In order to promote learning and reach his objectives, a trainer will use pedagogical means he considers relevant: he defines his teaching method.
There are generally three types of methods:
- transmissive methods
- demonstrative methods
- experimental methods
A trainer will at one time or another prefer one method or another, but during the course of his or her practice will have to switch from one to the other to adapt to the audience and the learning situation. It is a good idea not to stay on the same method all the time but to regularly question one’s practice in order to better respond to each student and each learning situation.
Transmissive methods
Also known as expositive, passive or masterful methods. The tutor transmits (exposes, explains) the knowledge and the tutored, in a passive situation, listens, and find ways to understand. This method leaves little room for interactivity.
- First, the tutor seeks to find out what the student already knows (diagnostic assessment).
- He then presents his knowledge in a lecture, possibly using supports (plans, sketches, sheets…).
- Finally, the tutor verifies that the student has assimilated what has been presented to him or her by making him or her speak or act (summative evaluation).
For this method to work well, it is essential that the student memorizes the information and explanations that have been transmitted to him and to facilitate this memorization, the tutor must:
- Give information in several forms (oral, written, pictorial).
- Repeat the message.
- Suggest to the learner to rephrase what has been stated.
- Allow the student to quickly apply what has been presented.
This method can be effective when the tutor and the student have a similar culture and experience.
Demonstrative methods
In this method, the tutor shows the action and then makes the student repeat it. Several steps can be described:
- Before the training, the tutor breaks down the task to be performed into several elementary gestures so that each gesture can be learned by the student r in one go.
- Before starting the demonstration, the tutor presents the situation (the material and its usefulness, the products and their origin…).
- Then the tutor makes the gestures explaining precisely what he is doing and why he is doing it.
If the activity is not too long, the tutor can do it without comments, and then repeat it with comments.
Finally, the tutor reproduces the activity by explaining to the student what he is doing and why he is doing it.
It is essential to carry out the activity slowly, in order to allow the student to visualize perfectly the gestures carried out. Giving the explanation in parallel allows the tutor to give the student a double encoding of the information (visual and auditory).
This method is commonly used in online video training programs.
Here it is recommended to watch the video program first without taking any action. One it is complete, you can now come and watch each video one at the time and apply the concept in the Video.
Active methods
Active methods
In these methods, it is a question of putting the student in a situation in order to mobilize his personal experience to solve a problem with the means (cognitive, material) at his disposal.
This method consists of three steps:
- Getting it done: First, the tutor gives the instructions and information needed to perform a given activity. The student will then train him/herself by taking action and solving problems as they arise. Initially, the trainer follows closely what the student is doing, and then leaves the student to do it on his or her own. The trainer then becomes a “resource person” on whom the student can rely if needed.
- To make verbalize: At the end, the tutor intervenes to appreciate the result and discuss it with the student. It is a time of analysis which gives the opportunity to come back on the successes and the errors.
- Rewording: the trainer rephrases the conclusions that the tutor succeeds in drawing from his or her practice to formalize the learning.
This method develops the tutor’s autonomy as well as his or her reasoning capacity and ability to face new situations.
You will note that it gives an important place to the error which should not be overdramatized but on the contrary used to lead the reflection.
Tips while learning through Video tutorials: Apply the three Methods.
When you take an online video class, it is recommended to use these three method like this:
- Transmissive methods: Just watch all the course’s videos without taking any action( As if you are watching your favorite movie or show)
- Demonstrative methods: Now come back to each video, and pay attention to every details in the video, by paying attention to the tutor’s gestures. In case you are familiar with the some part of the training, skip them.
- Active methods: Now get thing done, take notes, make mistakes and contact your trainer to make sure your successful applied the examples.
The 7 Learning Styles
You can better understand the world by stimulating the development of different learning styles. Pretending that all peoples see the world in the same way is thinking that we all have the same tastes. Each person receives and assimilates through different channels and learning styles.
That’s why you don’t have to worry if you don’t successfully complete an assignment or like a subject at school. This may be due to their learning styles.
In 1984, psychologist David Kolb outlined his theory of learning styles. He stated that our individual learning styles emerge because of three factors: genetics, life experiences and environmental demands. In this section, you will discover the learning style of each individual, and ways to maximize them.
7 learning styles and their characteristics
Aural style (auditory-musical)
People with this learning style capture information more easily through speech. It may feel like they are not listening, but “auditory” people listen and understand every word. Here’s what characterizes this style in children:
- They remember information when it is said aloud.
- They need or prefer to have things explained to them orally.
- Sometimes it is difficult for them to follow written instructions.
- You can hear them talking out loud when they learn something new.
- They prefer group discussions to working alone.
- Demonstrate their emotions through the tone and volume of their voice.
- They like to listen but are also talkative.
- Their descriptions of the facts are often long and meticulous.
- They easily remember names and are distracted by the sounds of their surroundings.
They love music and often sing when they do an activity.
