem solving exercises. Students are provided with a problem and, then, the teacher assists them with the steps needed to solve said problem.
4. Project-Based Instruction
Project-Based Instruction is a teaching strategy that uses long-term projects to build knowledge and skills. This approach encourages students to work in teams, exploring a given problem and then develop a solution for it.
The team then has to present their solution to the teacher and other students in the class with great detail and evidence. This approach is best used when teaching topics that can benefit from hands-on experiences, such as arts and humanities.
5. Experiential Learning
Experiential Learning is a teaching approach that encourages learning through experience. This instructional technique involves providing students with the chance to explore different topics through activities such as field trips, volunteer work, and hands-on learning experiences. This approach requires teachers to create meaningful activities for students to engage in and properly monitor and assess student progress.
Conclusion
The most important thing a teacher needs to consider is the different types of students they have. Each educational method outlined above can help a teacher create a meaningful learning experience for their students. When choosing which method is best for their classroom, educators should take into account their classroom environment, the topic to be discussed, and the student’s learning needs.
By using a range of instructional strategies, teachers can provide their students with the most effective and engaging learning experience.