Have you ever wondered what the difference is between teaching methods and teaching techniques? They might seem like the same thing, but they're actually two different pieces of the teaching puzzle!
Understanding the difference between methods and techniques can help you become a more effective teacher and create a more engaging learning environment for your students.
Teaching methods are the big picture strategies you use to guide your instruction, while teaching techniques are the specific tools and activities you use within those methods.Â
This blog post is your guide to understanding teaching methods and techniques. We'll explore the different types of methods and techniques and discuss how they work together. We will also offer tips for choosing the right combination for your students and your teaching style.
By the end of this post, you'll have a deeper understanding of how to use these tools. This will help you create a dynamic and effective learning experience in your classroom.
Before diving into the details, it’s important to understand what teaching methods are.
What are Teaching Methods?
Teaching methods are the overall strategies or approaches you use to guide your instruction. They're the big picture plan for how you'll deliver information and help students learn.
Some examples of teaching methods include direct instruction, inquiry-based learning, and project-based learning. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. The best method to use will depend on the specific learning objectives, the students' needs, and the teacher's preferences.
Characteristics of Teaching Methods
Broad strategies:Â Teaching methods are broad strategies that encompass your overall approach to teaching. They're not specific activities or techniques but rather the guiding principles that shape your teaching.
It helps you decide whether you want your classroom to be more traditional or more student-centered.
Overarching framework:Â They provide a framework for your teaching, helping you to organize your lessons and activities in a way that makes sense. This helps you create a clear and consistent learning experience for your students.
Focus on the "how" of teaching:Â Teaching methods focus on how you teach rather than what you teach. They're about the way you deliver information, interact with students, and create a learning environment. This could include things like whether you prefer to lecture or have students work in groups.
Examples of Teaching Methods
Teacher-centered methods:Â In these methods, the teacher is the main source of information. The teacher is like the conductor of an orchestra, leading the learning and providing students with the knowledge they need. Examples include:
Direct instruction:Â The teacher presents information to students through lectures, demonstrations, and other methods. This is a common method in traditional classrooms.
Lecture:Â The teacher delivers a presentation on a topic, and students take notes. This can be an effective way to deliver a lot of information quickly.
Student-centered methods:Â In these methods, students take a more active role in their learning. The teacher acts as a facilitator or guide, helping students explore and discover on their own. Examples include:
Inquiry-based learning:Â Students explore questions and discover answers through research and experimentation. This encourages curiosity and critical thinking.
Cooperative learning:Â Students work together in small groups to learn and achieve goals. This allows students to build their teamwork and communication abilities.
Active learning methods:Â These methods get students actively involved in the learning process. They don't just sit and listen; they do things! Examples include:
Hands-on activities:Â Students learn by doing, such as through experiments, projects, and simulations. This approach can make learning more interactive and unforgettable.
Technology-enhanced methods:Â These methods use technology to support and enhance learning. Technology is a valuable learning tool, offering students fresh and engaging ways to access information and resources. Examples include:
Online learning platforms:Â Students learn through online courses, videos, and interactive activities. This can provide flexibility and allow students to learn at their own pace.
Simulations and virtual reality:Â Students use technology to experience and learn about things that would be difficult or impossible to experience in real life. This can bring learning to life and make it more engaging.
By understanding the different types of teaching methods and their characteristics, you can choose the approaches that best fit your teaching style.
While teaching methods provide a broad approach, teaching techniques are the specific tools and activities that bring those methods to life.
What are Teaching Techniques?
Teaching techniques are the specific activities and actions you take to deliver instruction and engage students in the learning process. They are the tools you use within a broader teaching method to achieve specific learning objectives. Some examples include think-pair-share, brainstorming, and role-playing.
Characteristics of Teaching Techniques
Narrow focus:Â Teaching techniques are more specific than teaching methods. They focus on particular activities or strategies that you can use to teach a specific concept or skill.
Specific activities:Â They involve concrete actions and activities that you do in the classroom, such as asking questions, leading discussions, or giving assignments. They are the things you actually do with your students to help them learn.
Focus on the "what" of teaching:Â Teaching techniques focus on what you do in the classroom rather than the overall approach you take. They are the specific actions you take to help students learn, like choosing to use flashcards to help students memorize vocabulary words.
