There are numerous methods for facilitating learning both in and out of the classroom. Identifying learning styles, emphasizing teamwork, and encouraging active learning strategies will all help to improve effective teaching. Small group work, student presentations, and peer instruction will be used in some teaching methods, while others will focus on facilitating learning through activities such as hands-on experiments, in-class projects, and films.
In a variety of settings, small group work and peer-facilitated learning strategies have proven to be extremely effective. This learning method can benefit students as young as elementary school, and it is becoming more common in university settings, particularly for science and engineering problem sets. Peer facilitation usually consists of four to eight students in groups of four to eight, with one facilitator or mentor for each group. With the help of the facilitator, who is sometimes another student, students can conduct experiments, hold discussions, or solve complex problem sets while working in groups.
Instead of lecturing or explaining all of the concepts, facilitators usually focus on guiding the group’s discussion. Rather than directly responding to students’ questions, facilitators will frequently redirect the question back to the group, encouraging others to come up with a response. Students can take a more active role in their own learning by figuring out answers on their own and explaining them to the class. Students will frequently be asked to give brief, informal presentations or work one-on-one with other group members to explain difficult concepts in these settings. This teaching method frequently aids in the preparation of students for the professional world, where peer learning and collaboration are commonplace.
Many people benefit from being aware of their own distinct learning styles. Lectures may benefit those with auditory learning styles, whereas slide presentations may be more effective at facilitating learning for those with visual learning styles. Because they frequently incorporate multiple learning styles as well as group work, hands-on teaching strategies have also been found to be effective.
Individual work is also an important part of facilitating learning effectively. It will benefit students not only in the short term by providing extra review time for difficult concepts, but it will also benefit them in the future when they are more responsible for their own learning in higher education and professional settings. Teachers will be able to better ensure that their students are learning effectively and developing solid study habits for the future by reinforcing course concepts multiple times in different ways.