Models of Teaching – Teaching is an art and skill requiring knowledge of content, methods, techniques, and teaching aids to make learning interesting and effective. To achieve this, teachers use varied approaches known as models of teaching.

What is a Model of Teaching?

According to Bruce Joyce and Marsha Weil (1980), a model of teaching is a plan or pattern used to shape curricula, design instructional materials, and guide classroom instruction.

It is an instructional design that creates specific learning environments where students interact, leading to desired changes in their behavior.

Models of teaching help teachers reach more students and create richer, diverse learning environments.

They provide guidelines for designing educational activities and are meant to create suitable learning environments.

Nature of Models of Teaching

Prescriptive strategies guiding planning and instruction.

Supported by research-based evidence.

Provide detailed overviews of teaching methods.

Define the role of the instructor.

Specify classroom structure.

Explain how teachers support students’ efforts.

Offer a common language for educators to discuss instruction.

Increase the likelihood of learning specific skills or knowledge.

Promote awareness of individual and collective teaching methods.

Help students learn how to learn.

Act as conceptual frameworks grouped by purpose and outcomes.

Need for Models of Teaching

Address the learning needs of diverse (heterogeneous) groups.

Cater to varied outcomes and levels of student sophistication.

Provide teachers with a repertoire of instructional approaches.

Benefits of Models of Teaching

For Teachers:

• Improve quality of instruction (e.g., Inquiry Training Model).
• Provide a systematic approach to instructional planning.
• Increase awareness of students’ learning needs.
• Help assess the impact of instruction.
• Offer alternative ways to present content and skills.
• Develop learning experiences that lead to successful outcomes.
• Facilitate more meaningful student engagement.
• Accelerate the rate of learning and enhance learning capacity.

For Students:

• Increase aptitude for learning and retention.
• Help students learn more rapidly.
• Facilitate different types of learning.
• Build academic self-esteem.
• Recognize individual characteristics and aptitudes.
• Promote awareness of teaching methods and expected learning outcomes.

Advantages of Teaching Models

Specify learning situations to observe student responses.

Guide the achievement of learning objectives.

Assist teachers in planning and organizing effective teaching by choosing suitable content, strategies, and aids.

Support curriculum planning and implementation.