Teaching Methods

With advancements in the areas of psychology, technology, and education, there have been significant changes in the teaching styles and methods of most educational institutions. These contemporary teaching approaches are widely being used by teachers all around the world to provide the highest quality of learning for their students. A solid knowledge foundation is essential in all parts of life and affects how well the student will do in these areas later in life.

With changing times, there is a pressing need for innovative educational methods. These approaches will not only ensure success in academic knowledge but will also improve practical and social abilities. There are five major types of teaching methods: authority, demonstrator, facilitator, delegator, and hybrid. These approaches are aimed at making the learning process more effective and interesting. They are intended to help students develop not only academically, but also personally and socially. 

Since not every student learns in the same manner, these techniques and styles are accountable for meeting the various requirements of the students, the lesson, and the school.

Here are the five contemporary teaching methods;

Authority

The authority method generally involves teaching a larger group of students the instructor generally conducts a long one-sided discussion on a topic, while the students take notes and try to understand the concepts being taught. This is the traditional and widely used method of teaching. In small classrooms, the authoritative or lecture method is often not used. This method encourages little or no involvement of students, therefore makes it difficult to meet each student’s expectations.

This approach is sometimes seen as dull since the students do not actively engage in the lecture. It is therefore not practiced much unless the students involved are mature and self-motivated.  This method of teaching is beneficial for maintaining discipline and preventing students from engaging in inappropriate behavior.

Demonstrator

The demonstrator method mixes lectures with additional teaching modes, including multimedia performances, demonstrations, and class activities, rather than depending simply on a verbal presentation. Teachers break down the lesson into steps so that students may grasp the key point of the lecture. By showing students what they need to know, the teacher maintains the position of formal authority. This method is ideal for music, art, and physical education because shows are necessary to thoroughly comprehend the subject. The demonstrator style may not be suited in other fields of study. Like the authoritative style, the relationship between the teacher and students is not very direct; therefore some students might find it difficult to meet their requirements.

The demonstration approach, as opposed to the authority method, is more engaging since several sources are employed for learning.

Delegator 

The delegator method focuses on student involvement. A delegator or tutoring group approach is frequently chosen for topics required for group work, peer feedback, or lab-based learning. The teacher can act as a delegator to foster cooperation and peer-to-peer learning. 

The approach of the delegator is most suited for subjects requiring workplace tasks like chemistry and biology, or topics that require group input such as discussion and creative writing. The teacher acquires the role of an observer and monitors the progress of students. This encourages students to work together towards shared objectives. Students receive the necessary guidance from the teachers to complete the assigned task.

The teacher is not involved in the teaching process in this method; rather, he or she works as a consultant and directs the students as needed. The teachers’ authority is diminished in this method.

Facilitator

In the facilitator method of teaching, students are encouraged to ask questions rather than only giving answers. Activities with this approach encourage self-discovery and build problem-solving abilities, which generally help students to acquire a complete knowledge of the topic. However, there are drawbacks to this technique: teachers need to actively engage in conversations with the students, therefore it is difficult to practice this method in a large classroom. The teacher finds it difficult to teach facts and assess knowledge. So, measuring achievement in practical terms is a little more difficult.

In this method, teachers encourage self-learning and assist students to acquire the abilities of critical thinking. Such an approach educates kids to ask questions and helps to enhance their ability to find answers and solutions via investigation. This method is engaging for students since they are continuously occupied with tasks that require their attention.

Hybrid

In the hybrid method, teachers combine their interests and views with the lesson. This approach is popular in the English, history, science, and religious fields. Teachers that utilize the hybrid approach often use their extra-curricular skills to help the students relate to the particular subject. It allows teachers to customize their techniques and subject matter for their students. This method, however, decreases the efficiency and quality of learning as the teachers focus more on the students’ needs rather than the requirements of the lesson. 

When using this approach, teachers must be careful not to become overly involved in their students’ requests, since this will undermine discipline and cause the lesson to be neglected by the students.

Conclusion

The different teaching methods are designed for teachers to make the best use of their abilities in making the learning process enjoyable and successful. Even though teachers are not responsible for entertaining pupils, they must engage in the learning process. Teachers must choose which approach works best with their personality. This will help the students in a variety of ways. Healthy learning is ensured by effective teaching techniques. Students comprehend and remember important knowledge, and they place a greater emphasis on self-improvement. These approaches should correspond with the language, thoughts, and subject matter of the teacher. If the teacher uses a proper course approach, the course will proceed easily and students will grasp information with great ease. The connection between ideas and actions should exist for a complete and reliable learning process.

The ultimate objective of different teaching approaches and styles is to assure students’ development and personal progress. In the long run, this should aid them in sustaining excellent mental health.