Transform Your Child’s Learning Experience with 6 Exciting Teaching Methods
Helping others learn can be exciting. When students succeed there is a sense of achievement for both the teacher and the student. At School Is Easy, many of our tutors are teachers, and they know that it can also come with challenges.
While gauged by student outcomes, effective teaching thrives in a vibrant, engaging environment. Educators who craft positive learning spaces witness improved student achievements and wield the power of true effectiveness. Imagine these strategies as your teaching superheroes, ready to unleash their magic at any moment.
Discover the secret recipe to ignite a lifelong love for learning and inspire personal growth. Delve into these six captivating teaching techniques, each a catalyst for classroom metamorphosis. Let the excitement of teaching lead to remarkable student adventures!
1. Flipped Classroom Method
A modern take on teaching is called the “flipped classroom,” where a teacher will send out pre-recorded lectures or presentations, and students are expected to watch these at home before they attend school. Teachers use classroom time for students to work on projects or assignments either as a group or individually, allowing the instructor to help ensure students are understanding the material by practicing it together. It is a flip on the traditional approach, where a teacher instructs and lectures on material in the classroom and sends assignments and projects home.
One of the main benefits of a flipped classroom approach is that it allows students to work at their own pace. The teacher has more freedom to assist students who are struggling in the class without interfering with the learning of other students.
Another benefit is that students cultivate independent learning skills. When lecture materials are sent home before class time, students can engage with the concepts in their own way. It allows them to think about the information presented before they arrive at school. This, in turn, gives the lesson a little longer to sink in before they need to put it into practice.
Implementing the flipped classroom method is easy. The starting point is to create or find pre-class content that covers the topic and ideas you are looking at. Try to keep videos and presentations concise for students to engage with on their own time. Next, plan an in-class activity that will reinforce the learning. These can be group projects, worksheets, or individual assignments. During classroom time, allow students to engage with the challenge and ask questions that can enhance their learning.
2. Inquiry-Based Learning
The inquiry-based learning approach emphasizes student curiosity and exploration. This is one of the best teaching methods, as it encourages students to ask questions and apply learning to real-world issues and problems. Using this approach has a variety of benefits, including strengthening a child’s critical thinking skills, improving problem-solving skills, and cultivating creativity. It can also help students connect the learning material to everyday life.
There are many ways to bring inquiry-based learning into the classroom. Instructors can have students conduct science experiments or projects that encourage questions. Class field trips can also be a good place to use inquiry-based learning.
When creating inquiry-based lessons, start with a question. This allows kids to start thinking about the topic. Teachers can also encourage students to ask their own questions and encourage discussion. Have students engage with the topic with the assignment. Be sure to wrap up the lesson with a summary of what was discussed and what was learned.
3. Collaborative Learning
An example of the collaborative learning method is peer-to-peer learning, and it has been considered one of the best teaching methods for today’s classrooms. In this approach, instructors incorporate teamwork and peer interaction during the learning process.
Benefits of this strategy are it allows children to develop skills such as effective communication, leadership, responsibility, and self-esteem, and collaborative learning also helps overcome challenges of diversity in the classroom. It’s important that each student is given a task to complete for the group. This will enhance the learning journey for the group.
Getting started with collaborative learning in the classroom begins by creating structured group activities and thinking carefully about the pairing process. The next step is to introduce the activity to the class with clear instructions. It can be as simple as discussing a topic or subject together as a team or group. Teachers can walk around the room and encourage discussion. When the assignment is complete, talk as a class about what was learned and have students summarize the material. This gives teachers an opportunity to ensure the students understand the material. It also gives students a chance to ask questions for clarification.
4. Problem-Based Learning
Problem-based learning is using real-world examples in the classroom, and this method brings learning to life for students! With problem-based learning, teachers encourage kids to solve problems that already exist. This approach can help students develop analytical skills and strengthen their decision-making capabilities. It can also get students to think outside the classroom with the material they are learning.
Problem-based learning is often used in group work where students team up and work together. This allows them to work on their communication and collaboration skills.
Introducing problem-based learning in the classroom does not have to be difficult, but it can take longer for students to complete it. Most problem-based learning projects require students to put effort into research and working through the issues outside of the classroom. Examples are science fair projects or class presentations.
Be sure to instruct students on the perimeters of the project and proper research methods to guide the learning. When it comes to grading the work, consider including peer reviews as part of the process to enhance the experience.
5. Active Learning
With active learning, teachers often step back from lectures or one-way presentations of information. Rather, students are encouraged to take charge of the learning through discussions, questions, and brief assignments.
The benefits of this approach include stronger engagement with the material and increased retention rates. Allowing students to discuss and reflect on topics helps to solidify the learning.
Introducing active learning in the classroom can be as easy as creating a space for class debates or having students complete case studies. Role-playing games can also be a great way to bring active learning to students. The key is to use questions or dilemmas that will connect with students. Consider carefully the issues they may be facing and work those into the discussion.
6. Technology-Enhanced Teaching
As technology advances, its ability to assist in the classroom expands. Technology-enhanced learning refers to the ways that tech tools are used in students learning. It’s an umbrella term that can include various types of technology, from online blogs to virtual classes to apps to social media and more.
There are several benefits that this approach can offer, including helping students get more familiar with technology. It is also helpful for students with special needs who may need some extra assistance in the classroom. In addition, using technology in the classroom can increase engagement as most students today embrace all kinds of technology in their lives.
The best way to use technology in the classroom is to begin with some research on what is available and what other educators recommend. Schools will often have computers or tablets that they keep for student learning, so teachers can consider apps, videos, or interactive media that may help kids with different subject matter.
What’s the Next Step? Test Prep Tutoring!
Effective teaching strategies can engage and challenge students at different levels. For many, it can enhance their learning journey. However, some students may still struggle with topics introduced in the classroom. The problem is that understanding the material is essential to school success. And that’s where School Is Easy can help.
Our skilled and knowledgeable tutors can help students at every level with test prep tutoring. We understand the pressure that kids can feel to excel at school. With some extra help, students can start to improve their test scores and gain confidence in what they can achieve. Let us help set your student on the path to success.
