In teaching and learning, methods and techniques are related but distinct concepts.

Here’s a
breakdown of their differences, along with examples:

1. Teaching and Learning Methods

Definition:
Methods refer to the broader, structured approaches or strategies used to facilitate teaching and
learning. These methods guide the overall design and delivery of lessons.

Characteristics:

 Comprehensive and long-term in scope.

 Provide a framework for teaching.
 Include guiding philosophies or approaches.

Examples of Teaching Methods:

 Lecture Method: The teacher delivers information directly to the students.

o Example: A history teacher giving a talk about World War II.
 Discussion Method: Students and teachers interact in discussions to explore ideas.
o Example: A debate about ethical dilemmas in a philosophy class.
 Project-Based Learning: Students work on real-world projects to apply their
knowledge.
o Example: Engineering students designing a model bridge.

2. Teaching and Learning Techniques

Definition:
Techniques are specific actions, tools, or procedures used within a method to achieve specific
learning goals. They are smaller, practical tactics to implement methods.

Characteristics:

 Micro-level, targeted, and tactical.

 Adaptable to specific lesson needs or challenges.
 Often deal with how to present or engage material.

Examples of Teaching Techniques:

 Using Mnemonics (under the lecture method): Helping students memorize

information.
o Example: "PEMDAS" for the order of operations in math.
  Think-Pair-Share (under discussion): Encouraging students to reflect, pair up, and
share their ideas.
o Example: In a science class, students discuss possible outcomes of an experiment.
 Role-Playing (under experiential learning): Students act out scenarios to better
understand a concept.
o Example: Simulating a courtroom trial in a law class.

Key Differences

Aspect Methods Techniques

Scope Broad, general approaches Specific tools or procedures
Application Framework for the entire lesson Individual lesson components
Focus Strategy for teaching Execution of strategies
Examples Lecture, Discussion, Experiential Mnemonics, Group Work, Role-Playing

Analogy:

Think of methods as the blueprint of a house and techniques as the tools and materials used
to build it.

Here are examples of methods and techniques under contemporary pedagogy, which
emphasizes student-centered, technology-enhanced, and inclusive learning approaches.

Methods in Contemporary Pedagogy

1. Flipped Classroom
o Definition: Students study content (e.g., videos, readings) at home and use class
time for discussion or problem-solving.
o Example: A math teacher assigns a video on solving quadratic equations for
homework. During class, students collaborate to solve related problems in groups.
2. Problem-Based Learning (PBL)
o Definition: Students learn by solving real-world, open-ended problems.
o Example: Medical students diagnosing a hypothetical patient using provided
symptoms and case details.
3. Blended Learning
o Definition: Combines online and face-to-face learning.
o Example: An English teacher uses an online discussion forum alongside in-class
debates.
 4. Gamification
o Definition: Incorporates game elements like points, badges, and leaderboards into
learning.
o Example: A history teacher uses a digital platform where students earn rewards
for completing quizzes or assignments.
5. Experiential Learning
o Definition: Focuses on learning through experience, such as internships,
simulations, or fieldwork.
o Example: Business students running a mock company to practice
entrepreneurship skills.

Techniques in Contemporary Pedagogy

1. Mind Mapping (under Problem-Based Learning)

o Definition: Students visually organize information around a central concept.
o Example: In a science class, students create a mind map of the effects of climate
change.
2. Interactive Simulations (under Experiential Learning)
o Definition: Students use virtual or physical simulations to practice skills.
o Example: Nursing students practice patient care in a virtual hospital simulation.
3. Peer Teaching (under Collaborative Learning)
o Definition: Students take turns teaching each other specific topics.
o Example: In a language class, advanced students teach beginner students new
vocabulary.
4. Digital Storytelling (under Project-Based Learning)
o Definition: Students create multimedia stories to demonstrate learning.
o Example: A history class produces videos narrating key events of the Civil Rights
Movement.
5. Breakout Rooms for Small Group Activities (under Online/Blended Learning)
o Definition: Students are divided into virtual rooms to collaborate on tasks.
o Example: Groups brainstorm solutions to ethical dilemmas in a remote philosophy
class.
6. Think-Pair-Share (under Flipped Classroom)
o Definition: Students think individually, discuss in pairs, and share with the class.
o Example: In an economics class, students analyze the impact of a tax policy on
businesses.
7. Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences (under Experiential Learning)
o Definition: Immersive VR tools are used to create real-world environments for
learning.
o Example: Geography students use VR to explore volcanic regions and understand
plate tectonics.
8. Choice Boards (under Personalized Learning)
o Definition: Students select tasks or projects from a menu of options.
 o Example: A literature teacher offers a choice of creating a comic, writing an
essay, or filming a scene to analyze a novel.

