Effective teaching methods observed in classroom instruction

Teaching methods that a teacher chooses will have an affect on the ability of the class to grasp the material being presented. In the classrooms I observed, I witnessed several different techniques and saw that they each can be effective if used properly.

When asking questions, I saw that it is important to vary the types of questions you ask of the class. Asking only close-ended questions does not accurately test the students' knowledge. By mixing in some open-ended questions, you require the students to apply what they know. Varying the types of questions asked makes the classroom discussion more interesting and less predictable. If the teacher walks around the room instead of standing in one place while asking question, it also helps to maintain the students' interest. The use of humor can help to relax a nervous child, but it should be used only when appropriate. Some of the classes that I observed could quickly see this as a sign that learning time was over.

As the teachers used cooperative learning, I saw that it is important to put some forethought into how you assemble the groups. If the groups are composed of students of varying abilities, then the cooperative learning process has a better chance of succeeding. This allows the members of the group to effectively learn from one another, and will increase the level of academic achievement. The teacher also needs to consider the social makeup of the group when setting up this teaching strategy. The students need to be able to work together and effectively communicate. Putting together students who may regularly not get along in class will adversely affect the learning experience.