The world of education has been in a constant state of flux because there is always so much to know and learn. As far as teaching is concerned, there are no concrete methods that can be dictated as each child differs from the next.
Teaching and learning have been moulded for some children, but these old school methods are obviously failing as experiments show that some students require more time and effort or simply different modes of learning. This is necessary because absorbing information is different for different people.
It is also necessary to keep in mind that times have changed significantly. We live in an age of technology, so children are learning things at a much faster pace with access to mind strengthening games, online professional tutors and the 24 x 7 availability of information at the tips of their fingers. Therefore, it is only understandable that in some situations, the techniques used to impart knowledge need to be updated and adjusted.
Old School Teaching Techniques
One of the major old teaching methods is known as ‘chalk and talk’. As the name suggests, it is a direct interaction between the teachers, students and a chalk board.
Speech and whatever is written on the board is the primary and only mode of allowing students to learn. In modern times, after many experiments, researchers are still torn about the benefits and drawbacks of old techniques because there is so much to consider. Here are a few pros and cons.
Pros:
- Less money, energy and resource are spent on customizing each class or lesson.
- There is more direct interaction with between students, teachers and parents.
- Students spend less time on electronic devices and are able to focus on the tasks in front of them.
- It encourages children to use their imagination and analytical thinking simultaneously.
- One of the main modes of teaching is through stories. For more information feel free to know ‘how can fairy tales help children develop better personalities’.
Cons:
- Very generalized method, non-inclusive of the needs of many children at each stage in their education.
- It is boring and drab; teachers are unable to gain the interest of children, especially for subjects like mathematics and science.
- Does not encourage students to experiment and step outside their comfort zones.
These are just a few points to keep in mind when trying to figure out whether chalk and talk methods are actually too backwards for students in the current age. There are other contributing factors to whether this works or not like the age of students, community and development of the city, state and country.
- While this method may work perfectly for older children who do not require colourful and entertaining methods of study, it will not work for younger children.
- This is also a technique that works best for students in poorer schools and education systems that are unable to provide the necessary facilities.
New Age Teaching Techniques
These are obviously alternatives to the chalk and talk method that basically includes modern day structures and equipment to teach students of all ages. Of course, it is only natural that more effort and resources will be spent to teach younger generations.
There are many factors that must be taken into consideration when using these methods, including, the age and ability of the students, resources available, subjects, mental and physical disabilities, etc. These new methods are an attempt on the part of educators to be all inclusive.
Pros:
- There is more freedom to experiment in pedagogy. As an educator, you may constantly be on the lookout for new techniques and avenues to better the education that you are imparting to the next generation.
- Teachers can figure out individual techniques that suit their classroom and students since schools are more relaxed about those kinds of rules. This allows teachers to be comfortable and provide the best resources and information.
- The syllabus also tends to be more flexible and does not hold students back from learning about what truly interests them.
- There are many resources available to help in advancing teaching practices. From apps, to other education-specific tools that can be used in class, there are many options to choose from. This gives teachers the freedom and mobility to use various methods.
- These tools help to not only explain and assist in explaining difficult theories and definitions but they help in keeping track of various activities like grading and evaluation of students in the classroom. It is also and easier method in terms of
- Many schools are adopting online homework methods that are easier to compute, simpler to assign and are corrected and computed by technology, thereby reducing the amount of time and effort a teacher must spend on homework.
- Technology can be a source of innovation and interesting information and activity. For the younger students, there are many games, videos, presentations and activities that can be used for teaching purposes. For older students, typing and compiling points makes it easier for them to remember what is important and focus on the crucial bits.
- It also provides a backup of information whenever necessary. Students are able to go through what is taught in class multiple times in the comfort of their own homes in order to catch up on anything they’ve missed out during class.
Cons:
- Technology can be extremely distracting. Students find it difficult to focus on one thing at a time because there is always so much happening and so many things to do.
- It makes it difficult to do homework the traditional way, since they’re used to constantly staring at a screen, holding back from social media sites and texting becomes extremely difficult.
- Because of Google and the available of information, students no longer feel the need to be innovative and think for themselves. All their answers are available if they just type in the right questions.
- There is aless social interaction between students, teachers and parents. This is why many children grow up with minimal knowledge of social interactions and many complexity issues that hold them back from a variety of opportunities.
From the above information, we can clearly see that there is no right way for teaching. Everything has its advantages and drawbacks. The key to success is incorporating both new and old techniques for the best possible results.