Types of Teaching Methods - Coursework Example

Small Group Discussions Discussion is found to be the most important strategies applied in many learning institutions which usually involve the division of the students in class into a number of groups that are meant to represent certain points of view on the identified topic that is regarded as the most compromising subject. Under group discussions we find that there are those who support the argument, that is the proponents or those for, and those who oppose the issue referred to as those against or the critics. (Print, 1993) These discussions are also believed to be leading to the achieving of new knowledge because by arguing it out a point, there is an opportunity of integrating ideas and hence conclusions arrived at being useful in the learning process. Since it is a discussing process which can generate more new knowledge it should be encouraged in learning institutions, therefore the strategies that can be applied to encourage team work in schools is that the management should ensure that courses should be introduced that only requires discussions as a method of learning where participants will be required to compile the outcome of their discussions. Teachers should constantly utilize the discussion approach especially on contemporary issues which require further research. The only limitation exist in this strategy is that, there is a tendency of laziness and time wastage since students are left to choose on what topics to discuss on at their own time and may request their instructor to present their findings at their own convenient time, that is, when they feel that they have fully exhausted the topic to discuss on. Interactive Method of Teaching Interactive teaching is one whereby learners are provided with an interactive environment where they can express their views, opinions, suggestions and have an opportunity to support their arguments. It involves both the teacher and the learner where the teacher comes up with the topic to be discussed which is open to any form of criticisms or additions to the main point. This interactive teaching method can be utilized whereby there is a big number of audience or learners expected to gain from the knowledge being passed. This method is found to be effective only if active methods of learning are introduced. The aspect of interactive learning should be incorporated in order to avoid boredom and tiredness among the participants. It should not only be done through talking by the speaker but also the use of boards and lecturers being open discussions should be considered. The interactive teaching method is found to be prescriptive because it does not give the learner an opportunity to air their views or make suggestions. Usually it gives the teacher or the instructor an opportunity to decide for the students thus being prone to not being an effective approach. It is a rigid way since it does not provide an opportunity to participants to make any suggestions concerning the subject matter thus there limited generation of new ideas. The instructor has to come up with what is required and to be covered in the cause and this depends mostly on his professionalism in relation to his duties. (Print, 1993) For this interactive teaching method to prosper, we find that many schools are found to be using the Information and Communication Technology which refers to technologies used to collect, store, edit and pass on information in various forms these ICT technologies that are utilized include; Interactive whiteboard, Videoconferencing, PowerPoint research presentation, and Internet use. For example during class lessons, the teacher can use the laptops in presentation when explaining an issue to the students. (Print, 1993) In order to yield good teaching results in my profession I therefore choose the two types of teaching methods which is the small group discussions and the interactive teaching methods as the appropriate strategies for teaching as compared to the other teaching methods which are stated to be the complex methods of teaching, like the expository teaching should be discouraged since it stated to be one of the most complex method of teaching by any teacher e.g. expository strategy. The expository method can be described as presentation by the teacher or lecturer to a big group of learners whereby the presence of active learning in the class is limited and only the teacher or lecturer takes the whole time designated for the lesson outlining whatever to be learned. Critics of this method argue that it can only be efficient and the best method if strategies that are active should be incorporated. Usually teachers are characterized by longer hours with a lot of topics to be covered which have led to the approach being in efficient. (Print, 1993) Inquiry teaching can be defined as the method individuals gain knowledge of new concepts when they are alone. In essence inquiry teaching is a natural method that individuals study with regards to their surroundings. Different scholars have come with different views regarding inquiry teaching and they have applied diverse words in describing such method for example they have described it as creative, scientific, inductive and discovery learning by individuals. Inquiry teaching strategy is a lively, unrelenting, and cautious deliberation of any conviction or hypothetical type of knowledge or information in the light of the rationalization that back it and the additional deductions to which it is inclined. Though it is an effective method of teaching there is the problem of reluctance by the teachers to put into practice this technique thus it is not utilized in the way it is supposed to be applied hence in the long-run leading to poor results because of lack of guidance and clear direction regarding its application in classroom. (Print, 1993) Problem solving is a technique that is applied in classroom to enable students to posses’ problem solving proficiencies. It actually enables the students to get involved with the reality of problem at hand. Also this technique connects students with problems that are pertinent and actual to them. However this technique may not be appropriate since science is frequently cluttered and complete with problems which are accessible in textbooks which may not be applicable sometimes. Individualization method is always considered an outstanding alternative for instructors who have the tasks of ensuring that underperformers in class improve in their class work activities at the same time ensuring that high performers are inspired to work harder. However, individualization is time consuming procedure and requires much commitment from the teachers which most of the times both teachers and students cannot afford put aside. Models of reality strategies involves modelling a perspective of the one students linked to the conduct with regards full comprehension of by student involved. It involves putting into practice the model chosen using a mechanism appropriate for imparting to the learners the standpoints taken by different persons. However, this technique is not effective since it requires the students to only think in one line and does not encourage objectivism. (Print, 1993) Read More