Traditional classroom lectures and teaching methods like rote memorization are now fading into the past. New teaching methodologies are emerging, or new versions of old teaching strategies are being implemented into 21st-century education. Today’s educators are embracing new technologies that help to engage and empower learners. Here are some of the innovative approaches 21st-century educators should be familiar with to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in today’s world.
Active Learning
Active learning, a learning approach that encourages students to take a more active role in their learning, emphasizes a student-centered classroom. Students are involved in the learning process through activities, discussions, and group work. Teachers give up some of the control and allow students to be motivated by their interests, be part of the decision-making process, as well as all other aspects of their learning. An active student-centered learning approach usually results in a deeper understanding of the subject matter as well as a higher retention of information from students.
Blending Learning
Blending learning was and still is a popular teaching technique because it integrates traditional and technological teaching methods that can cater to diverse learning styles. This popular approach is used in many classrooms because of its ability to combine in-person learning with online resources. Google Classroom is among the most favored tools classroom teachers are using to blend learning today.
Inquiry-Based Learning
The inquiry-based learning model takes the traditional learning model where the teachers lecture and the students listen and flip it around, so the students are the ones doing the asking and the teacher guides them to find the answers they are looking for. In today’s society, our workforce demands individuals to be inquisitive and be able to solve complex problems. Inquiry implies a need to know where students seek answers and want to find resolutions. Educators can nurture these inquisitive minds so that students can carry this mindset with them throughout their lives.
Cooperative Learning
Cooperative learning is another popular teaching method many educators use that force students to interact and work with one another much more than other teaching methods. Student-centered group work is known for helping students attain higher-level thinking, as well as having the ability to preserve information longer than if a student was working alone. Some trending cooperative learning strategies are think-pair-share, round robin, and the jigsaw where students work together as a team to reach a common goal.
Differentiated Instruction
Differentiated instruction tailors’ instruction to cater to the unique learning style, readiness, and interests of each student. This strategy involves using a variety of different instructional methods to teach students the same information. It also may require teachers to teach content at varying levels according to individual student readiness. The primary goal of differentiating instruction is to ensure that all students remain actively engaged in the learning process by providing tasks that align with their specific needs. Teachers employ various strategies for instructional differentiation, such as flexible groupings, learning centers, and independent study, among other approaches.
Culturally Responsive Teaching
Culturally responsive teaching (CRT) is the ability to relate to people not only from your own culture but to that of others as well. This method aims to create an inclusive learning environment that meets the needs of a diverse student population. This is much more than simply knowing and understanding the background of your students. It’s recognizing the values, cultural backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of students.
Trauma-Informed Teaching
Trauma-informed teaching is an approach that recognizes and understands the effects that trauma has on student’s learning and behavior. This method aims to implement strategies that involve creating a safe and supportive learning environment, so students will be able to heal and thrive. Educators can implement strategies for their student’s well-being and success by offering support services, learning how to communicate with students who are managing a crisis, and being informed in trauma-informed care and principles.
Social-Emotional Learning
Social-emotional learning (SEL) involves teaching and developing students’ self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making skills. The goal is to focus on nurturing student’s emotional intelligence and well-being and equip them with the interpersonal and social skills they need to navigate their way through life and be able to manage their emotions and behavior. Educators have effectively implemented this teaching method through classroom activities, classroom jobs, collaboration and teamwork, giving students a voice and choice, as well as by having students practice mindfulness.
Gamification
Gamification in education uses game-like features in lessons to help engage students in what they are learning. Using gaming elements such as badges, leveling up, awards, and earning points in learning can help motivate students. A great example of this is your coffee punch card. What makes you keep going back and getting your coffee card punched? The reward of getting a free coffee once all the holes are punched out. Educators have found that using the same principles and elements that gaming experts use to hook children to video games can be advantageous to students when learning.
Flipped Learning
A flipped classroom essentially reverses the traditional learning model where students acquire knowledge at home and then apply that understanding in the classroom with their peers. In this teaching method, the teacher is a facilitator offering students guidance or answering questions students may have from the knowledge they’ve acquired at home. One of the main advantages of this approach is the flexibility it offers for students to work at their own pace. Students who usually find it challenging to keep up with their peers can work at their own speed then come to school and be able to collaborate and learn from their classmates.
Project-Based Learning
Project-based learning (PBL) emphasizes using real-world, hands-on learning experiences that require students to think critically, problem-solve, and collaborate and communicate with others. This approach is much different than a teacher-centered approach because students are actively involved in all aspects of the project. This approach fosters deep understanding and since it’s student-driven, students are more likely to be motivated and engaged throughout the project.
These 21st-century teaching methods represent the evolution of education. While you may see some aspects of the traditional methods in these innovative teaching strategies, these new approaches are intended to empower and motivate learners as we move toward a new era of knowledge.
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