Aiding learners to develop into well-balanced and good natured individuals through education and teaching
It is imperative that schools provide an education that not only focuses on academics, but also on helping students develop into well-rounded and good natured individuals. However, this is not an easy task and requires a lot of time and effort from educators. By implementing a few simple strategies, though, schools can make a big difference in the lives of their students.
Teachers can make learning fun and rewarding for students by using the right teaching methods. Students can also learn valuable social and academic skills that will last a lifetime. Teachers can use many different frameworks to help students with diverse learning styles, abilities, and interests. You might find it beneficial to learn about new instructional strategies for teachers and professionals in education.
This article will explain what teaching methods are and explore nine methods of teaching them. We also review their benefits and offer some tips to help you succeed.
The key takeaways
-
Teaching methods can be used by educators to help students engage and learn the material.
-
Differentiated instruction, lecture-based instructional, technology-based education, group learning and individual learning are all possible.
-
You can improve your teaching skills by trying out different methods using the same lesson. Also, meet other teachers to learn their perspectives.
What are the teaching methods?
Teaching methods can be used to help students retain and understand what they have learned. The best teaching methods allow teachers to communicate information clearly and concisely while ensuring that students retain the information over time. Students can understand facts and apply those skills in class to their lives and future careers if they are able to comprehend them.
Teaching methods offer students the opportunity to learn in a way that is engaging, inspiring, and enjoyable. They help teachers fulfill their responsibility to guide children’s emotional and social development. Teachers can instill cultural awareness, empathy, and respect by using the right strategies. Teachers also employ teaching methods to prepare students and teachers for standardized tests. Your preferences as a teacher and your school’s mission statement can influence your classroom philosophy and principles.
Different types of teaching methods
A teacher can use many different methods in a classroom. They all serve a similar purpose and teachers can combine different methods to meet the needs of students. Here are nine common approaches to take into consideration:
1. Differentiated instruction
Differentiated instruction refers to the creation of tailored education plans for students that are based on their individual needs. This could include the way students access information, the activities they engage in, and even the layout of the classroom. Teachers should adapt their teaching style to accommodate students with different abilities and talents. This is a crucial step in supporting students with disabilities and making sure they feel comfortable in academic environments.
These are just a few ways that an educator can differentiate instruction.
-
Offer books and other materials in different levels of reading.
-
For students with different spelling abilities, create custom spelling lists.
-
For students who need specific advice, host small groups.
-
Students with special needs may be offered one-on-one support after school.
-
Parents can discuss student progress and at home educational strategies with students.
-
You can measure progress through participation, portfolios, and projects.
Riverside College, a private school, is focused on providing an holistic approach to education that allows each learner to become a well-balanced, good-natured individual.
The classes are limited to 24 learners. This ensures a more focused and enhanced learning environment. Our new campus is located in Burgundy Estate, Cape Town’s northern suburbs. It can accommodate approximately 400 students. We are 1 of the top independent schools in Cape Town.
2. Lecture-based learning
The lecture format is a traditional method of structuring classroom learning. Teachers explain while students watch. The lecture format allows teachers to lead lessons by presenting, showing examples and visuals about a topic. Students can listen to, watch, copy, and take notes while a teacher presents. This is a useful and traditional approach that can be used in a variety of learning environments. Teachers may modify it to suit their needs.
These are the ways teachers can ensure success in lecture-based learning
-
Keep lessons short: Young students, especially, might have short attention spans, and may only be able focus for short periods. To maintain student engagement and attention, it can be beneficial to keep lectures brief and concise.
-
Time for questions: Although lecture-based learning is teacher-centered, educators can still include student input by providing time for questions during, after, and before the presentation. This can prolong the lecture, but it can allow students to be more engaged with the material, understand it, and retain it better.
-
Make instructional videos: Teachers often use a flipped classroom method where students are encouraged to view lectures at home or complete assignments in class. Students can rewind and replay videos to see them again, which can allow them to work at their own pace.
-
Visual cues are a great way for your audience to be interested in your content, whether they are in or out of the classroom. Use high-contrast colors, bold shapes, and lines to ensure that students in your class can understand and see your messages.
-
Encourage handwritten notes: Handwriting notes can help students stay focused during lectures. This can help students to remember information and improve their writing skills.
3. Technology-based learning
Technology can be used in the classroom by teachers to improve student learning and efficiency. Students can use tablets and computers to access information, research, or play educational games. Cloud computing also makes it possible to access documents and other resources from anywhere, whether you’re at school or home. It is possible to offer education remotely via virtual classrooms that use video conferencing software. Students with disabilities may find this helpful, as they can focus in virtual classrooms.
4. Group learning
It is a great way for students to learn skills in collaboration by dividing them into groups. Students can learn from the viewpoints of others and discuss topics in their groups. To encourage class participation and listening skills, it is important that students are encouraged to do so. Teachers may allow students to present in groups so that they can communicate with the rest of their class, answer questions and interact with one another.
5. Individual learning
Group projects are great opportunities for students. However, it is important to encourage individual learning so they can work independently. Students can benefit from journal entries that allow them to reflect on topics and create their own thoughts and analyses. This is particularly useful before a class discussion, when students can brainstorm ideas. To reward students who are unable to participate in class, teachers can read written assignments.
6. Learning through inquiry
Inquiry-based learning encourages students to learn by investigating. Students can work on projects, ask questions, and then find the answers. Teachers are there to help students solve problems and find information. Students will be able to explain concepts and then present them in their own words, thereby strengthening their memory. Students can then move on to higher levels at their own speed. Students can take an active part in the learning process by participating in this way.
7. Kinesthetic learning
Kinesthetic learning refers to the idea of learning by movement. To engage students visually and kinesthetically, teachers can use hand gestures and move around the classroom. Teachers can encourage students to engage in physical activities that allow them to move and express their creativity. Here are some suggestions:
-
Drawing: Many students love to draw or paint. Teachers can incorporate this activity into the classroom to make learning more enjoyable. Students have the opportunity to create their own ideas and then use various colors and tools to make them a reality.
-
Acting: Young children especially may enjoy acting and playing roles in theatre performances. This is a great way to implement kinesthetic learning in groups.
-
Building: Students can build structures using blocks, toys, or other materials to improve their hand-eye coordination as well as their analytical thinking skills. They can have fun while staying focused in class.
-
Playing: This is a traditional form of kinesthetic learning. Many schools offer gym classes that allow students to exercise and have fun outside. It is possible to have educational games in the classroom where students can both move and learn at the same time.
8. Learning through games
You can update your classroom and get children more excited about learning by creating and implementing educational challenges or games, online or in-person. These games can encourage children to be more involved in learning, particularly for kinesthetic learners. They also keep them focused and motivated. They may also be able to solve problems or reach a goal.
9. Expeditionary learning
Expeditionary learning involves learning by participating in real-world experiences. These could be field trips, projects, case studies, lab experiments or laboratory experiments in the classroom. You might, for example, take a science class to the nearest nature center to learn more about the different species of plants and animals in your region. This approach encourages students apply their classroom knowledge and skills to real-world situations. This approach can help students understand the meaning of their efforts and allow them to return to school with enthusiasm.
From the information provided, it is clear that education and teaching play a key role in helping learners develop into well-rounded and good natured individuals By providing learners with the tools and knowledge they need to grow into balanced and good natured people, we can make a positive impact on the world around us