A workshop on participatory teaching methods

Presentation by

Kafyulilo, A.C.

DUCE

Introduction

• The purpose of this presentation is to share knowledge, skills and techniques of using a reflective teaching and learning approach.

• Traditionally we taught our students by using the ‘cramming method’. In which the purpose of education was to impart knowledge to learners.

• Currently the teaching approach is shifting from teachers centered to learners centered. With this approach the purpose of education is considered to be that of cultivating the development of students’ innovation spirit and practical competences.

Objectives of the workshop

• By the end of this presentation, teachers should be able to;– Identify the characteristics of a good teacher– Outline student-centered teaching and

learning methods– Explain how best different methods can be

used in a lesson– Identify appropriate guidelines for a particular

teaching and learning process

Activity

• Let us brainstorm on the following:– What is teaching?– What makes a good teacher?

What is teaching?

• It's about motivating students to learn, which should be done in a manner that is relevant, meaningful, and memorable.

• It's about caring for your craft/skills, having a passion for it, and conveying that passion to everyone, most importantly to your students.

• Good teaching is also about bridging the gap between theory and practice.

• It's about immersing oneself in the field, talking to, consulting with, and assisting practitioners, and liaison with their communities.

What makes a good teacher?

• Enthusiasm/eagerness• Preparedness • Punctuality • Support and show concern for students• Consistency • Politeness• Firmness and control• Provides personal help

What makes a …• Do not criticize students and loose their face• Is humble, fair, uses variety of learning

activities, • Has a sense of humor (allow funniness and

jokes)• Does not teach from a sitting or leaning position• Good interpersonal relationships with students• Employ an effective delivery methods• Keep accurate records of work completed,

attendance, test results, and students’ grades.

Activity

• In groups, discuss on how you can make an effective teaching in the classroom.

How do we teach?

• The following are to be observed when you are in the classroom;

– Provide for activity changes– Be somewhat unpredictable – Allow for variety of teaching approaches – Give eye-to-eye contact during teaching

process. – Put some paces in your teaching – Change of settings

Teaching methods• To make an informed choice of teaching methods, in

the teaching and learning process, the teacher must know; – the teaching methods available,– the strength and weakness of each method, – the purpose each can serve and how it can be used.

• The advised teaching method in the new era of science and technology is the participatory teaching method.

• A teacher who follows this teaching approach is called a reflective teacher. A teachers who believes in the constructivist learning theory.

Activity

• Discuss the meaning and characteristics of a reflective teacher.

• Suggest one way in which you can make your lesson reflective

Who is a reflective teacher?

• A reflective teacher is the one who respects the wonderful range of multiple talents and capacities of all individuals regardless of cultural, intellectual or gender differences.

• Basing on these principles; when teaching, emphasis should be put on; – Reflective thinking and productivity; – Context-rich learning; – Access to models of the skills appropriate to

the learning situation

Characteristics of a reflective teacher

• Believes all knowledge is constructed or invented by the learners

• Involves learners in active manipulations of meanings, numbers, and patterns

• Believes learning in nonlinear• Provides students with tools of empowerment;

concepts, procedures, self motivation and reflection.

• Believes that learning occurs most effectively through guided discovery, meaningful application and problem solving.

Participatory teaching methods• Participatory teaching approach is a form of a

reflective teaching approach which is sometimes termed as interactive teaching method or learner centered teaching method.

• This method stresses the subjectivity of learners and the self construction of knowledge.

• It is a shift from a belief that learners are empty plate who are supposed to be imparted with knowledge (teach concept) to a belief that learners can construct knowledge and learn on their own if properly guided (learn concept).

Activity

• Let us brainstorm on the various participatory teaching methods

Some of the participatory teaching methods

• Question and answer method: • Buzz groups• Discussion • Brainstorming • Role play • Future’s wheels• Songs and jingles (tune/ring)• Use of interactive media materials• Games • Devil’s Advocate• Case study• Field visit• Debate

Conclusion

There is no single teaching method that is suitable for all learners. All these teaching and learning methods are to be used interchangeably. It is advised that a teacher should use a variety of teaching and learning methods in a single period so as to provide a great variability of activities in the teaching and learning process.

How to search teaching materials

• Various curriculum materials can be easily obtained from different search engines such as Google, Yahoo, Msn, ask.com etc.

Discussion

• Let us reflect on the participatory teaching and learning methods we have mentioned right now.– Which one would you opt to use most and

why? – Think of the participatory teaching method

you are interested and prepare a five minutes lesson that you will present to your fellow learners

Questions

Reflection on the whole presentation

Discussion