Introduction to the Evolving Landscape of Teaching Methods

After 25 years of teaching elementary school students, I, a retired educator, felt the frustration of constantly changing teaching methods. Practices once considered gospel in teacher training colleges were now being criticized. Implementing new strategies that seemed uncertain and forcing myself to adapt to new approaches led me to seek a better understanding. Returning to school for a Master of Education degree provided insights into this dynamic field. The key takeaway is that there is no one-size-fits-all 'best' teaching method. Instead, the most effective teachers tailor their methods to their students and the requirements of the subjects they teach.

Adapting to Change in Teaching

Though my career ended with teaching management students mathematical and financial concepts, the principles I've learned about adapting to change remain relevant. In a quickly evolving educational landscape, it's crucial to listen to the experiences and research of experienced educators rather than fallacies put forth by so-called 'resume builders'—individuals often claiming to have miraculous methods without solid evidence.

My Teaching Methods for Management Students

For management students, I employed a structured yet adaptable approach to teaching practical subjects such as mathematics, statistics, and finance:

Topic Introduction: I wrote the topic on the board and initially discussed its basics and concepts. This step was repeated thrice to ensure that the concepts were deeply imprinted in the students' minds. Curriculum Relevance: I explained why each topic was included in the syllabus, discussing how it would benefit them in their future jobs or business careers. Practical Application: I worked out one illustration step by step, repeating the process to ensure clarity, and then explained potential twists and turns that might be encountered during exams. Guided Practice: I assigned a problem for students to work out independently and guided them during the process. Homework and Presentation: Students were tasked with five different problems as homework and required to present and guide five others in class the following day, providing a opportunity for peer learning and immersion. Reference Material: I provided students with library books for further study and reference.

For theory subjects, I emphasized class discussions after explaining the basics and the significance of the topic.

Conclusion: The Best Method of Teaching

In my experience, the best method of teaching management students involves a blend of repetition, practical relevance, guided practice, and interactive discussion. However, the key is to be flexible and adaptive, recognizing that different students and subjects may require different approaches. Ultimately, the effectiveness of any method lies in its ability to engage students and ensure they understand and can apply the material to real-world situations.

Key Takeaways for Educators

Tailoring Methods: Adapt your teaching methods to suit your students and the subject matter. Student-Centered Learning: Focus on making concepts relevant and applicable to their future careers or studies. Practical and Theoretical Balance: Provide a blend of practical problem-solving and theoretical discussion. Pedagogical Flexibility: Be open to change and new methods, but critically evaluate their effectiveness.

These insights have guided my approach to teaching and, as a retired educator, continue to inform my perspective on effective instruction in a rapidly changing educational landscape.