Many educational scholars have come to realize that traditional teaching methods are lacking in their ability to foster growth in students. Traditional teaching methods often rely on memorization and regurgitation. These techniques are passive, focusing on teaching students to follow instructions rather than teaching them to think critically. To truly understand the subject matter one is learning, one needs to gain critical thinking skills. One way to foster these skills is through interactive teaching.
What is interactive teaching?
Interactive teaching refers to methods of teaching that engage the classroom. Unlike memorization, interactive teaching encourages students and teachers to collaborate to foster learning. In addition, interactive teaching activates the brain’s natural analytical abilities, helping students to engage their long-term memory.
What does it look like to implement interactive teaching methods into the classroom environment?
Interactive teaching relies on many methods of interaction to activate the classroom. These include:
- Interaction between teacher and student
- Interaction between students and their peers
- the use of audio, visuals, video
- hands-on demonstrations and exercises
Though other techniques exist, these are the primary ones modern classrooms tend to gravitate towards. Examples of these methods in practice include paired discussions between students or between teacher and students. In these discussions, students are encouraged to think through a problem and develop a solution through collaboration. Students can voice their thoughts and ideas, which helps them become more knowledgeable about the subject they are studying. Problem-solving through this technique can also lead to higher information retention.
Classroom surveys are another interactive teaching method that allows students to have some say over the classroom flow. Teachers can utilize anonymous surveys to gauge their students’ understanding of the subject matter or get an understanding of their thoughts and opinions on the contents of the lesson. Shyer students may find anonymous surveys to be an easier way to communicate their thoughts to their teachers and peers. Teachers can also take the information from the survey to design a lesson plan around their students’ needs.
Interactive classrooms and EdTech
Educational technology has been highly beneficial to implementing interactive teaching methods in the classroom. EdTech refers to the practice of implementing IT tools in the classroom environment. These tools include smart boards and tablets, online lesson plans, and multimedia, to name a few. EdTech can allow students to engage with their lessons in ways that are fun, creative, and effective. Teachers can also present information in various formats, including video, audio, and visual lessons. In the age of Covid, EdTech has allowed students and teachers to continue to conduct class from a safe distance. In addition, online conferencing platforms enable teachers and students to continue interacting with one another.
The role of any instructor is to inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking within their students. Interactive teaching methods can help transform the classroom into an environment where students enjoy the learning process, and teachers can effectively nurture their talents.