Which Is The Best Teaching Methodology?

Different educational institutes have different ways of teaching. Some of these are teacher-centric while the others are student-oriented. There is a constant debate on which of these is the best teaching methodology.

A quick scan and understanding will help us understand:

Teacher-Centric Teaching Methodology

As the name suggests, this methodology mainly revolves around the teacher. The attention is completely on the teacher who teaches by giving lectures and demonstrations either using a blackboard or a technological tool. The students are passive in this scenario and are usually the listeners. They play little or no role in the entire process. They take in information quietly as the teacher teaches.

Student-Oriented Teaching Methodology

This teaching methodology has a wider acceptance because students are no longer the passive listeners. They are active and play an equal role in the entire teaching and learning process. This means that there are practical lessons involved in which they participate. They also create presentations and demonstrations, making the entire classroom and dynamic one. It has been proven that this methodology brings in and spreads more knowledge and information. It also helps students learn faster because everyone is playing an important role and the distractions are minimal.

There may be many other methodologies but they can be classified into either of these two broad categories. Even from a superficial comparison, we can understand that student-oriented teaching is the best because it keeps the students engaged. It is easy for students to get bored and distracted especially in today's times. To keep their interest on the peak, we have to come up with ways that will help them focus. Engagement is the best way to ensure this.

The biggest problem that many educational institutes face here is striking the balance. Teacher-oriented methodology is a traditional one and has been continuing for many years. Getting out of that mindset and implementing strategies that make the teaching process student-oriented has become quite difficult. An easy way to start is to choose theory and practical lessons simultaneously. Along with teaching theoretically through lectures, giving the students a live demonstration or a practical lesson will help teach better. The students will not just understand what is being taught but will also have it imprinted in their minds through the practical sessions.

The educational institutes that have been able to develop this methodology have been successful in improving the results of students in exams. The merit percentage has gone up and seeing these excellent results, other institutes are also beginning to follow the same methodology.

Thus, it is safe to say that the best teaching methodology is specifically the one that includes practice sessions. Commonly referred to as the "learn by practice" method, this has proven to be the best way to teach students at schools and universities.

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