Teaching Methods & Strategies
I try to use a variety of teaching methods in my instruction. My methods and strategies change depending on the type of class, type of lesson, and size of the class. This allows me to adapt and helps me convey clear and concise information for all levels of students.
My teaching methods help me create opportunities to make learning English (and other topics) engaging, fun, and inspiring for all of my students. Students often need social and emotional development along with educational development, so many of my strategies also help my students learn respect, cultural awareness, and empathy for their classmates.
Teaching methods are often determined by the school or class type and therefore not all of my methods and strategies can be applied in every circumstance. While I strive to have a variety of styles in every lesson, some lessons do require a specific method. Some of my more common teaching methods and strategies are listed below.
- Differentiated Instruction
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This method allows me to tailor the lessons to the students. If a particular class needs more time with certain topics, I can modify the lessons to fit the class. Using different techniques such as creating custom worksheets, introducing alternative books, meeting with students after classes for group chats, or anything else that might fit the class or students.
Some examples of differentiated instruction are my worksheets on using prepositions of time and place, additional reading material such as newspaper articles, and organizing the classroom so that students can help each other throughout the class.
- Kinesthetic Learning
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I primarily use kinesthetic learning in my kindergarten and elementary school classes. The younger students are able to interact with the lesson through movements, gestures, and other physical actions. The most common form of kinesthetic learning that I use is Total Physical Response (TPR). Along with TPR, I encourage students to clap, stomp, and dance during grammar and vocabulary songs as well as learning phonics and manners.
Kinesthetic learning is also useful for elementary students through drawing, acting, and playing games that reflect the lesson theme. Through the use of role-playing, my elementary school students practice the vocabulary and grammar while becoming a person who might use those vocabulary words and sentences.
- Lecture-Based Learning
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Classes at College of Naka-Nippon Aviation are lecture-based due to each department's course requirements. I make the lessons more entertaining and interactive by using audio, video, and computer-based presentations that highlight the topics, grammar, or vocabulary. Students are encouraged to interact with me and other students through the use of lesson exercises, games, and conversations.
Some examples of my lecture-based lessons are based on the textbooks required by the school and other lessons created by me to help students understand various grammar points.
- Technology-Based Learning
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During the COVID pandemic, most of my classes were required to be technology-based. Using my existing lesson plans, books, and other material, I converted all of my lessons to use virtual classrooms and made my supplemental material available for downloading.
Currently, I encourage my students to use the Internet and other technology available to them for doing classroom activities such as researching newspaper articles, finding alternate examples of grammar or vocabulary topics, or translating difficult passages.
Additionally, I use computer-based presentations, video games, and Youtube to enhance my lessons by providing a more exciting and interactive class.
- Group Learning
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Certain classes at College of Naka-Nippon Aviation also include group learning. This involves speaking and listening to other students within their groups and practicing with me as well. Groups also work on collaborative research for various reading exercises such as newspaper articles, book passages, or current events.
Groups are also used for certain classroom activities like vocabulary, grammar, or conversation games.
- Inquiry-Based Learning
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I use the technique with my more advanced students since they typically have more access to outside resources than the younger or inexperienced students. Young adults or adults are encouraged to find examples of the grammar of the lesson in printed or online articles to see how that grammar is commonly used in regular conversation or communication.
I encourage these students to take an active role in the direction of their lessons and help them ask questions to find the answers on their own.
- Game-Based Learning
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Students of all ages enjoy playing games. Some games are more appropriate for younger students, while other games are tailored to adults. I use many different games throughout my lessons ranging from simple things like finding a color or item in the classroom to vocabulary and grammar musical games.
Recently, I developed some online learning games that help students remember different vocabulary, spelling, or grammar topics. Some of the games function like a regular video game and others are an electronic version of a board game.