In the modern world, where we are experiencing technological advancements in every aspect of our lives, it’s no surprise that these advancements are creeping into the classroom. However, what is surprising is how much they are impacting traditional teaching methods. Teachers are now using innovative strategies to engage students, making learning more interactive, fun, and effective.
Here are 10 innovative teaching strategies used by top companies to improve student engagement:
Flipped Classroom
In a flipped classroom, students review lecture material at home and work on projects and assignments in the classroom. The flipped classroom provides a great space for peer-to-peer collaboration, where students can engage with one another to complete group projects, debates, and practice.
Personalized Learning
Personalized learning adapts what, when, and how we teach each student. Instead of selecting a singular method or strategy to teach the whole class, teachers adapt to the strengths of each student to help them succeed. Personalized learning provides a catered learning experience and methods that are optimized for individual students.
Project-Based Learning (PBL)
Project-based learning helps students drive their own learning journey. In a PBL exercise, students identify a real-world problem then develop a solution. Project-based learning relies on developing key skill sets such as research, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Inquiry-Based Learning
Inquiry-based learning develops thinking and problem-solving skills. Instead of driving the class through a lecture-style format, the teacher poses questions, scenarios, and problems. Students then research these topics individually or in groups to formulate their answers. They can then present their findings and supporting evidence to the class along with the other students.
Jigsaws
Jigsaws introduce the opportunity for students to teach other students. Students are divided into groups and given different pieces of information. Students in each group are then tasked with learning the information enough to be able to explain it to someone else. The students are then assigned to different groups where they explain their information to the other members.
Ask Open-Ended Questions
By asking open-ended questions, teachers encourage vibrant in-class conversations. Students can piece together different information learned or experienced in their life to stitch together cohesive points. This can encourage students to not only find their voice but express themselves as well.
Peer Teaching
Have students choose an area of interest within the scope of the subject being taught. Provide them with the opportunity to independently research the topic and create a presentation on it. Set aside class time for students to present to the class to teach their peers about their topic. With peer teaching, students learn skills such as independent study, presentation skills, and confidence.
Blended Learning
Blended learning combines physical and online learning experiences that give students more control over the time, place, path, and pace of instruction. The flexibility of blended learning enables students to have more control over their learning methods.
Feedback
Feedback is incredibly important. Students need to learn how to offer constructive feedback as well as accept feedback. Provide students with a mechanism for providing feedback.
Gamification
Gamification uses game design elements in a non-game context, like the classroom. Gamification can improve student engagement, motivation, and learning. It can also help students learn and master content in a fun, interactive way.
Takeaway
In conclusion, technology has allowed us to improve our traditional teaching methods, providing a more interactive and engaging learning experience. These 10 innovative teaching strategies will help you to engage your students, encouraging them to learn, grow, and succeed in the modern world.