TEFL Maanshan

There are many different types of teaching styles in the world which we serve to meet students need with their various styles of learning. In this research paper, we will look at a few of the more common types of teaching styles and take an in depth look at each one. One of the most common types of teaching styles is what is known as formal authority. Formal authority is a teaching style that focuses on the teacher being the authoritarian figure in the classroom (2). The teacher is directing the students during class activities and focusing on the content of the course (1, 2). The teacher in this case possesses knowledge that the students can learn from and helps students learn by pushing them to learn and improve their competence in the subject they are learning (1). Generally, teachers using this method tend to focus on the lecture to give students the information and knowledge they need. Another common teaching style is that of the facilitator. This teaching style focuses on student centered learning (2). Higher levels of responsibility are placed on the students as they work in groups to read, learn and help each other understand a topic assigned to the group (1). This approach assumes that students will learn more from doing a given activity in which they learn something from, rather than just listening to a subject being lectured to them (1). Characteristic of a Facilitator teaching style will include creativity in designing activities in which students can be active in yet still learn from, and the ability of the instructor to instill discipline to his/her students to preform group task from which students can learn (1). Generally, teachers using this teaching style tend to focus on group activities in which there is a task from which the students can learn. The delegator is another teaching style that is often used. This teaching style emphasizes individual personal growth (2). The teacher will often have individuals or small group design their own project to learn from (1, 2). Students then work on their project to achieve a particular set of goals. Students learn as they work towards achieving each individual goal. I have seen some teachers use this method, in which they have their students write a contract with them which defines a number of small goals that they have to achieve. The students work towards these goals by the end of the semester in order to complete the project. They learn valuable life skills as they work toward achieving their goals. The demonstrator is a teaching style that focuses on modeling and demonstrating for students to learn from (2). A teacher using this method will show students how to do a particular skill by modeling it, and then students do that same skill by repeating what they had learned from the modeled behavior (1, 2). Usually this creates a more dynamic classroom as there is more teacher student interaction. teachers who use this style show examples on the board and then have students do work following what was model as the example on the board. Personally, I do not prefer any single teacher style, but rather try to incorporate all the styles listed above. I believe that students can learn a number of ways and that no single way is the best way, or most efficient way for each and every student to learn. By combining different styles of teaching, you can create different ways to learn and also generate more variety and interest in the classroom. This combination of different teaching styles, I believe this creates a better environment for students to learn from and ultimately helps those students learn and comprehend more. Works cited 1) "Instructional Design and Teaching Styles." Indiana State University : CIRT : Formal Authority Approach. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 July 2012. . 2) "Teaching styles." Teaching Style Categories. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 July 2012. .