Methods of Teaching

Instructional Teaching

Plan and Preparation

Finalize content
Specific objective of learning
Requirements for learning

Positives

Fixed target
Fixed content
Quick results

Limitations

Variety constraint
Fixed content – limited or no digression
Good for a group with fixed pre learning skills only 

Peer Teaching

Plan and Preparation

Finalize content
Decide pattern of peer groups
Fix norms for peer group behaviour
Fix time limit
Specify expectations 

Positives

Freedom of interaction
Better opinion presentation
Development of peer respect

Limitations

Chances of hijack by the stronger peer
Teachers’ experience of the subject/topic missed
Slow learners get ignored
Quality of discussion may suffer 

Close Ended Lecture Method

Plan and Preparation

Clarity of content
Clarity of time span
Content oriented language
Audience oriented presentation 

Positives

Scope of presenting the ideas of the self
Scope of putting forth the interpretation of the self
Caters to large learner groups in less time
Gives lot of scope of use instructor’s ability 

Limitations

No scope for those without the oratory skills
Less scope of interaction
Less scope of clarification of doubts
Suitable only to adults
Need of variety is very intense to sustain the listeners interest 

Interactive Lecture Method

Plan and Preparation

Clarity of content
Clarity of time span for the lecture
Clarity of time span for the interactions
Preparation to respond to off topic question
Content oriented language
Audience oriented presentation 

Positives

Scope of presenting the ideas of the self
Scope of putting forth the interpretation of the self
Scope of justification of ideas while participating in interactions
Interactions may be the last activity or at intervals within the lecture  
Caters to large learner groups in less time
Gives lot of scope of use instructor’s ability 

Limitations

No scope for those without the oratory skills
Time span limits open ended interactions
Leads to dissatisfaction of learners

 

SEMINAR

Plan and Preparation

Clarity of topic of discussion
Clarity of time span discussion
Clarity of time span for each speaker
Fixed time span of interaction
Expert planning to open and conclude the discussion 

Positives

Scope of presenting a variety of ideas on a topic
Scope of review of validity of content by more than one person
Scope of interactions with more than one view on any issue  
Scope of delimiting the view points 

Limitations

Chances of losing sight of the goal
Chances of disarray in discussion
Speakers may try to drill a concept to ensure their acceptance
Speakers become more important than the topic of discussion 

BRAINSTORMING

Plan and Preparation

Fix the matter for brainstorming
Fix time span for brainstorming
Clarity of direction of brainstorming
Opportunity to all participants to contribute
Effective plan to record ideas
Effective recorder to ensure omission of repetitions
Stimulants to  develop ideas 

Positives

Encourages participation
Encourages logical thinking
Encourages ability to defend and justify the ideas
Enhances idea building

 Limitations

Any flaw of the anchor may defeat the purpose
Chances of chaos
Cannot be conclusive always
The initial time is often hijacked by the vocal ones
Many may just be mute listeners
Little scope to encourage non participants for fear of time wastage

 TECHNOLOGY AIDED METHOD

Plan and Preparation

Obtain the required gadgets
Learn the operation of the gadgets
Use the technology in a varied manner
Prepare of human discussion after presentation 

Positives

Provides variety and colour to teaching and learning
Ensures attention
Prohibits interference
Stimulates thinking
Provokes discussion
Encourages better preparation
Gives a professional look
Gives an entertaining dimension to teaching and learning
In tune with advancement

 

Limitations

Limits immediate discussion
Seeks continuity that may not be with learners
Seeks expertise to make effective presentation
May not be available for repetitive exposure at all times

 

WHOLE GROUP DISCUSSION

Plan and Preparation

Specific issues of discussion
Effective outline to limit digression
Careful and sustained monitoring pattern

 Positives

Provides scope for a variety of ideas
Effective tool to elicit reaction of learners
Scope of larger participation
Grants interactive skills enhancement 

Limitations

Chances of domination by some
Chances of digression are strong
The weak learners may be sidelined
May require more than the usual time
May not be effective for large groups
Requires a facilitator with good controlling skills
Seeks a lot of self discipline

 SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

Plan and Preparation

Specific issues of discussion
Effective outline to limit digression
Careful and sustained monitoring pattern
Make well planned groups 

Positives

Provides scope of better participation of individuals
Provides scope for a variety of ideas
Effective tool to elicit reaction of learners
Grants interactive skills enhancement
Better scope to lead to conclusive understanding

 Limitations

Needs very stimulating situation and preparation
Chances of failure if groups are not well formed
Chances of domination by some
Requires a facilitator with very effective monitoring skills
May require more than one facilitator – increase of man power
Seeks a lot of self discipline
Too many groups in a place may be very disturbing

 SITUATION ANALYSIS

Plan and Preparation

Clear and specific identification of the purpose
Specific identification of the situation
Proper understanding and link of the situation with the purpose
Stepwise preparation for the situation analysis
Proper preparation of observation entry charts and tables

 Positives

Grants opportunity for direct interaction with any situation
Provides scope of developing individual learning skills
Gives scope of trying individual ability
Provides scope of multiple approach
Gives good scope of trying and testing skills 

Limitations

Does not suit small children
All situations may not attract all students
Lack of enthusiasm may not yield the proper results
All students may not relate to all situations
Time taking process 

DRAMA & ROLE PLAY

Plan and Preparation

Clear definition of the roles
Clear objective of the activity
Proper understanding of the work by the students
Effective correction tools and methods
Effective guidance strategy for the activity
Very conscious monitoring

 Positives

Very effective learning tool
Gives opportunities to experience the situations
Gives opportunity to be quick and spontaneous
Develops quality reaction skills
A good method to practice skills
Helpful to create understanding of others situations – empathy 

Limitations

Does not suit small children
Does not suit students with introvert character
Does not fit those who have less oratory skills
Can be limited to a small group only 

SURVEYS

Plan and Preparation

Clear definition of the objective
Proper understanding of the work by the students
Effective tools for collecting information
Effective guidance strategy for the activity

 

Positives

Gives opportunities to develop interactive skills
Provides an out of classroom learning environment
Helps students become more independent
Can be applied to large groups

 Limitations

Does not suit small children
May not be possible in all social environments
May be a constraint for the female students 

VALUE PREPARATION

Plan and Preparation

Proper identification of the issue
Proper guidelines for the learner to work on the specifics
Very effective back up plan
Specific and acceptable guidelines for students

 Positives

A very sensitive method
Very effective learning tool
Gives opportunities to experience the matter to be learnt
Gives opportunities to experience the need to learn
Helps learner find and justify areas of learning
Keeps the learner involved in the learning process
Can cater to very large groups

 Limitations

Does not suit small children
Does not suit students who are not honest with values
Does not suit students who are not academically inclined
Can be limited to a small group only
Chances of both inclination to and repulsion from the topic

 WORKSHOPS

Plan and Preparation

Clear objective of the activity
Proper understanding of the objective by the students
Proper statement of problems to be attempted
Effective interaction opportunities
Effective guidance strategy for the activity
Very conscious monitoring

 Positives

Involvement in the learning process
A very effective method of discovery of content
Ensures verification and acceptance of facts
Learners’ efforts play a major role
Sense of self achievement is prime 

Limitations

Does not suit small children
May not always be applicable to all situations
Any lacuna in the objective may lead to total failure 

LABORATORY PRACTICALS

Plan and Preparation

Proper collection of the equipments
Proper preparation of the practical to be performed
Effective preparation of the process
Proper presentation of the use of equipments 

Positives

Suitable top almost all age groups

Very effective learning tool
Gives opportunities to experiment the knowledge
Gives opportunity to verify the information
Creates sustained awareness
Helpful in creating a belief for the facts
Suitable to almost all age groups 

Limitations

Cannot be applied to all situations effectively
Collection of equipments may not be possible at all places
Chances of accidents are high
Proper environment may not be available always