Examples of Teaching Techniques
Questioning techniques:Â These techniques help you ask effective questions that encourage student thinking and participation. They help you get students involved in the lesson and make sure they're understanding the material. Examples include:
Open-ended questions:Â Questions that require more than a simple yes or no answer, encouraging students to think critically and express their ideas. For example, instead of asking "Is the sky blue?" you might ask "Why is the sky blue?"
Socratic questioning:Â A method of questioning that guides students to discover answers for themselves through a series of thought-provoking questions. This helps students develop their critical thinking skills and learn to think for themselves.
Do you want to build a learning environment where students stay engaged and strengthen their critical thinking skills?
The School House Anywhere can help! We use the Socratic method, a powerful questioning technique that encourages students to think deeply, analyze information, and discover answers for themselves. This method encourages students to enjoy learning while building their ability to think independently.
Visit The School House Anywhere today to learn more about how we use the Socratic method. We also incorporate other engaging teaching strategies to create a dynamic and enriching learning environment.
Discussion techniques:Â These techniques help you facilitate engaging and productive classroom discussions. They encourage students to exchange ideas and collaborate while maintaining a respectful and meaningful discussion. Examples include:
Think-pair-share:Â Students think about a question individually, then discuss it with a partner before sharing their ideas with the whole class. This helps students process information and build confidence before sharing their thoughts with the whole group.
Fishbowl debate:Â A small group of students have a debate while the rest of the class observes and analyzes their arguments. This can be a fun and engaging way to learn about different perspectives on an issue.
Assessment techniques:Â These techniques help you assess student learning and understanding. They help you see how well students are grasping the material and identify any areas where they might need extra help. Examples include:
Quizzes and tests:Â Traditional methods for assessing student knowledge and understanding. These can be used to check for comprehension and mastery of specific concepts.
Projects:Â Allow students to demonstrate their learning through in-depth projects, such as research papers, presentations, or creative works. This gives students the opportunity to use their knowledge and skills in a more engaging and meaningful way.
Portfolios:Â Collections of student work that showcase their learning and progress over time. This can be a helpful way for students to reflect on their learning and for teachers to see their growth over time.
Classroom management techniques:Â These techniques help you create a positive and productive learning environment. They help you create a classroom where students feel safe, respected, and motivated to learn. Examples include:
Positive reinforcement:Â Encouraging positive behavior through recognition and incentives. This could involve things like verbal praise, stickers, or small prizes.
Clear expectations:Â Establishing clear behavior expectations and consistently enforcing consequences when needed. This helps students understand what is expected of them and creates a more structured learning environment.
Understanding the legal requirements for microschools is just as important as choosing the right teaching methods. To learn more about the key regulations and considerations, check out Microschools: Legal Considerations and Requirements You Must Know.
Teaching methods and techniques aren’t separate concepts—they complement each other. By using the right combination, educators can create engaging and effective learning experiences.
How Teaching Methods and Techniques Work Together
Teaching methods and techniques are distinct but interconnected elements of teaching. They work together to create a well-rounded and effective learning experience. The teaching method provides the overall framework and approach, while the techniques are the specific tools and strategies used to implement the method.
1. Methods as the Foundation
The teaching method you choose provides the overall framework for your instruction. It guides your general approach to teaching and helps you create a consistent learning environment.
For example, if you choose a student-centered method like inquiry-based learning, your classroom will likely be more interactive and exploratory. Students will take the lead in their learning.
2. Techniques as the Building Blocks
Within that chosen method, you'll use a variety of teaching techniques to deliver specific lessons and activities. The techniques are the specific tools you use to engage students, present information, and assess learning.
For example, within an inquiry-based learning approach, you might use questioning techniques to guide students' exploration. Discussion techniques can help them share their ideas, while project-based learning techniques allow them to apply their knowledge.
3. Harmony Between Methods and Techniques
The key is to choose techniques that align with your chosen teaching method and your learning objectives. For example, if you're using a direct instruction method, you might use techniques like lecturing, demonstrating, and providing clear explanations.
If you're using a project-based learning method, you might use techniques like brainstorming, group work, and presentations.
4. Flexibility and Adaptation
It's also important to be flexible and adapt your techniques as needed. Sometimes, a particular technique might not be working well with a certain group of students or for a particular lesson.
In those cases, don't be afraid to try something different! You can also mix and match techniques from different methods to create a unique and engaging learning experience for your students.
Want to create a school that's truly different and inspiring?
The School House Anywhere can help! We'll guide you every step of the way in building a unique and engaging learning environment for your students.