How These Apply in Practice:

For instance, in a science classroom, a teacher might:

 Use Problem-Based Learning (method) to have students investigate renewable energy

solutions.
 Employ Mind Mapping (technique) to brainstorm renewable energy types.
 Incorporate Gamification (method) with leaderboards for team contributions.
 Use Interactive Simulations (technique) to let students design wind turbines virtually.

Cooperative Learning falls under the category of a method in teaching and learning.

Why Cooperative Learning is a Method:

1. Broad Framework:
Cooperative learning provides a structured strategy where students work together in small
groups to achieve shared learning goals. It governs how the classroom is organized, the
interaction between students, and the teacher's role as a facilitator.
2. Multiple Techniques Can Be Used Within It:
Cooperative learning encompasses various techniques that support group-based learning.
These techniques are specific ways to implement cooperative learning effectively.

Techniques Within Cooperative Learning:

Here are some common techniques under the Cooperative Learning method:

1. Jigsaw Technique:
o Students are divided into groups, and each group member becomes an "expert" on
a specific topic. They then teach their topic to others.
o Example: In a history class, students research different causes of a war, then share
their findings with their peers.
2. Think-Pair-Share:
o Students think about a question individually, discuss their ideas with a partner,
and then share with the larger group.
o Example: In a biology class, students consider the benefits and risks of genetic
modification.
3. Round Robin Brainstorming:
o Each student in a group takes turns contributing an idea to a shared discussion.
o Example: In an English class, groups brainstorm themes in a novel.
 4. Numbered Heads Together:
o Groups are given a question, and each member collaborates to find the answer.
Then, one member is randomly selected to present.
o Example: In a math class, students solve a complex problem collaboratively.
5. Peer Tutoring:
o Students pair up, with one acting as a tutor to the other on a specific topic or skill.
o Example: Advanced learners help peers struggling with a concept.

Distinction:

Aspect Cooperative Learning (Method) Techniques Within Cooperative Learning

Scope A structured approach to group learning Specific activities or procedures
Examples Team-based learning, small-group tasks Jigsaw, Think-Pair-Share, Peer Tutoring
Focus Philosophy of collaboration Execution of collaboration strategies

In the context of deep learning for contemporary pedagogy, methods and techniques focus on
promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and long-term comprehension. Below are examples
of methods and their associated techniques:

Methods in Deep Learning

Methods are overarching frameworks that guide the design of deep learning experiences.

1. Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL):

o Students learn by posing questions, investigating answers, and reflecting on their
discoveries.
o Example: A science class investigates, “Why do seasons change?”
2. Socratic Method:
o Encourages students to think deeply by asking probing questions.
o Example: A teacher uses open-ended questions to guide a discussion about justice
in a philosophy class.
3. Project-Based Learning (PBL):
o Focuses on in-depth exploration of real-world problems over an extended period.
o Example: Students design a sustainable urban plan to address environmental
issues.
4. Case-Based Learning:
o Uses real-life scenarios to stimulate analysis and decision-making.
o Example: Business students analyze a company’s failed marketing campaign and
propose improvements.
5. Experiential Learning:
 o Students engage in hands-on activities and reflect on their experiences.
o Example: Medical students practice diagnostics in a simulated hospital.

Techniques in Deep Learning

Techniques are specific strategies or tools used to implement the methods.

Techniques under Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL):

1. KWL Chart: Students list what they Know, Want to know, and what they’ve Learned.
o Example: In a geography class, students use a KWL chart to explore the causes of
natural disasters.
2. Guided Research: Students conduct research with teacher-provided prompts.
o Example: Exploring the impact of deforestation through library and online
sources.

Techniques under Socratic Method:

1. Question Ladder: Questions progress from basic (What is it?) to analytical (Why does it
matter?).
o Example: Analyzing themes in a novel by starting with character identification
and progressing to thematic implications.
2. Socratic Circles: Students discuss a topic in an inner and outer circle, where the inner
group speaks and the outer observes.
o Example: Debating ethical issues like privacy in social media.

Techniques under Project-Based Learning (PBL):

1. Scaffolding: Breaking the project into smaller, manageable tasks.

o Example: In a STEM project on renewable energy, students start by researching
energy types, then build prototypes.
2. Peer Reviews: Students provide feedback on each other’s work.
o Example: Reviewing research findings in a climate change project.

Techniques under Case-Based Learning:

1. Role-Playing: Students act out roles in the scenario to understand different perspectives.
o Example: Acting as stakeholders during a business negotiation.
2. Case Discussions: Students analyze the case and share solutions in groups.
o Example: Discussing ethical dilemmas in a healthcare scenario.
Techniques under Experiential Learning:

1. Simulations: Use virtual or physical tools for realistic practice.

o Example: Pilots-in-training using a flight simulator.
2. Reflective Journals: Students document their experiences and insights.
o Example: A student reflects on their observations during a field trip to a museum.