Traditional Teaching Methods

The traditional teaching strategies of teaching is a teacher-centric one, wherein the teacher’s
supremacy in the classroom setup is promoted.

This method is characterised by teachers ‘Following the Drill’, and ‘Rote Memorization’.

Here, children learn through Repetition, which serves to firmly ensconced knowledge in their minds.

Forms of Traditional Teaching Methods

 Lecture: In a lecture-based approach, the teacher delivers information to students verbally, often
using a structured outline or presentation slides. Students listen and take notes to understand
and retain the material.

 Textbooks: Textbooks serve as primary resources for teaching and learning, providing organized
information on various subjects. Teachers use textbooks to structure lessons, assign readings, and
assess students' understanding through exercises and quizzes.

 Teacher-led Discussions: Teachers facilitate discussions by posing questions, guiding

conversation, and providing insights on the topic at hand. Students participate by sharing their
thoughts, asking questions, and engaging in dialogue with their peers.

 Rote Memorization: Rote memorization involves learning through repetition and memorizing
facts, formulas, or information without necessarily understanding the underlying concepts
deeply. This method is often used for learning vocabulary, mathematical equations, and historical
dates.

 Drills and Practice: Drills and practice exercises are used to reinforce learning and develop
mastery of skills. These may include repetitive exercises, worksheets, and quizzes designed to
assess students' understanding and retention of material.

 Homework Assignments: Homework assignments extend learning beyond the classroom,

allowing students to practice and apply what they have learned independently. Assignments may
include reading assignments, problem sets, writing tasks, or research projects.

 Exams and Assessments: Exams and assessments are used to evaluate students' knowledge,
understanding, and mastery of course material. Traditional forms of assessment include written
exams, quizzes, and standardized tests administered at regular intervals throughout the school
year.

 Teacher-Centered Instruction: In teacher-centered instruction, the teacher plays a central role in

delivering instruction, leading activities, and directing the learning process. Students are expected
to listen, follow instructions, and complete assignments as directed by the teacher.

 Blackboard/Whiteboard Instruction: Teachers use blackboards or whiteboards to illustrate

concepts, write notes, and solve problems during lessons. This visual aid helps students visualize
information and follow along with the teacher's explanations.

 Recitation: Recitation involves students reciting or repeating information aloud, either

individually or as a group. This method reinforces learning through repetition and provides
opportunities for students to practice verbal communication skills.
 Key Features
 The learning happens within a physical space. In other words, the four walls of a classroom.
 The teacher is in complete control of the learning environment.
 There is a strict reliance on textbooks.
 The learning happens at a predetermined pace and schedule.

Advantages

1. Active learning scope

The traditional teaching method has a huge scope for providing Active Learning. The Active Learning
Environment is created primarily on account of students interacting with their peers.

2. It is more affordable
Not everyone is bestowed with the privilege to go to fancy schools. This is where traditional teaching
steps in, finding its way to even remote rural areas.

3. It provides a space for practical aspects of learning

All those Biology and Chemistry experiments, best happen within a traditional laboratory. That is
where traditional teaching scores massively, over its modern counterpart.

4. There is an increased sense of interaction between teachers and students

This is how children learn best. The teacher tirelessly addresses any queries that the students might
have and also asks the students their own set of questions that help boost their critical thinking.

5. It teaches students how to manage their time effectively

Since there is a proper timetable for the students to follow, it teaches them the nuances of effective
Time Management.

6. It provides them with that much-needed experiential Learning

This is on account of traditional teaching providing hands-on learning to the students, thereby
helping them apply the knowledge they have learned.

7. Provides access to important facilities

As all of the learning in Traditional Teaching happens on campus, students have access to important
facilities like libraries and canteens.

8. Strikes a balance between physical and mental well-being

The great thing about traditional teaching is, it offers students a healthy mix of activities that helps
them be sharp both physically, and mentally too!

Disadvantages

1. It is time- and location-bound

While this might inculcate a sense of discipline in students, the lack of flexibility makes it quite
difficult for students to adhere to its stringent routine.

