Traditional and innovative
teaching methods
Author: Monika Poszaj-Stan
mankind the
Education is a light that
shows the
right direction to
surge....
As any good teacher knows, all students do not learn in the same
way. In addition, it is common for a class of students to be at a
variety of levels in any particular subject. Teachers need to use
different teaching methods in order to reach all students
effectively.
Basically
teaching
must
include
two
major
components: sending and receiving information. The teacher tries
his best to impart knowledge as the way he understood it. This is
why any communication methods that serve this purpose without
destroying the objective could be considered as innovative
methods of teaching. On the other hand the strengths and
weaknesses of each teaching methodology are identified and
known by the teachers and probable modifications that can be
included in traditional methods are suggested.
1. Traditional teaching methods
Direct instruction is the most common form of instruction.
This is the lecturing method of teaching. Many teachers
use this teaching method almost exclusively, as it is
considered the simplest, and you can cover large amounts
of material in a short period of time. However, this is not the
most effective teaching method to reach all students,
especially younger ones, who often need a more engaging,
hands-on strategy in order to learn effectively.
1. Traditional teaching methods
The teacher is the sender or the source and the educational
material is the information or message. The student is the
receiver of the information which is delivered via the “chalkand-talk” method. The teacher delivers the lecture content
and the students listen to the lecture. The learning mode
tends to be passive and the learners play little part in their
learning process. It has been found that the conventional
lecture approach in classroom is of limited effectiveness in
both teaching and learning because:
1. Traditional teaching methods
-this is “one way flow” of information
-teachers often continuously talk without knowing students
response and feedback
-there is insufficient interaction with students in the classroom
-there is more emphasis given on theory without any practical
and real life time situations
-learning from memorization but not understanding
-marks rather than result orientated
2. Innovative teaching methods
I hear and I forget.
I see and I believe.
I do and I understand.
Confucius
2. Innovative teaching methods
Inquiry-based learning is a teaching method which is
rapidly gaining popularity. Based on the scientific method,
this teaching method can be used for virtually all subjects.
Using inquiry-based learning takes a lot of time, energy,
and planning, but it is often very effective. Students
practice problem solving and critical thinking skills to arrive
at a conclusion. This teaching method is extremely studentcentered and student-directed, and can be modified for
students at any level, reaching them where they are.
Teachers will generally need to start by modeling the
process to the students.
2. Innovative teaching methods
Information processing strategies is another example of
teaching method that motivates students to find the answer.
While it is often advisable to have students really
understand the teaching methods and not just memorize
facts, there are some cases when facts need to be
memorized. Facts and concepts may also need to be
grouped
or
organized
in
order
to
facilitate
better
understanding. Teachers can use various teaching methods
to help students with memorization, or they can use graphic
organizers, mind maps, story webs, or other ways to
represent information visually.
2. Innovative teaching methods
Cooperative learning is another teaching method that is
considered highly effective when done correctly. With
cooperative learning, students are put in small groups to
work together. They are usually not grouped by ability, but
put in a group with children at a variety of levels. The
students are then given tasks to accomplish together.
Teachers may need to monitor these groups carefully, to
make sure they are staying on task and that all students are
participating. This form of instruction also lends itself well
to differentiation, because the teacher can assign specific
tasks to children at different ability levels.
2. Innovative teaching methods
Mind Maps can be used by teachers to explain concepts
in an innovative way. The key notion behind mind
mapping is that we learn and remember more effectively
by using the full range of visual and sensory tools at our
disposal. Pictures, music, color, even touch and smell
play a part in our learning armory will help to recollect
information for long time. The key is to build up mind
maps that make the most of these things building on our
own creativity, thinking and cross linking between ideas
that exist in our own minds.
2. Innovative teaching methods
CLIL method and its principles:
It’s dual-focused education where attention is given to the
topic as well as the language. The topic is more important,
English is simply the medium used. Very often the subject
in the EFL classroom is the language itself. Whether the
topic is a school subject or another, the principles are the
same. The fact that importance is given to the topic and the
language gives a more integrated methodology of learning
and teaching, drawing attention to the educational process
as a whole as opposed to just how languages should be
taught.
CLIL method and its principles:
Making content/context king means that the student is
actively involved in the language; they are immersed in it,
surrounded and engulfed in it. They are using the language
but the context, theme and task are the driving forces.
CLIL has been called education through construction, rather
than instruction which again puts the onus on the student –
they learn, they build their language because they are put
in the position where they have to, not because they are
being taught to.
CLIL method and its principles:
Fluency is more important than accuracy. The nature of CLIL
lessons means that the students will produce (and be
exposed to) a vast array of language; the focus is firmly on
communication and accuracy comes with time. Making
mistakes is a natural process in language learning and, as
we all know, language doesn’t have to be accurate to be
communicative. CLIL exposes learners to situations calling
for genuine communication.
CLIL promotes critical thinking and collaboration skills as
well as language competence. It produces life-long learners
and students are sent out with real-world skills and
enhanced motivation and self-confidence.
Traditional and innovative teaching
methods - conclusions
There are many, many more teaching methods, but these are
the most common. If the teacher finds the best teaching
method for a particular group of students, the students are
likely to learn more quickly and be more engaged. In addition,
using a variety of teaching methods will keep students from
being bored, and help them encounter the information in new
and exciting ways.
References:
“The Practice of English Language Teaching”, Jeremy Harmer
“Innovative Methods of Teaching”, dr Damodharan V.S. ACCA
http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/comteach.htm
http://serc.carleton.edu/sp/library/pedagogies.html
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-some-different-teaching-methods.htm
“How should CLIL work in practice?”, Alex Mackenzie
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http://www.onestopenglish.com/support/methodology
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