Teaching Methodologies
There are essentially only two teaching methods, the first being a direct approach where the teacher tells or shows students, and the other being indirect approach. I believe that in order for students reach their maximum learning potential it is crucial to have a mix of both approaches. Each approach does not need to be used independently, but rather be used during the same lesson in order for students to take the most of the lesson. By applying both methods of teaching, the students will be free to discover and learn on their own, while simply being guided by the teacher. Students who are taught by a teacher that uses a high indirect/direct ratio of teaching achieve higher scores on standardized science tests compared to students that are taught by teachers who use a low indirect/direct ratio. When both approaches are intertwined into one lesson, that lesson is a successful lesson.
In order to engage and empower my student, my students will be exposed to inquiry-based learning. In my classroom the steps to an inquiry unit involve students using their previous and current knowledge on the topic and determining what else they would like to know, identifying resources and gather information on the topic, assessing the information they have gathered, the creation of a project as individuals or small groups, then communicating their findings/project with the rest of their peers, and then finally evaluating their success and learning on the topic. Students have higher levels of critical thinking, achievement, and engagement in learning when they are given time to explore and learn through an inquiry-based lesson. As a teacher I have the opportunity to motivate, challenge, and engage students in their learning, and by implementing inquiry in my classroom students will be equipped with the ambition and ability to continue learning long after they have completed formal education.
In order to engage and empower my student, my students will be exposed to inquiry-based learning. In my classroom the steps to an inquiry unit involve students using their previous and current knowledge on the topic and determining what else they would like to know, identifying resources and gather information on the topic, assessing the information they have gathered, the creation of a project as individuals or small groups, then communicating their findings/project with the rest of their peers, and then finally evaluating their success and learning on the topic. Students have higher levels of critical thinking, achievement, and engagement in learning when they are given time to explore and learn through an inquiry-based lesson. As a teacher I have the opportunity to motivate, challenge, and engage students in their learning, and by implementing inquiry in my classroom students will be equipped with the ambition and ability to continue learning long after they have completed formal education.