2. The high cost involved.

When we talk about traditional teaching, we are speaking of a great deal of infrastructure to build
those havens of learning for children. Needless to say, all of that comes at a price.

3. It is not adaptive to the needs of children.

Following the methodology, they deem best for students, the teachers leave little space for
improvisation.

4. It is mainly theory-based.
The teaching here is mainly theory-based, leaving little scope for activities that provide a more
holistic method of learning. In large part, this is on account of the lack of time for those activities.

5. The daily commute becomes a problem.

For many students, that daily commute to their places of learning might burn a hole in their pockets.
There’s an even greater problem in times like the outbreak of a disease, or merely heavy rains, when
it becomes impossible to go to schools.

6. Generic methodologies.
The teaching methods that are employed in this mode of teaching are Generic, as opposed to the
more favourable ‘Learner-Specific’.

7. It lacks Process-Oriented Learning.

In traditional teaching, there is a focus on passing tests based on a huge syllabus, and not
understanding the techniques and skills that are required to find answers. The learning process is
thus severely devalued.

8. There is no interaction with teachers after school hours.

Students cannot interact with their teachers after school has closed for the day. This is why a lot of
problems go unsolved unless they are solved on the spot.

Traditional versus Modern Education

Modern education differs greatly from old approaches and is now widely used in schools, with a
stronger emphasis on science and technology. Modern education makes lessons more entertaining
and participatory for students by utilising a variety of computer technology, the Internet, and
projector presentations. Unlike traditional textbooks and theoretical learning, modern education
eliminates the traditional system’s constraints to allow for learning through trial and experience. In
traditional education, students were taught known facts and knowledge, but critical thinking and
problem-solving abilities were also imparted so that they coold conduct research and advance to
higher levels of education online.

Because traditional teaching methods rely on repetition and retention of material, children do not
develop critical thinking, problem-solving, or decision-making skills. Back then, education or
knowledge was limited to the skills required for survival. Then came the period of extensive use of
science and technology in everyday situations. This was also the time when science and technology
began to progress the most rapidly.

Reference:

1. https://www.eurokidsindia.com/blog/traditional-teaching-methods-advantages-and-
disadvantages.php
2. https://testbook.com/ugc-net-paper-1/traditional-teaching-method
3. https://www.billabonghighschool.com/blogs/pros-and-cons-of-traditional-teaching-a-
detailed-guide/
 https://gcwgandhinagar.com/econtent/document/1588067313Teaching%20with
%20modern%20and%20traditional%20methods.pdf
 7E Teaching Method
7E learning cycle model is a useful recommended instructional approach in science curriculum and in
today’s science curriculum scenario, the instructors or the teachers should be encouraged to
incorporate this model into their teaching. Eisenkraft (2003) proposed the phases of the 7E learning
cycle model as follows- Elicit, Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate, and Extend.

Elicit

The objective of the first phase of the learning cycle is to determine what the students already know
about the about the concept to be taught. The teacher can access the prior knowledge of the
students through Questioning, KWL chart, incomplete concept maps, concept cartoons, activity
sheets etc. The teacher also tries to track down if any misconceptions students have about the
subject.

For example, to find out the students‟ previous knowledge on the topic- “Water pollution”, the
teacher can ask questions like-What happens when harmful substances enter into water bodies &
get dissolved in them? Why is it important to save water? What are the various sources of water
contamination? Answers coming from students will disclose their knowledge about water & its
contamination.

Engage

The motive of this phase is to get the students mind focused on the topic. The teacher arouses
interest and stimulates the curiosity of the students towards learning the subject matter so that they
become ready to give all their attention on the contents taught.

