Teaching techniques are the methods that a teacher will implement to help their students in the process of learning. A teacher should pick the teaching methodologies that are best suited to the topic being studied, the learner’s level of experience, and their current stage in their learning journey. It can be difficult to maintain focus, manage behavior, and encourage active participation when working with children and teenagers. An approach that works well for one teacher may not work well for another because each method employs various tools to accomplish common educational goals. As a result, many teachers attempt to extract ideas from various approaches, mixing and implementing them into one unique teaching approach based on the needs of students and schools. There are many different teaching techniques you can use with elementary school students. Here are the top 5 teaching techniques a primary teacher should know:
- Teacher-centered learning
The teacher-centered methodology is widely accepted as the most traditional approach. In this method, the teacher bears primary responsibility in the learning environment. You need to supervise and direct all activities in the classroom. Students are usually seated at individual tables facing the teacher in this method. While group work is sometimes done, the majority of the time in the classroom is spent with the teacher explaining concepts and allocating personal tasks. In short, while you actively deliver the information, the students passively absorb it. It emphasizes the importance of the facilitatory role of the teacher. Also, this teaching method allows for direct instruction to control changes in student behavior.
- Student-centered learning
In this learning method, the students play a major role in the planning, execution, and evaluation of student-centered classrooms. When students are involved in these decisions, they take on more responsibility and ownership than the teacher. Here you need to become comfortable with shifting from a directive to a consultative style of leadership. Students are free to work in groups, visit centers, and move around the classroom. With the help of student-based learning, the student will play a more active role in their learning and will also develop a sense of responsibility. You may find it difficult to master or perfect the student-centered approach, and it does not always guarantee a perfect result. However, if you continue to use the approach in pieces, blending these techniques with other types of lessons, the results can be very positive.
- Small group instructions
Small group instruction occurs after whole group instruction and offers students a lower student-to-teacher ratio, typically in groups of four to six students. It enables you to work more closely with each student on specific learning targets and helps you to enhance the skills learned in whole-group instruction by the student. In this method of teaching, the lessons are customized to the level of each student. This enables teachers to naturally deliver targeted, differentiated instruction to small groups of students. It also encourages the students’ ability to adapt to social situations. Students who struggle to ask questions and participate in large groups may benefit from working in small groups, where they feel more comfortable and less stressed.
- Montessori
This method is one of the oldest methods which has been used in classrooms for almost 100 years. Montessori is now widely used in primary schools, kindergartens, and lower elementary schools. In this method, the teacher creates an ideal classroom environment with a variety of activities from which the students can choose to work. Furthermore, the teacher assists the students in selecting an appropriate number of lessons from each subject area. The Montessori method also promotes the use of “materials,” or carefully selected learning objects. For example, there are trays with various types of triangles and cards with definitions explaining the parts of a bird. In addition, the Montessori method incorporates areas of the curriculum that teach social and practical life skills, such as cooking and cleaning.
- Project-based learning
Students are supposed to complete projects in project-based learning. These are large and complex projects in which students gain knowledge, conduct research, evaluate, analyze, make decisions, work collaboratively, and more. The projects should include topics like “How can we make our school greener?” or “Effects of global warming on our planet earth.” The projects should not only be applicable in the classroom but also have an impact. For example, you can ask your students to create a radio show that the entire school can listen to.
The Sum Up
Each teacher must develop a teaching style that is compatible with his or her personality. A good teacher is one who is enthusiastic about their work and confident in their abilities. So, if any of the teaching methods on this list provokes your interest, why not learn more about them? You might come across a new technique that engages your students and improves their learning as well as your own teaching experience. If you are passionate about teaching and want to know more about the methodologies a primary teacher should know, then classplus is here to help you. Classplus is an educational technology company that helps educators by giving you an app of your own with your brand. You can get all the benefits of new technologies while you are committed to your work. So, do not wait and connect with us now and get updated.
