Distance Learning - Instructional Methods Information

Have no time to visit boring lectures? Want to study at home? No matter how old you are, consider various types of distance leaning programs; find tips on remote studies. Read about methods and ways of study; define costs and requirements of distance course.

Instructional Methods Information

Instructional methods can also be called teaching methods. Direct and indirect instruction are two main categories according to which the classification of teaching methods is conducted. Any instructional method has its benefits and drawbacks. Freqnently, teaching methods are so connected that it is difficult to differeciate them. The choice of a proper instructional method for a certain lesson depends on such things as the age and developmental level and knowledge of the students. They are also based on the subject-matter content, the purpose of the lesson, the surrounding of people, time, space, material resources and the physical setting. It is difficult to find an instructional method that is the most suitable for lesson.

DIRECT TEACHING

Benefits	Drawbacks	Preparation
It has specific learning goals. Students get to know why content is important, lesson objective is determined. It is easy to define student purposes. It is known as an instructional method. It is used for teaching certain facts and main skills.	It can cause teacher creativity. It demands well-organized content preparation and the development of good oral communication skills. It should have a consequent order. It has not proved its effectiveness for higher-order thinking skills. It depends on the knowledge base and skill of the teacher.	Content should be prepared be aware how student has prepared for the lesson.

COOPERATIVE LEARNING

Benefits	Drawbacks	Preparation
It is effective for mutual responsibility. It is known as an effective technique. Students get such features as being patient, uncritical and compassionate.	Some students cannot work effectively while learning cooperately. Those, who are inactive, are silent and do not answer at the lesson. Aggressive students try to dominate. Bright students want to be superior.	It is important to define what skills or knowledge should be learned. It needs some time to prepare students for cooperative work in groups.

LECTURE

Benefits	Drawbacks	Preparation
Factual material is given directly and logically. It demands experience that is effective for large groups.	Good oral skills are required. Audience is frequently passive. There are some problems with learning. Lecture is one-way communication. It cannot be used for children younger than grade 4.	A clear introduction and summary is required. Effectiveness depends on the time and style of content. It demands specific audience; it frequently contains examples and anecdotes.

LECTURE WITH DISCUSSION

Benefits	Drawbacks	Preparation
It encourage students to be active, at least after the lecture. Students ask questions, clarify and challenge. Lecture is connected with discussion.	Time restriction influences discussion possibilities. It is effective when appropriate questions are asked and discussion is performed; it frequently demands quick reaction of the teacher.	Teacher should be ready and ask questions and to let questions be asked while conducting a lecture. Teacher should be ready to ask and to give an answer to difficult questions without any delay.

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