Introduction to Pedagogical Approaches and Teaching Styles/Techniques (Teaching Practice B.Ed Hons Level Course)

Brief Introduction to Pedagogical Approaches and Teaching Styles/Techniques

Pedagogy involves the specific technique, art and science of teaching. Pedagogy is a process of infusing/injecting knowledge into the minds of learners. It includes the theories, methods, and practices used to help students learn. 

Similarly, pedagogical approaches and teaching styles or techniques are frameworks and strategies that teachers use to meet the different needs of learners, promote engagement, and reach educational goals. For both, teachers and learners, pedagogy covers all the important aspects including knowledge acquisition, knowledge developing and knowledge creation as Suggested by UNESCO's Framework 2030.

These approaches vary based on their philosophical foundations, specific learner contexts, and desired outcomes. 

Below is an overview of major pedagogical approaches, teaching styles, techniques, and the importance of adapting to context.

Overview of Major Pedagogical Approaches

Pedagogical approaches form the theoretical foundation for structuring and delivering learning. They are based on educational philosophies and guide teaching practices. Significant approaches include:

1. Behaviourism:

Focus: Learning as a response to stimuli, highlighting observable behaviours and reinforcement.

Key Features: Structured instruction, repetition, rewards, and punishments to shape behaviour.

Example: Drill-and-practice exercises, rote memorisation, and behaviour management systems.

Context: Effective for foundational skills, such as maths facts and language rules, where clear outcomes are desired.

2. Constructivism:

Focus: Learners actively build knowledge based on their prior experiences and social interactions.

Key Features: Student-centred, inquiry-based learning, collaborative activities, and problem-solving.

Example: Project-based learning, group discussions, or hands-on experiments.

Contextual Relevance: Suited for fostering critical thinking and creativity in diverse, exploratory settings.

3. Cognitivism:

Focus: Mental processes like memory, problem-solving, and information processing.

 Key Features: Scaffolding, breaking down information, and building on prior knowledge.

Example: Concept mapping, guided instruction, and mnemonic strategies.

Contextual Relevance: Ideal for subjects requiring deep understanding, such as science, maths, history or literature analysis.

4. Humanism:

Focus: Holistic development, emphasising students’ emotional, social, and intellectual needs.

Key Features: Personalised learning, fostering self-esteem, and student choice.

Example: Student-led projects, reflective journals, or goal-setting activities.

Contextual Relevance: Works well in environments that prioritise student well-being and intrinsic motivation.

5. Connectivism:

Focus: Learning in a digital age, emphasising networks, technology, and information access.

Key Features: Collaborative online learning, using digital tools, and navigating information networks.

Example: Online courses, social media discussions, or digital research projects.

Contextual Relevance: Relevant in tech-driven classrooms or lifelong learning scenarios.

Various Teaching Styles and Techniques

Teaching styles reflect how teachers approach towards instruction. They are often shaped by personality, beliefs, and the pedagogical framework they adopt. Techniques are specific methods used within these styles. Common teaching styles include:

1. Authoritative (Lecturer/Facilitator)

Description: The teacher is the main source of knowledge but encourages interaction.

Techniques: Lectures, guided discussions, and question-and-answer sessions.

Example: A history teacher delivering a lecture followed by a class debate.

Contextual Relevance: Effective in large classes or when introducing new concepts.

2. Demonstrator (Coach/Modeler)

Description: The teacher shows skills or processes, guiding students during practice.

Techniques: Demonstrations, hands-on activities, and worked examples.

Example: A science teacher demonstrating a lab experiment before students replicate it.

Contextual Relevance: Ideal for skill-based subjects like Maths, Science, or Arts.

3. Facilitative (Guide/Inquiry-Based)

Description: The teacher acts as a guide, encouraging students to explore and discover.

Techniques: Inquiry-based learning, problem-based learning, and Socratic seminars.

Example: A literature teacher asking open-ended questions to prompt critical analysis.

Contextual Relevance: Suits student-centred environments that foster independent thinking.

4. Delegator (Mentor/Group Leader)

Description: The teacher empowers students to take charge of their learning.

Techniques: Group projects, peer teaching, and student-led presentations.

Example: Students in a geography or history class researching and presenting on global issues.

Contextual Relevance: Works well for collaborative, advanced, or self-directed learners.

5. Hybrid (Blended)

Description: Combines multiple styles based on context, mixing traditional and innovative methods.

Techniques: Flipped classrooms, blended learning, and integrating technology.

Example: A teacher assigning online videos for homework and facilitating discussions in class.

Contextual Relevance: Versatile for diverse classrooms and modern educational settings.

Contextual Appropriation

Contextual appropriation means selecting and adapting pedagogical approaches and teaching styles to suit specific learners, subjects, and environments. Effective teaching requires matching methods with:

1. Learner Needs

Consider students’ age, background, learning abilities, and interests. For instance, younger learners may benefit from behaviourist techniques, while adult learners thrive in constructivist or connectivist settings.

2. Subject Matter

Different subjects need different approaches. For instance, maths may use demonstrator techniques, while social studies might apply facilitative methods for debates.

3. Classroom Environment

Class size, resources, and availability of technology influence choices. A tech-rich classroom may adopt connectivism, while a resource-limited setting may rely on authoritative methods.

4. Cultural and Social Factors

Cultural norms and societal expectations shape teaching. For instance, collectivist cultures may favour collaborative techniques, while individualistic cultures may emphasise independent learning.

5. Educational Goals

Align methods with objectives, such as rote learning for exams (behaviourism) or critical thinking for lifelong learning (constructivism).

Example of Contextual Appropriation

In a rural primary school with limited technology, a teacher might use an authoritative style with behaviourist techniques, such as flashcards for literacy. In contrast, a university professor teaching online might adopt a delegator style with connectivist techniques, guiding students to research and share findings in virtual forums.

Conclusion

Pedagogical approaches like behaviourism, constructivism, cognitivism, humanism, and connectivism give teachers a foundation for their teaching practices. Whereas, different teaching styles such as authoritative, demonstrator, facilitative, delegator and hybrid offer practical ways to put these theories into action through methods like lectures, group work or digital tools. 

Contextual appropriation ensures teachers can tailor these approaches and styles to fit learners, subjects and environments, maximising engagement and effectiveness. By mixing theory, style, and context, teachers can create dynamic, inclusive, and impactful learning experiences.

✍ By: Raja Bahar Khan Soomro