The five different teaching styles are authority, demonstrator, facilitator, delegator and hybrid. Find out more…
There is no definitive answer to this question, as different teaching styles may have different effects on different students, subjects, and contexts. For example, the hybrid style is a combination of different styles…
Yes, teachers have different teaching styles nowadays, as they face new challenges and opportunities in the changing educational landscape.
Different teaching styles have different advantages and disadvantages depending on various factors such as the subject matter, the learning objectives, the student characteristics, and the available resources. Therefore, it is important for teachers to be aware of their own teaching style preferences as well as those of their students.
In this article, we will introduce you to five common teaching styles that are widely used in education today. We will also provide you with some tips on how to choose the most effective teaching style for your situation.
Table of contents
Authority
The authority style is one of the most traditional and common teaching styles in education. It is based on the assumption that the teacher is the expert and authority figure in the classroom. The role of the teacher is to transfer knowledge and information to the students through lectures or presentations.
Here, the authority style is characterized by the fact that instruction is teacher-centered, communication is one-way, learning is passive, control is high, and interaction is low.
Thus, the authority style can be effective when the subject matter is factual or procedural, the learning objectives are clear and specific, students are motivated and attentive, and the teacher has strong command over the content.
Instructing in an authority style can be ineffective when the subject matter is complex or abstract, the learning objectives are open-ended or ambiguous, students are bored or distracted, and the teacher lacks confidence or credibility.
Tip: If you use the authority style, make sure to Prepare your lectures or presentations well and use clear and concise language.
Demonstrator
The demonstration style is a variation of the authority style that incorporates more visual and practical elements. It is based on the assumption that the teacher is the role model and trainer in the classroom. The teacher’s role is to show students what they need to know and how to do it through demonstrations or activities.
What distinguishes the demonstration style is that instruction is teacher-centered, communication is two-way, learning is active, control is moderate, and interaction is moderate.
However, the demonstration style can be effective when the subject matter is skill-based or process-oriented, learning objectives are observable and measurable, students are curious and eager to learn, and the teacher has a good rapport with students.
This style of demonstration may be ineffective if the subject matter is conceptual or theoretical, the learning objectives are subjective or personal, the students are passive or unwilling to learn, and the teacher has a poor relationship with the students.
Note: When using the demonstration style, be sure to plan your demonstrations or activities carefully and use appropriate materials and equipment.
Facilitator
The facilitation style is one of the most modern and popular teaching styles in education. It is based on the assumption that the teacher is the facilitator and the supporter in the classroom. The teacher’s role is to help students discover and construct their own knowledge and understanding through exploration and inquiry.
A hallmark of the facilitation style is that instruction is student-centered, communication is multi-directional, learning is collaborative, control is low, and interaction is high.
While the facilitation style can be effective when the subject matter is complex or multidimensional, the learning objectives are higher order or creative, the students are autonomous and responsible, and the teacher has a flexible and open-minded attitude.
However, the facilitation style may be ineffective when the subject matter is simple or straightforward, the learning objectives are low order or factual, the students are dependent or irresponsible, and the teacher has a rigid or dogmatic attitude.
Delegator
The delegation style is an extension of the facilitation style that gives students more autonomy and responsibility. Based on the assumption that the teacher is the delegator and the observer in the classroom. The teacher’s role is to assign tasks and roles to students and have them work independently or in groups.
A characteristic of the delegation style is that instruction is student-centered, communication is multi-directional, learning is cooperative, control is minimal, and interaction is high.
This style of delegation can be effective when the subject matter is open-ended or interdisciplinary, the learning objectives are authentic or project-based, the students are mature and capable, and the teacher has a trusting and respectful relationship with the students.
It may be ineffective if the subject matter is closed or subject-specific, the learning objectives are academic or test-based, the students are immature or incapable, and the teacher has a distrustful or hostile relationship with the students.
Hybrid
Hybrid style is a combination of different teaching styles that adapts to different situations, subjects, and students. Based on the assumption that the teacher is the hybrid and the learner in the classroom. The role of the teacher is to use different teaching styles depending on the situation, subject, and student needs.
Among the characteristics of the hybrid style are that instruction is flexible and adaptable, communication is multimodal, learning is diverse, control is balanced, and interaction is high.
What makes the hybrid style effective is when the subject matter is dynamic or evolving, the learning objectives are multiple or multidisciplinary, the students are heterogeneous and diverse, and the teacher has a breadth and depth of knowledge and skill.
Whereas the hybrid style can be ineffective when the subject matter is static or fixed, the learning objectives are uniform or monodisciplinary, the students are homogeneous and similar, and the teacher has narrow and shallow knowledge and skill.
Find and improve your teaching style
In this article, we have introduced you to five different teaching styles that you can use in your classroom. We have also given you some tips on how to choose and apply the most effective teaching style for your situation.
We hope that this article has helped you gain a better understanding of different teaching styles and how they can enhance your teaching skills and your students’ learning experience.
