Modern Teaching Methods Revolutionising Online Education

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Pedagogy and teaching have evolved dramatically in the last few decades. Gone are the days when students had to sit passively and just listen (or, better said, space out) while their teacher gave long lectures. New teaching methods have been integrated into physical and virtual classrooms, significantly improving the learning experience and knowledge retention.

So, what are these new approaches to teaching? Whether you’re an elementary or higher education teacher or an online instructor, you need to familiarise yourself with these modern, advanced teaching methods to deliver effective instruction and keep your learners engaged.

1. Flipped Classroom

Let’s start with the most popular modern teaching technique. Traditional teaching methods instruct that learners are introduced to the subject in the classroom first, then study independently at home.

In a flipped classroom, students first learn about the subject on their own, then come to the classroom to resolve questions and practice with a collaborative project or another activity that fits the scope of the subject.

This method helps students have an active role and develop more autonomy in their learning. Instead of relying on the teacher to introduce them to the subject and do all the heavy lifting for them, students become their own teachers!

2. Tactile Learning

Also known as kinesthetic learning, tactile learning takes place through demonstrations and hands-on activities. This teaching method also applies to online classrooms, with the teacher demonstrating an activity and learners practicing simultaneously from their homes. It’s best suited for practical subjects and skills where learners need to develop dexterity or construct things.

The term tactile learning refers to active and collaborative learning. By working at the same pace as the teacher, mistakes can be spotted and corrected immediately, preventing the learner from developing a wrong technique.

3. VAK Learning

VAK learning is broader than the above-mentioned tactile method, as it involves all three different types of learners: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.

Visual learners absorb information better when they view the material (textbooks, presentations, infographics, diagrams, charts), Auditory learners when they hear it (podcasts, videos, discussions), and Kinesthetic learners as they act out the content.

VAK learning has something for everyone – by using different types of learning material, you can be sure your students will always anticipate what’s coming next!

4. Project-Based Learning

In project-based learning, the teacher assigns a practical or theoretical project, and students must work to materialise the project. Projects aim to solve real-life problems and not abstract ones.

You can assign projects individually or in small teams. Whatever the case, working on a project is the best example of active learning. It enhances creativity and problem-solving and invites students to think practically.

5. Problem-Based Learning

While problem-based learning is similar to project-based learning, it differs in that the problem is presented before anything else is taught.

Learners work together or separately to decide on the best course of action to complete the project. In problem-based learning, the difficulty level gradually increases as we move from basic knowledge and initial discovery to more advanced projects.

6. Collaborative Learning

Collaborative learning is an umbrella term that includes any project or activity that learners work together on. A lesson plan based on collaborative learning helps build valuable soft skills like teamwork, delegation, time management, collaboration, decision-making, and social skills.

Through collaborative activities, learners also start to work on their self-awareness, as they need to evaluate their strengths and choose their part in the project depending on their skills. The fact that all group members are accountable for the outcome teaches them how their actions can affect the whole group as well.

7. Cooperative Learning

This learning method is similar to collaborative learning. The teacher organises students into small groups, assigning each member a specific role and task to carry out. In cooperative learning, students have a common goal to reach – alongside, they learn to collaborate, take responsibility, and develop team spirit.

8. Game-Based Learning

Game-based learning is pretty much what the term describes – using games as part of the instruction process. Games have an element of active learning and are particularly engaging as they are a sort of “distraction” of their own from typical learning. The online, group, or role-playing games can all be part of the syllabus. Games automatically make the learning environment entertaining, and learning becomes an adventure. For instance, resources like ABCmouse incorporate interactive reading games into their platform, thus enhancing the learning experience by combining fun with education.

By definition, games usually involve a sense of reward and accomplishment, which is why they can be very motivating for learners. Similar to game-based learning is gamification, which involves game mechanics -and not necessarily actual games- like scores, levels, badges, and leaderboards.