Teaching Strategies

Teaching Strategies Teacher centered methods: Teacher presents information that is learned and directs learning process. (examples??) Learner centered methods: teacher is facilitator, students are actively involved in directing/achieving their own learning. (examples??) No method is perfect but methods should be varied.

Lectures Teacher presents information orally and students learn through listening. Used frequently in upper grades. Drawbacks: a lot of students are visual learners so have a hard time learning. Passive listeners. Benefits: used with any content. Good for large groups. Improve effectiveness: keep it short, add visuals, PowerPoint, insert questions. Must be clear points and organized well

Reading Benefit: Basic way of learning a wealth of information. Drawback: not very creative Textbooks Internet articles Research material

Demonstrations Teaches a process Teacher centered Sometimes students prepare and present demo

Demonstrations and Guest Speakers Summarize --pages 273-275 Choose one to create an activity for. Must include: Standard Specific details of activity Questions (if doing guest speaker)

Guest Speakers Outside expertise into the classroom Make sure you are clear about topic, objectives and time frame. Prepare questions ahead of time

Simulations Put students in situations that feel real. Mock trials, pioneer school, computer based simulations Common in science and social studies

Skits Involve acting our stories Actively involve students in learning Costumes and props

Role Playing Like a skit without a script Clearly describe situation and the students act out role. Purposes: understand feelings/behaviors, provide practice, check understanding

Case Studies Groups of students working together to analyze a situation. Allows students to apply knowledge and skills for real life issues Actively involves students

Reflective Responses Students think deeply about an issue or something they have learned. “think about thinking” Can be used to capture a student’s attention

Student Presentations May be oral, visual or both Builds communication skills

Games Word searches, crosswords, word games, card games, board games, active games, computer games Generates enthusiasm and increases learning.