Curriculum and Instruction, Part 8
Question 1: Explain the direct teaching method.
Answer 1: When a teacher chooses the direct teaching method he or she must have complete knowledge of the subject and content taught. He or she should have good oral communication skills. All the content used for teaching needs to be organized in advance. The learning objectives and goals are very specific and the students are told exactly why the learning material is important. Using this method makes it easier for the teacher to measure student achievement. The direct teaching method is also widely accepted and it is good for teaching specific facts and basic skills. However, there are some disadvantages. This method does not allow for the teacher to express his or her creativity. Material needs to be followed in a precise order. This method is not particularly helpful with higher-order thinking skills.
There are lots of good resources about Curriculum that you can find available.
Question 2: Explain the team teaching method.
Answer 2: The team teaching method has been used at many grade levels in many different schools. Different schools may use this method in different ways; there is no correct way to use team teaching. This method involves the students switching classes and having different teachers throughout the day. Team teaching can be divided by subjects, where the student has a different teacher for each subject. It can also be divided by just two teachers, in this situation one teacher may take math and science and the other will take language arts and social studies. If this method is chosen it is important that the teachers have good communication between each other. The teachers should make sure the goals are the same. Team teaching fails when there is no communication and a lack of respect and honesty exists.
Question 3: Explain group instruction.
Answer 3: Group instruction involves all the students hearing the learning material at the same time. The teacher gives instruction, directions and explanations to everyone at once. This method is useful if it used at small increments during the day. The disadvantage to this method is that there are students who benefit better with more individualized attention. They could get lost in the instruction. Group instruction can also be given in small groups, called small group instruction. This method allows the students to get more individualized attention from the teacher. It is also an opportunity for the teacher to examine how well each student is learning the material. It is important that while the teacher is involved with small groups the other students are actively engaging in other activities. If they are not they could cause a distraction to other students who are receiving small group instruction.
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