A Learning Lab on
Seven Basic Teaching Methods
CED 522
Teacher as Facilitator of Religious Learning
Timothy Brock
Assistant Professor of Christian Education
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Introduction to the Learning Lab
 The learning lab will include an overview of
seven basic teaching methods.
 Participants will develop skills in matching
teaching methods to learning objectives.
 Many of the seven basic methods will be
modeled during the training.
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Overview: The Basic 7
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Lecture
Question and Answer
Group Discussion
Case Study
Brainstorming
Projects
Storytelling
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Overview: The Basic 7+
 Lecture—with demonstration
 Question and Answer—content, opinion,
attitudes, or emotions
 Group Discussion—with small group options
 Case Study—with movies and role play
 Brainstorming—with inductive Q and A
 Projects—research or action
 Storytelling—contemporary parables
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Goal
In the next 45 minutes, you will add to your
repertoire of teaching methods.
Lecture
Answers
Question
s
Discussio
n
Stor
y
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Projects
Brainstor
m
Case
Study
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Lecture
A lecture is a speech by one speaker before an
audience. Use a lecture when:
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Giving information…
The learners are already motivated…
You are skilled in using word pictures…
The group is too large for other methods…
Reviewing or previewing a lesson…
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Lecture
 Advantages of a Lecture…
 Disadvantages of a Lecture…
 Use a lecture in combination with another
method (demonstration)
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Question and Answer--Q/A
The question and answer method is a series of
queries and responses designed to test
comprehension of a body of material and
understanding one’s reaction to it. Use Q/A
when:
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Reviewing information…
Soliciting opinions…
Assessing attitudes…
Gauging emotions…
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Question and Answer--Q/A
 Advantages of Q/A
 Disadvantages of Q/A
 Q/A is often used in combination with
other methods.
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Group Discussion
Group discussion is a planned
conversation between three or more
persons on a selected topic, with
leadership. Use group discussion:
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When sharing ideas…
To stimulate interest in problem…
To help members express their ideas…
To identify and explore a problem…
To create an informal atmosphere…
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Group Discussion
 Advantages of Group Discussion
 Disadvantages of Group Discussion
 One alternative to a group discussion is small
study groups. These groups are assigned a
problem, allowed to discuss the problem, and
expected to report back to the large group.
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Case Study
A Case Study is an account of a problem
situation, including sufficient detail to make it
possible for groups to analyze problems
involved. The case is a “slice of life” that invites
diagnosis, prescription, and possible treatment.
It may be presented in writing, orally,
dramatically, on film, or as a recording.
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Case Study
Use a case study when:
Relating a problem to life situations…
Analyzing a problem…
To help members identify with a problem…
A number of possible solutions may be
appropriate…
 Analyzing the bearing of facts and opinions
upon a problem…
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Case Study
 Advantages of a Case Study
 Disadvantages of a Case Study
 Current movies or music may be used as the
content of the case study. If your group is open
to creative approaches, role play may also be
used.
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Brainstorming
Brainstorming is a method of problem solving in
which group members suggest in rapid fire
order all the possible solutions they can think
of. Criticism is ruled out. Evaluation of ideas
comes later.
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Brainstorming
Use brainstorming:
 To encourage creative thinking…
 To encourage participation…
 When determining possible solutions to
problems…
 To encourage presentation of new ideas…
 To create a warm, friendly feeling in the
group…
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Brainstorming
 Advantages of Brainstorming
 Disadvantages of Brainstorming
 Using inductive questions and answers,
brainstorming can lead the class to develop
and express principles and values.
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Projects
Projects are “homework”—activities to be
conducted outside the classroom, between
class meetings. Use group discussion:
 To encourage participants to develop skills in
biblical exegesis …
 To encourage participants to research a
biblical concept, image, or a word…
 To challenge participants to apply biblical truth
in “real life contexts” …
 To nurture Christian attitudes and actions…
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Storytelling
Storytelling is the art of orally sharing
“contemporary parables”—vignettes from
“everyday life” which point to deeper life truths.
Use storytelling:
 To encourage the learner to relate biblical
truths to life situations…
 To inspire and to motivate learners…
 To stimulate the creativity of the learner…
 To allow learners to draw their our conclusions
about the truth of the story …
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Summary
 In this learning lab, we have overviewed
seven basic teaching methods.
 You have developed some skills in
matching teaching methods to learning
objectives.
 You have seen some of the seven basic
methods modeled during the training.
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Assignment: A Project
Prior to your next teaching experience, select one
of the seven teaching methods overviewed
during this training. Please pick one of the
methods with which you have little knowledge
or experience. Based on our work today, use
this teaching method.
Next, select another person who participated in
this training to be your partner. After your
class, evaluate your experience of using this
new teaching method with your partner.
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