applying the guiding principles in the selection and use of strategies

ANALYSE

What is the best method of teaching? Is there such a thing?

The best teaching method is the one that your students respond to. A teacher adjusts his or her methods and strategies in response to his or her students’ ability to learn the material being presented. ‘If you are a teacher, I suggest you learn as many methods, skills, strategies as you can and practice them. ‘Lessons will fail, but over time you will learn when to use what method by observing what your students do during your lesson. Most importantly, you will learn which ones you can be most proficient in and therefore be most effective.

REFLECT

How do we select the appropriate strategy for our lessons?

1. Decide what you want the students to know and be able to do as a result of the lecture.

2. Outline the lecture notes — first your major points, then the minor points that elaborate on or explain each major point.

3. Choose relevant, concrete examples, in advance of the lecture, selecting examples familiar and meaningful to the students.

4. Find out about the students, their backgrounds, and their goals.

5. Start with a question, problem, current event, or something that just grabs the students’ attention.

6. Watch the students. If you think they don’t understand you, stop and ask them question.

7. Use active learning techniques. Use technological aids, such as multimedia presentations.