You’ve just figured out everything you need to know about how to become an elementary education teacher. However, in the modern classroom, how you teach may be just as important as what you teach. This notion may be especially true for elementary school, when young minds are in the early stages of development.
Although you may have only experienced the “traditional” method of instructor-centered teaching throughout your schooling, there are actually several different teaching styles—unique ways to run your classroom and deliver lessons to your students. Each style approaches education in its own way, and each has an impressive list of advantages and disadvantages when it comes to a different learning environment.
In this guide, we’ll touch on the pros and cons of various elementary teaching styles: instructor-focused, student-focused, student-led, and collaborative-driven. If you’re considering a career in elementary education, it’s worth understanding the possibilities that diverse teaching styles can bring.
1. Instructor-Focused Teaching
Instructor-focused teaching—the approach to education that involves a central figure guiding the learning experience—is probably the most well-known teaching style. In instructor-focused teaching, one authority figure holds the reins and takes students through the learning material. You may also hear the term “teacher-centered learning” used to describe this teaching style.
Some examples of instructor-focused teaching include:
- Lectures
- Slideshows
- Demonstrations
Perhaps because of its prevalence in the school system, instructor-focused teaching also exists outside the classroom. Whether you’re training at a new job or learning an instrument, you’ll often take directions from an instructor.
The Benefits of Instructor-Focused Teaching
First of all, instructor-focused teaching is familiar because it’s an effective teaching style. From kindergarten through senior year, this teaching style dominates most classrooms. Because of its effectiveness, most students will immediately understand what’s expected of them.
And instructor-focused teaching is famous — because it promotes discipline and listening. In many cases, the rigid guidelines that instructor-focused teaching provides are necessary. For example, if deviating from the steps of a science experiment can lead to unsafe conditions, strict rules are essential.
The Drawbacks of Instructor-Focused Teaching
For many, instructor-focused teaching will feel like the “right” choice—after all, it’s the traditional method of teaching in most public schools. However, just because instructor-focused education is the norm doesn’t mean it’s the best option for every situation.
When the teacher sets the pace and the curriculum, there is little room for student learning and exploration outside of the given instructions. Students must follow the instructor’s guidelines; otherwise, they risk consequences.
There’s also an implicit expectation that all students perform at the same level—and as you’ll probably remember from your days in elementary school, a one-size-fits-all model doesn’t always work.
2. Student-Focused Teaching
As the name suggests, student-focused teaching shifts the attention from the instructor to the learner. Also known as “learner-centered education,” this teaching method opens up a two-way dialogue between teacher and student and among students.
Teaching strategies under student-focused instruction include:
- Cooperative learning – Cooperative learning encourages students to work in pairs or groups. These groupings can be informal (such as post-lesson discussion pairings) or formal (as in the case of group projects).
- Active learning – This philosophy encourages kids to be active participants in their learning (as opposed to passive participants, as is sometimes the case with instructor-focused teaching). Anything from individual reflection to group learning can be a form of active learning.
A common misconception about student-focused learning is that the instructor no longer participates, but that idea couldn’t be further from the truth. Teachers still play a role in monitoring and evaluating student work.
The Benefits of Student-Focused Teaching
When students have a say in what, when, and how they learn, they can become more engaged and are less likely to lose focus—even as early as kindergarten.
Moreover, placing students partly in charge of their learning helps them acquire a sense of responsibility.
Finally, student-focused strategies like active learning are often the norm in post-secondary institutions. Bringing this teaching style into the elementary classroom can help prepare students for the future since there’s more student involvement.
The Drawbacks of Student-Focused Teaching
As you might expect from this different learning environment, some students may struggle without an instructor to guide them every step of the way. While this highlights the independence that student-focused teaching can reinforce, it can be challenging for some to adapt to this change.
Additionally, some students may take advantage of less rigid guidelines. Instead, time meant for journal writing, personal reflection, or group discussion may be spent on unproductive activities.
