Teaching method

Teaching Method

An 18th-century depiction of a teaching method.

A teaching method comprises the principles and methods used by teachers to enable student learning. These strategies are determined partly on subject matter to be taught and partly by the nature of the learner. For a particular teaching method to be appropriate and efficient it has to be in relation with the characteristic of the learner and the type of learning it is supposed to bring about.

Types of Teaching Methods

Teaching methods can be categorized into two broad types:

Teacher-Centered Methods

In teacher-centered methods, the teacher is the main authority figure. Students are viewed as "empty vessels" who passively receive knowledge from their teachers through lectures and direct instruction, with an end goal of positive results from testing and assessment. Examples include:

• Lecture
• Demonstration
• Direct instruction

Student-Centered Methods

Student-centered methods shift the focus of activity from the teacher to the learners. These methods include:

• Inquiry-based learning
• Cooperative learning
• Problem-based learning

Modern Teaching Methods

Modern teaching methods have evolved to include a variety of approaches that cater to different learning styles and preferences. These include:

• Flipped classroom
• Blended learning
• Gamification

Factors Influencing Teaching Methods

Several factors influence the choice of teaching methods, including:

• Learning objectives
• Student characteristics
• Subject matter
• Classroom environment

Related Pages

• Education
• Pedagogy
• Learning theory (education)
• Instructional design