Teaching and learning methods

Table 2 below shows some important active teaching and learning methods and some of the skills that you will need to use as a teacher.

Table 2 Teaching and learning methods
S/NActive teaching and learning methodSome of the teaching skills you need
1.Building models

Thinking about what your pupils will learn.

Being able to build the model yourself.

2.ClassificationUsing observation.
3.Collaborative activitiesKnowing your pupils, to enable you to decide on working groups.
4.DebateGiving all pupils an opportunity to participate.
5.Demonstration

Identifying what materials you will use to demonstrate.

Allowing pupils to handle, draw and discuss.

6.DiscussionGiving all pupils an opportunity to participate.
7.Displaying real items (exhibitions)

Organising your classroom or exhibition space.

Thinking how pupils can share their knowledge, e.g. labels.

8.Games

Thinking about what your pupils will learn.

Being able to play the game yourself.

9.Group work

Arranging your classroom in advance.

Deciding how to divide your pupils.

Deciding on a job for each pupil in the group.

10.Investigation/inquiry

Planning the investigation/inquiry with your pupils.

Deciding how pupils will report.

11.Making deductionsHelping pupils to discover for themselves.
12.Mind mapping/ brainstorming

Identifying clearly the issue or problem.

Letting pupils know the rules.

Giving a clear summary at the end.

13.Observation/ identification

Using local resources.

Using questioning.

14.PredictionHelping pupils form appropriate questions.
15.Problem solving

Setting out the problem clearly.

Identifying in advance areas of difficulty.

Thinking of questions which will help pupils.

16.Project method

Using group work.

Helping pupils discover and think for themselves.

17.Questioning

Thinking about the type of question – open or closed.

Encouraging a range of pupils to answer.

Encouraging pupils to think for themselves.

18.Reporting/oral presentationUsing a variety of ways – oral, posters, etc.
19.Researching/exploration

Defining the research question.

Deciding on the research method.

Deciding on how the findings will be recorded.

20.Role play

Using group work to act out a situation.

Thinking about where the groups will work – inside or outside of the classroom.

21.SimulationGiving pupils a clear brief.
22.Story telling/folk tales

Identifying where you can find local and other stories.

Using different people to tell stories – you, pupils and local people.

23.Student field work

Planning.

Setting clear learning objectives for pupils.

Using investigations.

24.Think–pair–shareUsing good time management.

7 Why and how can you share TESSA?