TEACHING METHODS Definitions: Teaching methods are the broader techniques used to help students achieve learning outcomes, while activities are the different ways of implementing these methods. Teaching methods help students: master the content of the course learn how to apply the content in particular contexts Active learning engages students in learning, using activities such as reading, writing, discussion, or problem solving, which promote analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of class content. Active in-class learning also provides students with informal opportunities for feedback on how well they understood the material. Example, students will discuss and analyze the scenario/case by applying the knowledge they have learned in the course. Students can briefly present their findings to the class, either in small groups, or in a paper/assignment. Active Learning Strategies 1. Reciprocal questioning Use reciprocal questioning to encourage an open dialogue in which students take on the role of the teacher and create their own questions about a topic, reading section, or lesson 2. Three step interviews the three step interview encourages students to develop active listening skills by quizzing one another, sharing their thoughts, and taking notes. To use the three step interview process, divide students into groups of three, and assign three roles: interviewer, interviewee, and notetaker. 3. The pause procedure Use the pause procedure to intersperse strategic pauses into your class lectures and enhance student understanding of teaching materials. To use the pause procedure, arrange for pauses of two to three minutes between every 10 to 15 minutes of lecture time. During these brief breaks, encourage students to discuss or rework their notes in pairs to clarify key points covered, raise questions, and solve problems posed by the instructor. 4. The muddiest point technique The muddiest point technique involves asking students to write notes on the most unclear or most confusing element of a given homework assignment, lecture, or class discussion. In short, the exercise helps students reflect on the lesson and identify concepts needing further examination or study 5. The devil's advocate approach The devil’s advocate approach asks one or more students to take the opposing side of a predominant argument or point of view being discussed during a lesson. Once you have completed an assignment or lesson plan, select a topic that is suitable for discussion and debate. The topic should serve as an appropriate subject for providing arguments from both sides 6. Peer teaching activities A flexible and multi-faceted approach to active learning, peer instruction encompasses a range of scenarios where students instruct skills or explain concepts to classmates. Example :Role play — A group of students is split into smaller groups and given a specific task to complete, like in small group work. However, in addition to working on a specific task, the members of each group are asked to play a certain “role”. Unlike in traditional role-play, all members of one group play the same role, not individually assigned roles. 7. Game-based learning platforms Game-based learning platforms add depth and differentiation to the educational process and allow students to work with their instructors to achieve their learning objectives. For example Math games and websites are at the forefront of delivering active learning through technology 8. Rotating chair group discussions Rotating chair group discussions encourage students to actively listen to selected speakers who follow a pattern of guiding class discussion and summarizing previous points. Students lead and stimulate class discussion as they “rotate” roles, repeatedly selecting the following speaker. What is Cooperative Learning? Cooperative Learning involves structuring classes around small groups that work together in such a way that each group member's success is dependent on the group's success. Cooperative Learning helps to: Raise achievement of students. Build positive relationships among students - important for creating a learning community that values diversity. Provide experiences that develop both good learning skills and social skills. INQUIRY LEARNING Inquiry-based learning is a learning process that engages students by making realworld connections through exploration and high-level questioning. It is an approach to learning that encourages students to engage in problem-solving and experiential learning. What is the purpose of inquiry? The purpose of inquiry is to reduce doubt and lead to a state of belief, which a person in that state will usually call knowledge or certainty.
