Difference between the teaching method, approach, and strategy?
Teaching method, approach, and strategy are three distinct but interrelated concepts used in education. Here's a breakdown of each with examples:
- Teaching Method: The teaching method refers to the overall plan or structure used to deliver instruction to students. It's a broad term that encompasses all the techniques, procedures, and tools used by teachers to facilitate learning. Examples of teaching methods include lecture, discussion, group work, case studies, demonstrations, and simulations.
For instance, a lecturer might use the lecture method to deliver a lesson on a particular topic. In contrast, a teacher might use the discussion method to encourage students to share their ideas and opinions about a subject matter.
- Approach: Approach refers to a set of theoretical principles that underlie the teaching method. It's a broader concept than teaching method as it encompasses the overall philosophy, beliefs, and values that guide the instructional design. Examples of approaches include communicative language teaching, task-based learning, and student-centered learning.
For example, the communicative language teaching approach emphasizes the importance of using language for communication rather than as a set of grammar rules. This approach values interaction and negotiation between students and the teacher in the language learning process.
- Strategy: Strategy refers to a specific action or technique that a teacher uses to achieve a particular learning goal. It's a more focused concept than teaching method or approach and is usually a part of a larger instructional plan. Examples of strategies include questioning techniques, graphic organizers, and mnemonic devices.
For instance, a teacher might use the graphic organizer strategy to help students understand the relationship between different concepts in a lesson. Or, a teacher might use a questioning technique to encourage students to think critically about a topic.
In summary, teaching method, approach, and strategy are three distinct but interconnected concepts that are essential for effective teaching and learning. While teaching method refers to the overall structure of instruction, approach refers to the underlying principles that guide instructional design, and strategy refers to specific actions or techniques used to achieve learning goals.
