Instructional Methods Information
Part 2
Dr. Bob Kizlik
This is a continuation of the
Instructional Methods Part 1. As such, the heading information is really the
same, so...Instructional methods and teaching methods mean the same thing.
Teaching strategies, for all practical purposes, means the same thing. Regardless
of what we call such processes, they are primarily descriptions of the learning objective-oriented activities and
flow of information between teachers and students. Although some may argue otherwise, to split hairs over
whether such methods are meaningfully different adds nothing to the process of learning to be a teacher. Direct and indirect instruction are two main categories that many educators find useful for classifying teaching methods, but it is, as you will see, a bit more complicated than placing all instruction into two categories. Any instructional method a teacher uses has advantages, disadvantages, and requires some preliminary preparation. Often times, a particular teaching method will naturally flow into another, all within the same lesson, and excellent teachers have developed the skills to make the process seamless to the students. Which instructional method is "right" for a particular lesson depends on many things, and among them are the age and developmental level of the students, what the students already know, and what they need to know to succeed with the lesson, the subject-matter content, the objective of the lesson, the available people, time, space and material resources, and the physical setting. Another, more difficult problem is to select an instructional method that best fits one's particular teaching style and the lesson-situation. There is no one "right" method for teaching a particular lesson, but there are some criteria that pertain to each that can help a teacher make the best decision possible. The following teaching or instructional methods relate to the instruction part of the
ADPRIMA Instruction System. The methods are not listed in a preferred sequence, no hierarchy of putative superiority of method is intended, and obviously, not all are appropriate for all grades and subject matter content areas.
Small Group Discussion
Advantages
Allows for participation of everyone Students often more comfortable in small groups Groups can reach consensus
Disadvantages
Needs careful thought as to purpose of group
Groups may get side tracked
Preparation
Needs careful thought as to purpose of group Groups may get side tracked
Case Studies
Advantages
Develops analytic and problem solving skills Allows for exploration of solutions for complex issues Allows student to apply new knowledge and skills
Disadvantages
Students may not see relevance to own situation Insufficient information can lead to inappropriate results Not appropriate for elementary level students
Preparation
Teacher has to define problem situation and roles clearly Teacher must give very clear instructions
Discussion
Advantages Pools ideas and experiences
from group Effective after a presentation, film or experience that needs to be analyzed Allows everyone to participate in an active process
Disadvantages
practical Not practicalwith more that 20
students A few students can dominate Some students may not participate Is time consuming Can get off the track
Preparation
Requires careful planning by the
teacher to guide the discussion toward the lesson objective Requires preparation of a question outline
Worksheets and Surveys
Advantages
Allows students to think for themselves without being influenced by others Individual thoughts can then be shared in large group
Disadvantages
Can be used only for short period of time
Preparation
Teacher has to prepare handouts
Computer Simulations
Advantages
Students can work independently Abundant selection of simulation software in many subjects, especially the
sciences and social studies Effects of decisions can be readily seen and evaluated Transfer of learning to different subjects may be facilitated
Disadvantages
Computer software for simulations can be expensive Some students may be easily distracted by the medium at the expense of the
subject matter Not suitable for some subject matter areas such as mathematics
Preparation Teacher must make sure the simulation relates to a lesson or unit objective Teacher must have "plan B" ready in case the simulation is not as expected
Independent Study
Advantages
Learning skills developed have impressive staying power Students can learn to increase the rate at which they understand new material There is a greater opportunity for transfer of learning to other subjects Increased opportunities for students to problem solve what is needed to learn
intended content (prerequisites) Students may learn how to pace learning and thereby gain self-confidence
Disadvantages
Distractions are always a possibility -- requires
self-discipline Appropriate materials may not be available or accessible Not appropriate for certain age groups such as students below grade four, or
for highly complex subject matter such as physics, which require a good deal of
explanation
Preparation Develop plan to monitor and collect feedback about independent study
activities for each student Provide appropriate resources that are connected to the subject matter in
question Provide plan to provide feedback to students during the course of independent
study
Guest Speakers
Advantages
Can provide a dynamic and
engaging presence Can personalize a topic to make it more interesting and/or
chalenging Often breaks down an audience's stereotypes
Disadvantages
May not be a good speaker Can inadvertently present information not appropriate for the age and maturity
of the aduience
Preparation
Contact speakers and coordinate
Interview speakers before making
commitment
Inform students about the speaker before
the presentation
Make an appropriate introduction
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