Your choice of teaching styles will depend on your educational philosophy, academic subject, learning objectives, class size, and individual preference. Teaching methods usually fall into two categories: teacher-centered and learner-centered.
Teacher-Centered is direct instruction. Under this method, teachers are the formal authority and lead by example. They are experts who can share their knowledge with the class. Students are passive learners, receiving the knowledge from the expert.
- Direct instruction information formats include lectures and teacher demonstrations.
Learner-Centered instruction includes inquiry-based learning and cooperative learning. Under this method, students take an active role in their own learning. Teachers facilitate learning and delegate tasks to encourage student discovery and collaboration.
- Inquiry-based learning includes discussions, active-learning activities, and assignments that stimulate student inquiry.
- Cooperative learning includes group work and collaboration, including instructor and peer feedback.