My Favorite Teaching Techniques and Methods in the Classroom

With over 25 years of experience in elementary and university-level teaching, I have witnessed a myriad of teaching methods and strategies evolve and change. As a result, I have gained valuable insights into what truly works to cultivate effective learning environments and foster student engagement. This article highlights my favored teaching techniques and methods.

Adapting to Change: A Life in Teaching

Throughout my career in teaching, I have felt a growing frustration with the rapidly shifting educational landscape. Time-honored methods that were once considered the gold standard were quickly refuted, leaving educators like myself grappling with new and sometimes dubious strategies. The challenge of keeping up with these changes led me to pursue a Master of Education degree, where I discovered that there is no single best method in teaching. Instead, I learned that the most effective teachers are those who deeply understand their students and are adaptable in their approach.

The best way to approach teaching is not by clinging to a single method, but by knowing your students well, adapting to the methods that work best for them, and staying open to new ideas. This involves embracing a continuous process of learning and improvement. One of the biggest pitfalls to avoid is succumbing to the allure of "resume builders"—educators who claim to possess the latest, "miracle" methods. The true measure of any teaching technique is whether it actually accomplishes what it aims to achieve.

My Teaching Approach in University Classes

My university teaching experience has involved subjects such as mathematics, operations research, statistics, and finance. Here are the key components of my teaching method:

1. Introduction and Overview

When starting a new topic, I write it on the board and discuss the basics and concepts thoroughly. This initial presentation is repeated three times for reinforcement. This repetition ensures that the concepts resonate with the students on a deep level.

2. Relevance to Future Careers

I clarify why the topic is included in the syllabus and explain how it will benefit the students in their future job or business career prospects. This helps students understand the practical value of the material.

3. Practical Examples

I work out one practical example on the board, explaining each step three times. This repetition ensures clarity and understanding. After the board work, I explain potential twists and turns in exam questions, such as how to handle conversions from hours to minutes. Guiding students through these examples helps them build problem-solving skills.

4. Independent Practice

I assign a problem for the students to work on independently. When they seek guidance, I offer support to ensure they understand the solution. Providing independent practice opportunities helps students apply what they've learned and build confidence.

5. Homework and Presentations

I give five different problems as homework and select five students to present five other problems on the board. This peer-teaching exercise not only helps the presenters reinforce their understanding but also provides the class with diverse problem-solving perspectives.

My Approach in Genetics and Other Sciences

As a teacher in the field of genetics, I firmly believe that the hands-on approach is the key to mastering complex scientific concepts. In my genetics classes, students spend more time in the laboratory than in lectures. Some of these labs are in a 5:1 ratio, which significantly enhances practical learning. Encouraging students to develop independent experiments and offering support for those interested in independent research experiences further fosters a deep understanding of the subject.

By combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experiments, students can truly grasp the intricacies of genetics and apply their understanding in real-world scenarios. This approach not only deepens their knowledge but also sparks their interest in the field, making them more likely to excel in it.

In conclusion, my teaching philosophy is to adapt and innovate, adapting the methods that work best for students and continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of the educational landscape. Whether it's in elementary school or university, the focus should always be on engagement, practical application, and deep understanding.