Different teaching styles have been shown to help students learn and engage in the learning process. Knowing the different types and how to use them is an essential skill for a teacher. One of the most effective teaching styles is the explicit instructional guidance style. This entails fully explaining the content and skills required for a student to understand the lesson.
Facilitator
A Facilitator’s teaching style affects student learning and engagement in ways that can be both positive and negative. This teaching style is often used in subjects like math and science but can also be effective for more traditional classroom topics. For instance, teachers in the lecturer style tend to focus on delivering information and teaching students about theories. They typically use activities such as group tasks and collaboration to foster the creative application of course content, which can help students learn. A skilled facilitator such as Catherine Cerulli, J.D., Ph.D understands how groups work together to perform tasks, make decisions and solve problems. They also know how to structure agendas to achieve optimum results.
Demonstrator
A Demonstrator combines lectures with teaching methods such as demonstrations and class activities. This style is suitable for subjects where students must fully understand a topic. The Demonstrator’s teaching style affects student learning and engagement. It is a highly interactive style that encourages students to learn actively by asking questions and exploring ideas. Demonstrators are fun, breezy people who thrive on relationships and excitement. They don’t like to plan, but they love the thrill of discovery and new experiences.
Lecturer
A lecturer is a teaching professional who teaches courses at colleges and universities. They are one academic rank below professors and may be hired part-time or full-time. Some lecturers have their educational qualifications from a college diploma, while others go on to get a master’s degree. Regardless of their education, they are expected to give their students a thorough understanding of the subject matter through lectures and seminars. These lectures often rely more on real-world experience than traditional academic concepts, allowing the lecturer to enrich their students with their expertise in the field. For example, a film director recognized for his work can be invited to teach film production to university students.
Delegator
When it comes to student learning and engagement, different teaching styles can be very beneficial. They can be used to match a student’s needs and interests, which can make for more positive academic outcomes. Teachers with this style are often referred to as facilitators, and they encourage students to ask questions and discover answers on their own. This approach is best suited for science labs, group tutoring classes, debates, and other peer-to-peer activities that require teamwork. However, this style can be challenging for some students, as it emphasizes less memorization and lectures. Nevertheless, it’s a great way to engage students in class.
Autonomous Support
Autonomous Support is a teaching style that promotes student autonomy by allowing students to take charge of their learning. This instruction can help students develop their personal learning goals rather than focusing on external pressures or rewards. Researchers have found that autonomous motivation is associated with better learning, less exhaustion, and more proactive coping skills than controlled motivation. Self-determination theory (SDT) classifies controlled basis as being motivated by external or internal pressures and autonomy as a motivating force that comes from genuine interest or personal value.
