Throughout history, human minds have been adapting and evolving constantly. With so many discoveries being made and easy access to unlimited information just at the touch of our fingertips, the future minds of this fast paced world need new ways to comprehend and retain knowledge. That is why teaching methods have been ever changing through the course of history. Up to this day researchers, teachers and educators are constantly searching for effective and efficient ways to spread knowledge in classrooms.
In recent years, the focus has shifted from the traditional teaching methods to more innovative and creative teaching methods being implemented in today’s classrooms. Teachers are reaching out to their students in creative ways. Though, traditional teaching methods, such as, teachers giving lessons and explaining while students take down important notes, can prove to be beneficial for certain subjects. The education system is now leaning towards engaging with students creative and imaginative side more. Many of these techniques are not “brand new” to put it in one way, but rather use old teaching methods with the technology of today. This combination has helped teachers and researched to produce an environment of accelerated learning for student around the world, despite different cultures, backgrounds and circumstances.
One of the few teaching methods that will be discussed is the “Case Method”. This technique, which is also known as design thinking, helps students to use their analytical skills and natural curiosity to resolve cases or situations that they might come across in the real world. Teachers and professors implement this technique in class, dividing the students into groups and presenting them with a real life problem that someone or some organization has faced in the past. Students are then encouraged to brainstorm ideas and solutions to help resolve the issue in groups and present them in class.
The flipped classroom method is one of the most famous modern teaching techniques. In this method, students are often asked to prepare the lesson in advance from home and activities or exercises regarding the lesson are done in the classroom. It’s sort of like doing classwork at home and homework in class, hence the name of the method. Students may be provided with introductory videos of the lesson to watch at home or other material regarding the lessons. The flipped classroom methods helps promote independent learning and additional face to face discussions in classrooms. It focuses on the idea that most students need more help in solving questions rather than being introduced to new thinking in classrooms. Though there are pros and cons to this method. It’s important to keep in mind that some students may struggle with visual learning and lack access to certain technology and the internet. Teachers and educators prefer to incorporate this method in class environments that have more numbers of highly motivated learners.
One of the more famous methods of teaching in elementary and preschool education is "Gamification". Gamification turns the learning process into a fun and attractive activity for young children especially. Turning lessons into fun games and activities helps children stay motivated through the duration of the class. Studies carried out by educators have shown positive results of implementing gamification in classrooms. This method increases class participation and interaction between students, while introducing some healthy competition in classrooms.
In Christopher James’s book, Teacher Presence: 12 Habits to Create Space for Accelerated Learning, the focus of the book revolves around implementing a variety of teaching methods in a classroom to help students and teachers reach their full potential. The importance of engaging a child’s creativity and imagination within the learning process is highlighted by the author, who is a teachers with over a decade worth of experience under his belt.
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