Jessica Cureton Rhonda Clark ELED 300 3/22/13

Models of Teaching Reflection

There are 5 main models of teaching; Problem-based, Direct Instruction, Guided Discovery, Cooperative Group, and Lecture-based. Of the 5 models aforementioned, I believe that I would use Guided Discovery and Direct Instruction the most in my future classroom. However, a great teacher would use them all interchangeably to incorporate all different learning styles. Problem-based instruction is used when the teacher presents a problem to the students and they are compelled to finding the solution to that problem on their own or with scaffolding. This can take place in the form of projects which can be long-term or short-term problem solving. I would use problem-based instruction primarily in subjects of math and science, but it can be used to intertwine a variety of subjects into one big project. Direct Instruction is used by the teacher when she has specific guidelines needed to be completed. This model of teaching would explain to the group what to do and how to do it. I could use direct instruction in a variety of ways, which is why I would probably use this method the most. I learn best when given clear, direct guidelines, especially when making crafts or when an assignment has been given. Guided Discovery is used by teachers to present an experiment or pattern to the students and have them observe the solution on their own or with guidance from the teacher. I have learned from this method of teaching in the science lab, in math class by recognizing patterns, and in music class. The teacher would introduce an experiment to the class, give us instructions, and allow us to record our observations and measurements and then discuss the experiment together as a class. I believe that the best subjects to use guided discovery with are science and math.

Cooperative Group lessons are used by teachers to help students learn social skills and to be able to see different points of view from other students. I enjoyed group projects when I was in high school because I was able to brainstorm easier when I listened to the input of other students. With a daunting piece of blank paper for me to brainstorm ideas on, not much work was accomplished. I believe group assignments are essential to engage students fully in not only learning, but learning together. Lecture based instruction is used typically when information is being presented to the class either verbally or by some other means of communication from the teacher. Lectures, like any other model of teaching, should not be used as the sole form of the presentation of information. Many professors use Powerpoint to lecture 99% of the class period and this becomes very monotonous and

boring quickly. In order to more efficiently engage students if you are using the lecture model, you should ask questions that probe discussion on the topic being lectured. There are more teaching models than just Problem-based, Direct Instruction, Guided Discovery, Cooperative Group, and Lecture-based instruction, but these are the main 5 models. Because the brain requires at least 6 neuro-pathway connections to fully comprehend material, no one model should be used by itself. As teachers, we should constantly be changing up the game in order to engage our students and make sure they are learning the material that we present to them via multiple different methods.