There are a plethora of teaching models available to educators, each decreasing the difficulty of imparting learning experiences. In order to protect students from the risk of learning loss, educators must be well-versed in the five teaching models which guide their decisions in the classroom. This article outlines five teaching models which are often used in classrooms and teachers must understand the nuances of each one in order to get the greatest learning outcome from students.
Direct Instruction Model
The Direct Instruction Model of teaching is quite popular in classrooms. This model applies a top-down approach, with the educator providing instructions for students to understand the subject material and then showing them what is expected of them after they have understood the instructions.
This style of teaching also requires educators to provide feedback or reinforcement to their students in order to keep them motivated and engaged. This model relies heavily on direct student-teacher interaction and instruction. In order to use the Direct Instruction Model effectively, teachers must be concise with the instructions they provide, but they must also ensure that they provide enough information that their students can proficiently complete the task.
Teachers must also be keen to provide feedback in order to help students reach a successful conclusion. Finally, this model relies heavily on the educator’s ability to build rapport with their students which helps in developing an understanding and effective teaching environment.
Constructivist Model
The Constructivist Model of teaching involves a much more student-centred approach. Instead of being instructed by the teacher, students are encouraged to explore the subject material. This is done with the help of the teacher who provides guidance and the students take more responsibility for their learning.
The main principle of this model is to get the students to generate their own meaning from the subject material with the help of the educator. This is highly useful for students who are eager to learn and want to do research to come up with creative and interesting solutions to the tasks assigned.
In order to use this model effectively, educators must be able to provide enough information to their students so they have a basic outline to approach the subject matter. They must also be able to guide their students so they stay focused on the task.
Furthermore, they must be ready to provide feedback so they can draw the most meaning from the material.
Problem-Based Learning Model
The Problem-Based Learning Model is a student-centred approach which requires educators to set up various tasks and problems for their students to work through. This style is beneficial for encouraging creativity and out-of-the-box thinking among students, as it requires them to find solutions for the given problems without the help of the teachers.
For this model to be successful, teachers must identify the main problem and then provide students with enough information and resources to begin working, in addition to providing scaffolding. They must also monitor and provide feedback to their students so that the learning process is kept up to speed. It is important to note that, in order for Problem-Based Learning to be successful, there should be collaboration and communication between the students, additionally, the teacher must provide regular encouragement and support to the students throughout the problem-solving process.
Social Constructivist Model
The Social Constructivist Model is a combination between the Constructivist Model and the Social Learning Model which is utilized to promote collaboration and meaningful interaction between the whole class. This approach is highly useful in situations where group activities are needed, as each group member must depend on and trust in the others to complete their tasks.
In this model, teachers should provide the necessary resources, divide the class into the relevant groups and then ensure that the group activities are monitored and facilitated on a regular basis. Educators should also ensure that students are given enough time to discuss their ideas and determine how they can move forward and complete their tasks. Additionally, teachers should provide feedback to the students during and after their tasks to reinforce their understanding, as well as provide necessary guidance and direction as needed.
Experiential Learning Model
The Experiential Learning Model is a hands-on approach to teaching which utilizes various simulations, projects and activities to help students understand the concept in a more logical and practical way. Instead of simply reading or memorizing facts, students are able to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter and how it applies to the real world.
For this model to be successful, teachers must prepare their students through the introduction of relevant background knowledge and then move on to providing resources and materials that students can use to complete the task. They must also be prepared to provide advice and direction when needed, in addition to providing feedback. This style of teaching is great for encouraging students to think for themselves and for allowing them to gain a more practical understanding of the subject.
It is important that educators familiarize themselves with the Experiential Learning Model in order to get the most out of their students.
Conclusion
The five teaching models outlined in this article are all important tools that educators should have in their toolbox. Direct Instruction and Constructivist Models are much more traditional approaches, while Problem-Based Learning, Social Constructivism and Experiential Learning are newer methods which permit a more engaging learning experience. Educators must understand the nuances of each model in order to provide each student with the best chance at success.