Here's what we offer:
A well-designed curriculum:Â Our American Emergent Curriculum (AEC)Â is packed with interesting lessons and activities that will get your students excited about learning.
Support and guidance:Â We offer training, resources, and a supportive community to help you succeed.
Flexibility:Â You can choose to run your school for a full day or a half day, depending on what works best for your community.
Parent communication:Â We provide tools and resources to help you keep parents informed and involved in their child's education.
Ready to transform education in your community? Visit The School House Anywhere today, and let's build something amazing together!
With so many options available, selecting the right methods and techniques can feel overwhelming.
How to Choose the Right Methods and Techniques
Selecting effective teaching methods and techniques is key to building a strong learning environment in your microschool. With so many options to consider, finding the best fit for your students and curriculum can be a challenge.
So, how can you make informed decisions about the best teaching methods and techniques for your microschool?
Factors to Consider
1. Learning Objectives:Â What do you want your students to learn? Different teaching methods and techniques are better suited for different learning objectives.
For example, if you want your students to memorize facts, direct instruction with drills and practice might be effective. But if you want them to develop critical thinking skills, you might choose inquiry-based learning with open-ended discussions and debates.
2. Student Needs:Â Every student is unique, and they all learn in different ways. Consider the different learning styles, interests, and needs of your students when choosing your methods and techniques. Some students might learn best through hands-on activities, while others might prefer visual aids or group discussions.
3. Teacher Strengths:Â What are your strengths as a teacher? What teaching methods and techniques are you most comfortable and confident with? Choose approaches that play to your strengths and allow you to create a learning environment where you and your students can thrive.
4. Subject Matter:Â The subject you're teaching can also influence your choice of methods and techniques. Some subjects, like math, might lend themselves well to direct instruction and practice. Others, like social studies, might be better suited for project-based learning or discussions.
5. Available Resources:Â Consider the resources you have available, such as technology, materials, and time. Some teaching methods and techniques require more resources than others. For example, if you have limited access to technology, you might choose methods that don't rely heavily on computers or the internet.
Tips for Choosing
1. Align techniques with your chosen method:Â Make sure the techniques you choose fit well with your overall teaching method. For example, if you're using a student-centered approach, you'll want to choose techniques that encourage student participation and collaboration.
2. Use a variety of techniques:Â Keep learning engaging by using a variety of techniques. This will help prevent boredom and cater to different learning styles. You might use a mix of questioning techniques, discussion techniques, games, and hands-on activities to keep students interested and motivated.
3. Be flexible and adapt:Â Be willing to adjust your approach as needed. If a particular method or technique isn't working, try something different. You can also adapt your approach based on student feedback and your own observations.
By carefully considering these factors and being willing to experiment, you can find the teaching methods and techniques that work best for you and your students.
If you're ready to take the next step in creating a microschool, it's important to have a clear plan in place. Check out How to Establish and Design Your Own Microschool: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide for practical tips on getting started.
Wrapping Up
Teaching is a complex and multifaceted skill, and there are many different ways to approach it. By understanding the difference between teaching methods and techniques, you can create a more effective and engaging learning experience for your students.Â
Remember that methods are the overarching strategies that guide your instruction, while techniques are the specific tools and activities you use within those methods.
Selecting the right mix of methods and techniques is key to building an engaging and effective learning environment. Consider your learning objectives, your students' needs, your own strengths as a teacher, and the subject matter when making your choices.
Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. Be open to adjusting your teaching methods to meet your students' needs.
Teaching is a rewarding and challenging profession, and you have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of your students.
By continuously learning and growing as an educator, you can create a classroom where students are excited to learn, explore, and reach their full potential.
Ready to take your teaching to the next level? The School House Anywhere (TSHA) can help! We provide comprehensive resources and support to guide you on your teaching journey, including:
Curriculum development:Â We offer a variety of curriculum options and resources, including the American Emergent Curriculum (AEC), which is designed to be flexible and adaptable to the needs of individual students.
Teacher training:Â We provide ongoing professional development opportunities to help you implement effective teaching strategies and stay up-to-date on the latest research and best practices.
Community building:Â We provide opportunities to connect with other educators and families, sharing best practices and building a strong support network.
Microschool support:Â We offer specialized resources and guidance for educators who are interested in opening and running a microschool.
Join The School House Anywhere today and discover the joy of teaching and learning!