There is a range of teaching methods that can be used in education, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the common ones include, but are not limited to, Project-based Learning, Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), and Cooperative Learning. 

The effectiveness of each of these teaching methods can depend on a variety of factors, including the subject matter, the needs and abilities of the students, and the teacher’s experience and skills. Ultimately, the most effective teaching method will depend on the specific learning goals, the needs of the students, and the teaching context. Teachers should be flexible in their approach, willing to experiment with different methods, and adapt their teaching strategies to meet the needs of their students.

Let’s take a look at the skills a modern day learner should have and how teachers can leverage different teaching methods to facilitate the process. 

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is an important skill that allows students to analyze information, solve problems, and make informed decisions. As such, a good teaching method should be devoted to developing critical thinking skills among students.

Project-based Learning (PBL) is one teaching method that can effectively promote critical thinking. By giving students a real-world problem to solve, PBL requires students to use critical thinking skills to analyze information, develop solutions, and evaluate the effectiveness of their ideas. This method encourages students to think creatively and independently, as well as collaborate with others to develop and refine their ideas.

Another effective teaching method for promoting critical thinking is inquiry-based learning. In this approach, students are encouraged to ask questions, investigate problems, and draw their own conclusions based on evidence. By engaging in this process, students are able to develop their critical thinking skills, as well as their ability to communicate their ideas and findings to others.

Socratic questioning is a teaching method that can also help to develop critical thinking skills. By asking students open-ended questions that require them to think deeply about a topic, teachers can help to promote critical thinking and encourage students to develop their own ideas and arguments.

Technical Skills

Technical skills are essential in today’s world and encompass a wide range of abilities. By developing strong technical skills, individuals can enhance their personal and professional lives, stay competitive in the job market, and contribute to the digital transformation of society.

Technical skills refer to the ability to use various digital tools and technologies effectively and efficiently. In today’s world, having strong technical skills is becoming increasingly important for personal and professional success. 

Here are some examples of teaching techniques that can enhance the technical skills of a person:

1. Hands-on learning: This method involves allowing students to learn by doing. By providing students with opportunities to practice technical skills, they can gain the hands-on experience and confidence they need to master the subject matter.
2. Project-based learning: This method involves providing students with a project that requires the application of technical skills to solve a real-world problem. It encourages students to apply what they have learned and develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
3. Demonstration and modeling: This method involves showing students how to perform technical tasks, followed by allowing them to practice on their own. This approach helps students learn by observing and imitating the teacher’s actions.
4. Collaborative learning: This approach involves group work and discussion, where students work together to solve technical problems. By working in teams, students can share ideas, ask questions, and learn from each other’s experiences.
5. Online tutorials and videos: With the availability of online resources, students can access a wealth of information and tutorials that can help them develop technical skills. Online tutorials and videos can provide step-by-step instructions, visual aids, and interactive exercises to help students learn at their own pace.

Overall, teaching technical skills requires a hands-on and practical approach that incorporates a variety of teaching methods and strategies. By using these methods, teachers can help students develop the skills they need to succeed in a technology-driven world.

Decision-Making

Decision-making skills are certainly important for a modern day learner to succeed in the highly competitive world. Let it be a simple decision of what to eat for dinner or a complex, life-altering question of how to get into a business school, decision-making takes center stage in all walks of life.  Some effective teaching methods for promoting decision-making skills include:

1. Case studies: Analyzing and evaluating real-world scenarios can help students develop their critical thinking and decision-making skills.
2. Role-playing: Engaging in role-playing activities can help students learn how to make decisions under pressure and in various situations.
3. Simulations: Simulations can provide students with hands-on experience in making decisions in a safe and controlled environment.
4. Group projects: Collaborating with others to complete projects can help students develop their decision-making and communication skills.

In addition to teaching methods, admission experts can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the college or business school application process. They can offer insights into the admissions criteria, provide feedback on essays and applications, and help students develop strategies for presenting themselves in the best possible light.

Emotional Intelligence

 Some teaching methods that can polish emotional intelligence skills include the following:

1. Use storytelling: Storytelling is a powerful tool for building empathy and understanding. Teachers can use stories to help students connect with different perspectives, experiences, and emotions.
2. Foster collaboration and teamwork: Collaborative learning activities can help students develop emotional intelligence by practicing communication, active listening, and empathy.
3. Provide opportunities for self-regulation: Self-regulation is an important aspect of emotional intelligence. Teachers can provide opportunities for students to practice self-regulation through mindfulness exercises, self-reflection, and stress-management techniques.
4. Provide feedback: Feedback is a critical component of emotional intelligence development. Teachers can provide feedback to students in a constructive and supportive way, focusing on specific behaviors and encouraging growth and development.

Creativity

Project-based learning (PBL) is a highly effective teaching method that can foster creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills in students. In PBL, students work on a project that is based on real-world problems or challenges, and they are responsible for developing a solution or a product. PBL encourages students to engage in deep learning by exploring complex topics and developing skills through hands-on experiences.

On the other hand, we have Storytelling, a powerful teaching method that can help students think outside the box and develop their creativity. Storytelling can be used in a variety of ways in the classroom, such as:

1. Engaging students: Stories can capture students’ attention and create a sense of wonder and curiosity. By using storytelling as a teaching method, teachers can engage students in the learning process and make the material more interesting and memorable.
2. Encouraging imagination: Stories can stimulate students’ imagination and creativity. When students are exposed to stories, they can visualize the scenes and characters in their minds, which can help them develop their creativity and imagination.
3. Developing empathy: Stories can help students develop empathy by exposing them to different perspectives and experiences. Through stories, students can learn to see the world through the eyes of others and develop a deeper understanding of different cultures and backgrounds.
4. Teaching moral values: Stories can be used to teach moral values and lessons. By using stories to illustrate important values and concepts, teachers can help students develop a strong sense of ethics and morality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the most effective teaching method will depend on the specific learning goals, the subject matter, the students’ learning styles and abilities, and the context in which the learning is taking place. Different teaching methods may be more or less effective depending on the situation.

About the Author

​​Edita Hovhannisyan is an expert in Iranian and English studies. She is a mom of two boys and holds two university degrees. Edita contributes articles about education, its methodologies, and new approaches to more effective learning and progress.