E.g. To gain the students‟ attention on the topic -“Water pollution”, the teacher can tell them a story
or show them a video or diagram or a small science activity on water pollution and can ask a few
questions based on the material presented. This way students will get to know the importance of
clean water for human beings and will be naturally motivated to learn.
Explore

The purpose of this phase is to provide the students with a common experience. The students get
involved in the topic directly, explore the concept themselves which help them build their own
understanding and realize the unsatisfactory explanations in their minds. Teacher work only as a
consultant for the students whereas student role is active in this phase. The students are
encouraged to work together in collaborative &cooperative manner. They share their experiences,
observations and findings with their peer group. The tasks and discussions provide them a chance to
achieve a better understanding of the concept. Involving the students to work together in activities
develop teamwork, cooperative learning skills and helps them in the process of sharing and
communicating.

E.g. The teacher can divide the students in three groups with names cause, effect & solution.
Students in group-I will explore the Causes of water pollution, group-II will explore the Effects of
water pollution and group-III will explore ways for the prevention and control of water pollution with
the resources or study guides provided by the teacher. After sometime each group can be asked to
give a brief presentation of their topics before the other two groups Each presentation can be
further followed by peer group discussion. The teacher will encourage the students to ask questions
based on the information presented to know their understanding & to reveal if any misconceptions
they have related to the concept.

Explain

In this phase, students discuss and express their conceptual understandings with the teacher and
their classmates. Both teacher and the students actively participate in this phase. The teacher needs
to question based on the information provided while explaining the subject matter to examine
students‟ understanding, to induce their thinking & to ensure that the concepts are correctly formed
in students‟ minds. The teacher explains the whole concept by making connections between
students‟ understanding and examples from the living world.

E.g. The teacher encourages the students to explain the concept of water pollution in their own
words to know their level of understanding of the concepts. The teacher can ask students questions
based on the information provided & can also ask for clarification & justification from the students if
required. Then the teacher explains the whole concept of water pollution- its causes and effects and
solutions by connecting students‟ explanations with scientific clarifications and examples from the
nature.

Elaborate

In this phase students gets the opportunity to apply the information learned in the „Explain‟ phase.
This benefits the students‟ in extending their conceptual understanding about the concept taught.
Related activities or experiments can be shown to the students to get a deeper understanding of the
concept. Students' previous understanding helps them ask more questions, arrive at solutions, and
will be able to draw a rational conclusion from the evidence.

E.g. During this phase students will get the opportunity to enhance their understanding of concepts
about water pollution control & the importance of clean water for healthy living. They will learn to
clean “dirty water sample” by water treatment steps using supplies that are easily available at home.
The teacher can divide the students in three groups (Group 1-Coagulation and Sedimentation, Group
2-Filtration & Group 3- Disinfection). Each group will represent a water treatment step and they will
be asked to perform water treatment by using supplies that are available at home. To begin the
investigation, teacher will provide them a “dirty water sample” collected from the local pond. The
first group will use Alum for cleaning of water sample. The second group will use gravel & sand for
filtration & the third group will add chlorine in the dirty water sample to disinfect it. After few
minutes each group will share their experiences with other two groups & with the teacher. This
activity will encourage them to think critically on the impurities present in the water &
consequences of consuming dirty water on human health. It will also help them develop concern for
keeping the water clean.

Evaluate

Both process as well as product of student learning are examined through this phase. The teacher
uses rubrics, checklist, observation sheets, self-assessment, peer-assessment, writing assignments,
and other formative as well as summative evaluation techniques to guide students learning. The
teacher assesses if the students‟ have attained an understanding of concepts or not. In this model
evaluation is an ongoing diagnostic process which goes beyond testing correct answers only for
passing a grade.

E.g. The teacher will use questioning throughout the lesson to reveal the student understanding (or

insufficient knowledge) about the concept. The teacher can give them a short-written quiz consisting
of open-ended questions on the water pollution to determine the extent to which the students have
learned the concepts. Self-assessment sheets can also be given to encourage the students to assess
their own learning.

Extend

In this phase, students apply the concepts learned in real-world situations. Transfer of learning to a
new context enhances their conceptual understanding. E.g. The teacher can give them an activity to
make “water pollution awareness” posters from the newspaper cuttings. The teacher will divide the
students in groups of 5 or 6 students (or as appropriate), and involve them in collecting and
arranging the newspaper cuttings according to the news items which shows the issues related to
water pollution & displaying them on a big piece of cardboard that can be put up on the wall. From
this activity, the students will be able to create and develop awareness on the issues concerning
water pollution. They will also be able to develop critical thinking, task orientation, team work and
social skills.

