Unit 1: Methods of Teaching and Planning for Teaching

Overview: This unit aims to introduce the various teaching methods, strategies for effective
planning, and the role of e-learning in modern education. Emphasis is placed on diverse
pedagogical approaches and how they can be implemented to foster engaging and interactive
learning environments. Teachers will also explore how to plan effectively for both traditional and
digital classrooms, ensuring that learning is inclusive and accessible to all students.

1. Teaching Methods

• Lecture: Traditional method of instruction where the teacher delivers content to students
in a structured format. Example: A history professor giving a lecture on ancient
civilizations.
• Interaction: Fosters student engagement through discussions, Q&A, and peer interaction.
Example: A literature class where students share interpretations of a poem.
• Demonstration: Teacher shows how to perform a task or experiment. Example: A
science teacher demonstrating a chemical reaction in a lab.
• Group Discussion: Small groups of students discuss a topic and share insights. Example:
A business management class where students discuss strategies for market growth.
• Project: Students work on real-world problems or tasks. Example: An engineering class
creating a prototype of a sustainable product.
• Problem Solving: Students work through challenges or puzzles. Example: Math students
solving a complex algebraic equation in groups.
• Games and Quizzes: Gamifying learning to increase engagement. Example: A language
teacher using flashcards in a quiz format to test vocabulary.
• Market Studies and Survey: Students collect and analyze data from the real world.
Example: A sociology class conducting a survey on social behaviors.
• Case Study: Students examine real-life situations or problems in detail. Example: A law
class analyzing a landmark case to understand legal precedents.
• Seminar: A form of academic instruction that involves a small group of students
discussing a particular topic. Example: A seminar on environmental policies with guest
speakers and student-led discussions.
• Symposium: Similar to a seminar but usually more formal and involving multiple
presenters. Example: An educational symposium where experts in artificial intelligence
discuss future trends.
• Activity-Based Methods Review: Hands-on activities to consolidate learning. Example:
A geography teacher using a globe to help students understand the Earth's rotation.
• Role Play: Students take on roles to simulate real-world scenarios. Example: A law class
where students role-play as lawyers and clients to practice legal arguments.
• Simulation: Using software or real-life scenarios to mimic processes. Example: A
medical class using a simulation app to practice diagnosing conditions.
• Brainstorming: Students generate ideas or solutions collaboratively. Example: A design
class brainstorming creative ideas for a new product.
• Blended Learning: Combining online and in-person learning methods. Example: A math
class where students attend lectures online but practice problem-solving in class.
 • Flipped Classroom: Students learn the content at home and engage in activities during
class. Example: A history teacher assigns videos to watch at home, and during class,
students analyze and discuss the material in groups.

2. Conversational, Enquiring, and Scaffolding Techniques

These techniques shape a classroom environment where shared learning is emphasized.

• Conversational Techniques: Encourage dialogue between the teacher and students,

making learning a more interactive process. Example: The teacher asks open-ended
questions like, “What do you think might happen if…?” to stimulate critical thinking.
• Enquiring Techniques: Focus on asking thought-provoking questions to deepen
understanding. Example: In a science class, the teacher might ask, “Why do you think
plants need sunlight?” to provoke curiosity and exploration.
• Scaffolding Techniques: Gradually increasing the level of support to help students reach
higher levels of understanding. Example: In a math class, the teacher starts by teaching
basic concepts and then gradually moves to more complex problems while providing
continuous support.

These methods encourage dialogic learning, allowing students to interact with peers and
teachers, thus constructing knowledge collaboratively.

3. Planning Before, During, and After the Class

Effective planning is crucial for any teaching methodology to succeed. Teachers need to consider
the entire scope of learning before, during, and after the class.

• Curriculum Mapping: Aligning the curriculum with learning objectives and ensuring
coherence across all lessons. Example: A teacher ensures that all topics throughout the
year build on each other logically and support students' development.
• Yearly Planning and Design: Planning over the course of the year, outlining key
learning goals and assessment methods. Example: A teacher outlines what will be taught
in each term, ensuring there’s a clear progression.
• Unit Planning and Lesson Planning:
o Taxonomy-Based: Organizing lessons based on Bloom’s Taxonomy
(Remember, Understand, Apply, Analyze, Evaluate, Create). Example: A
lesson on photosynthesis where students first recall basic facts, then
analyze how the process works.
o Sequential: Creating lessons in a logical order, ensuring concepts build on
each other. Example: A unit on chemistry starts with basic elements before
moving to more complex reactions.
 o Timeline-Based: Planning lessons according to a time schedule, breaking
the content into manageable sections. Example: A history class on World
War II where the timeline is broken into specific events studied over several
lessons.

4. E-learning and Online Pedagogy

E-learning has transformed traditional education. Understanding how to effectively use

technology for learning is essential.

• Online Teaching Platforms and E-learning Models: Using digital platforms (like
Google Classroom, Moodle) to teach and collaborate. Example: An online platform
where students submit assignments, participate in discussions, and receive feedback.
• Relationship Between Content, Technology, People, and Pedagogy: Understanding
how these four elements interact is vital. Technology should not drive the content;
instead, it should support pedagogical approaches and engage students effectively.
• Connectivism and Rhizomatic Learning Approaches:
o Connectivism: Learning as a process of creating connections within
networks of information, ideas, and people. Example: A student learns about
climate change by participating in an online forum where experts and peers
exchange ideas.
o Rhizomatic Learning: An approach where learning is not linear but spreads
out in many directions, much like roots growing from a rhizome. Example: A
student follows multiple paths, like reading articles, watching videos, and
attending webinars on a topic, contributing to their understanding in diverse
ways.
• Issues of Accessibility and Digital Exclusion: Not all students have equal access to
digital resources. Teachers must consider the digital divide and make provisions for
students without reliable internet or devices. Example: Providing offline resources or
ensuring that students can access physical copies of materials when necessary.

This unit equips educators with the tools to plan effectively and integrate both traditional and
modern teaching strategies. By combining pedagogical theory with practical applications,
teachers can create inclusive and engaging learning environments.