Bridging the Gap: How New Teaching Methods Are Addressing Modern Educational Challenges


When we think about modern teaching, we think about how a lot of it had to happen online during the COVID-19 pandemic, but rarely do we consider the many ways education techniques have changed. Today, instructors and teachers can leverage innovative ways of thinking about the classroom to give their students more value and fulfillment.

A more illuminating way of illustrating the role of modern teaching methods in addressing today’s education challenges is to find out what these new ideas are all about.

Teachers of tomorrow, here’s how education is evolving!

1. Flipped classroom

    In this paradigm, the instructor flips the order of instruction. The students are tasked with learning the subject first on their own.

    The class is often delivered as an online video or reading material, which the students can view on their own time and come to the classroom to practice their knowledge through projects and collaborative efforts with their peers. 

    The method allows students to have a sense of autonomy and responsibility for their learning and interact with and get feedback from their peers and teachers.

    2. Tactile learning

    As the name implies, this teaching method emphasizes hands-on activities and demonstrations, where students learn through doing and experiencing. The method is suited for practical subjects and skills where students must construct or develop concepts into something they can touch and see.

    The method is effective at fostering recall and retention of learned information, as well as the development of creativity and problem-solving skills.

    3. VAK Learning

    Under the VAK methodology, the instructor leverages the different learning styles of students in the class. That includes taking into account visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners. What do these terms mean? Here are brief definitions:

    • Visual learner- A visual learner retains information better when presented via diagrams, images, charts, and other visual formats.
    • Auditory learner– An auditory learner prefers to learn through speech, music, or sounds.
    • Kinesthetic learner– This learner prefers to absorb information through movement, touch, and action.

    Leveraging various media and formats can help students learn better, as information is presented in a way tailored to their preferred way of learning.

    4. Project-based learning

    In project-based learning, the students are engaged with authentic and meaningful projects that require them to investigate and solve real-world problems or challenges. The method is suited to classes where teachers want to develop their students’ research, analysis, communication, collaboration skills, creativity, and critical thinking. 

    The method is also helpful in connecting the students learning to their interests and passions, as well as real-world issues and needs of their community and society. It augments much of the theoretical work with actionable and insightful projects that make the students feel the value of what they learn that much more.

    5. Game-based learning

    As the name implies, game-based learning involves gamifying the learning process. This is best done with points, badges, levels, and rewards to motivate students to learn. The method is effective at making learning a fun and immersive experience. 

    In addition, gamification elements help students develop social, cognitive, and emotional skills. They can help students cope with failure and feedback and challenge themselves to improve their performance.

    6. Problem-based learning

    Problem-based arrangements take complex and realistic problems that challenge the students to apply their knowledge and skills to find a solution. Typically, these lessons are used at the end of a topic or course to gauge the student’s understanding of the subject matter.

    The method can also encourage peer collaboration, which helps develop critical thinking, collaboration skills, and creativity, boost motivation, and foster self-directed learning.

    7. Collaborative learning

      This method brings together students in small groups to work towards a common goal or complete a task. The method often fosters an environment that encourages students to develop and apply communication and social skills and boosts academic retention and performance. 

      In this environment, students feel a sense of community and belonging, which powers successful collaborative efforts beyond schoolwork and impacting their communities.

      8. Competency-based learning

      In competency-based learning, students progress at their own pace and demonstrate mastery of specific skills and knowledge instead of being forced into a fixed schedule or curriculum. The method can help them personalize their learning and focus their strengths and interests, as well as areas of improvement.

      Competency-based learning can also help the students get more feedback and support and retain interest throughout their school experience.

      Tailor Your Method To Your Audience

      It is worth noting that these learning methods are not a one-size-fits-all deal and need to be tailored to learners at different levels of education and account for what they need in the first place.

      Each method can be applied to just about any class, but as with anything that involves parents, students, and institutional traditions, it could take time to implement. 

      However, in environments where change is encouraged, students could benefit from learning in a method that sparks their interests and helps them retain and use what they learn. It’s time schools everywhere started thinking about how to break out of the monotony of a system that homogenizes education if we are to offer students real value.


      About Saisha

      After completing her undergraduate, Saisha wanted to pursue a career in data analytics. She helps the team with data analysis ad research on the data. An avid chess player and news junkie, she consumes news like no one else on current affairs.

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