Role of Teacher

The role of the teacher here is not giving lecture to students but working as facilitator or a guide for
them. The teacher encourages the students to participate actively in the process of learning and
motivates them to work together collaboratively and cooperatively. The teacher makes sure he/she
understands the students' pre-existing conceptions and guides the activity to address them and then
build on them (Oliver, 2000). The teacher has the responsibility to adjust, modify, restructure and re-
plan the teaching- learning strategy to facilitate the process of knowledge construction by the
students.

Role of Students

The role of students is to actively participate in the process of learning through asking questions,
conveying their ideas and viewpoints. They are not supposed to sit at a desk all day & just attending
the teachers‟ lectures rather they should actively engage themselves to learn on their own
constructively, enjoy the learning and apply their natural curiosity to the world. They are required to
collaborate & cooperate with their fellow peers.

Advantages
Aid in deeper understanding of the concepts

7E model advocates for active involvement of students‟ in the learning process rather than sitting
back & passively receiving the information brought to them. As the students are engaging
themselves with the content, making connections with their prior knowledge, exchanging,
discussing, questioning, reflecting, applying their learning in new situations; it promotes deeper
understanding of the concept and help them maintain their concentration throughout the learning
process.

Makes the learning efficient

Learning is more effective if the teacher can determine what the students already knows about the
concept being taught. This model has emphasized the necessity of eliciting previous understanding
of the students. This step helps the teacher realize what the students need to know first, which in
turn results in efficient and meaningful learning.

Promotes transfer of learning

7E model prescribe transfer of learning or skills in the real-life situations. Research has shown that
expert learners are much more adept at the transfer of learning than novices and that practice in the
transfer of learning is required in good instruction (Bransford, Brown, and Cocking 2000).

Stimulates intrinsic motivation to learn

The 7E model favors providing conducive learning environment to the students. The favorable
learning environment increases their motivation to learn. They find the learning interesting, engage
themselves in the activities entirely from within rather than in order to receive some external
rewards, work together and support each other, enjoy the learning process and find internal
satisfaction in it. Generates confidence and self-esteem: One of the important features of this model
is that students are not judged based on „right‟ and „wrong‟ answers rather their point of view is
given importance. Such an emphasis generates confidence and self-esteem in the students making
them ready to deal with more complex problems.

Develops thinking skills

In this technological era where information is accessible online, 24 hours a day, development of
thinking skills have become more essential. This approach provides opportunities for insightful
learning, teaches students to consider multiple aspects of a given situation or phenomenon, think
critically about various possibilities and question the information before reaching any conclusion.
This develops reflective thinking skills, critical thinking skills as well as reasoning skills among the
learners which ultimately help them to make good decisions & quickly adapt to new challenges.

Develops communication and social skills

In 7E model students are expected and motivated to interact and communicate with peers and
teacher in a healthy manner. They learn to work cooperatively, sharing their knowledge, viewpoints,
findings with others. This help the students to improved social, mental and emotional well-being,
build positive relationships with peers & teacher and thus making the learning more efficient.

Basis for developing instructional materials

7E model serve as a basis for developing instructional materials specifically lesson plans &
worksheets, which can be implemented by the teachers in their classrooms to facilitate teaching-
learning process.
Reference

1. Ms. Shaista Rahman, Dr. Rekha Chavhan, “7E Model: An Effective Instructional Approach For
Teaching Learning” EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR) Vol 8,
Issue 1, January 2022 DOI: 10.36713/epra2013.
2. https://www.slideshare.net/DrMuttuVemula/7-e-modal-lesson-plan#2
3. https://aae.lewiscenter.org/documents/AAE/Science/NGSS/eisenkrafttst.pdf
4.
9E Teaching Method