Visual style (spatial)
As the name implies, they are people who learn by seeing how things are done. To improve their learning, they need to visualize and illustrate. This allows them to conceptualize. Here are some characteristics of these children:
- They remember seemingly insignificant details about images, landscapes and faces.
- Likes to be able to see what is they are being explained to them at all times.
- Need to always have paper and pencil in hand to be able to express their ideas.
- Prefer to follow written instructions or see demonstrations of how to do things.
- When they arrive in a place, they look at what surrounds them and analyze the context.
- With their gestures and their look, they show their emotions. Their facial expressions speak for themselves.
- They can easily describe the mental images they create for themselves.
- The ability to listen is not their main strength because they can better focus on what they see.
- They remember the words they see written. That’s why their notebooks are often filled with notes.
- Plan ahead for what they are going to do. Organize their tasks as they write them down.
- These are people who are good at reading. They usually have good calligraphy.
Physical (kinesthetic)
They are people who like to be actively involved in their learning process. Their potential can be developed through manual activities and movement.
- They’re searching for ways to apply everything they see and listen to. Their best instrument Is action.
- They usually make gestures once they communicate. Touch is a vital sense for them.
- Kinesthetic type is commonly confused with hyperactivity. These people really need to move around to be able to concentrate better.
- They demonstrate their feelings through body posture.
- These people quickly lose interest once they have to stay quiet for a very long time. Speeches or lengthy lectures quickly bore them. They have to be directly involved in what they’re studying.
- They easily Keep in mind what they did better than what they heard or saw.
- Like interactive books that do not just contain words, phrases. The more they experiment with the textual content of the book, the better for them.
Whatever your learning style, it is important to find tools to develop it. In order to properly develop your abilities, it is recommended to identify the easiest way for you to learn.
Verbal learning (Linguistics)
Do you like words and writing? People who find it easier to express themselves in writing or orally can be considered verbal learners. You enjoy writing and reading. Like to play with the meaning or sound of words such as tongue twisters, rhymes, etc. You know the definition of many words and regularly strive to learn new meanings.
The verbal learner’s techniques involve writing, role-playing, mnemonics, and anything that involves both writing and speaking. Verbal learners are often involved in writing, journalism or politics, public speaking, administration.
Mathematical (logical) learning
Are you good with numbers? When you enjoy using your brain for mathematical or logical reasoning, there is a high chance that you are a logical learner. You recognize patterns easily and can easily connect seemingly meaningless concepts. Logical learners often tend to classify and group information to help them better understand it.
You are good with numbers and are able to do complex calculations, such as basic trigonometry, without even realizing it! Logic learners could have careers in fields such as scientific research, accounting or computer programming.
Interpersonal (social) learning style
Are you a sociable person? Other learners prefer social or interpersonal learning. If you are at your best in communicating and socializing with people, both non-verbally and verbally, you are: a social learner.
People often come to you to listen to you and ask for advice. They do this because of your apparent sensitivity to their feelings, moods and even motivations. You are a good listener and you empathize with what others think and experience.
Intrapersonal Learning style (Solo)
You prefer to work alone? You have a solitary style if you are more reserved, independent and introspective. Your concentration is optimal when you focus on your thoughts and feelings without the distraction of others.
Authors and researchers often have a strong solo learning style. However, it is evident that many top authors and researchers in various fields have a good intrapersonal base. The ability to learn introspectively works well with some of the more dominant learning styles mentioned above.
How to optimize his learning according to the style that suits you?
Visual style
You will be more effective in your learning if you rewrites, reads and rereads your lesson several times with concentration, especially before class (you will be able to view the pages of your notebook during the exam to look for information). If the lesson is only given orally or if it is a video for example, it will be important for you to take notes of what will be heard. When the lesson is long and complex, you will remember better by making diagrams to make it more visual and break it down. The use of clear and orderly cards (with titles, subtitles, colors, etc.) as well as summary tables will also be very useful. Most of your learning will take place after the course, at home, in a calm and orderly environment.
Aural style
The student who learns best by listening has several options. First of all, the most important will be for him/her to be attentive in class. Most of his learning will take place during the class and not afterwards. To revise, however, the most effective option is often to reread the lessons aloud, so that the student can hear himself. Following videos or listening to podcasts can also be interesting.
Kinesthetic style
Handling and physical activity are key to its success. Students with this learning style can also work in groups. They also need to avoid sitting in front of their notebooks for hours at a time. They will be more effective if they move around during revisions (walking around the room) and study in short but frequent sessions.
New methods, ways of learning at school and university
Today teaching is no longer reduced to the traditional lecture or the teacher’s theoretical monologue. The way of teaching is evolving and revolutionizing and the use of new tools and new learning methods allows the implementation of active pedagogies in schools and universities. Collaborative work, prototyping on 3D printers, ongoing interaction via electronic boxes or the use of social networks are all examples of innovation in learning methods and pedagogical tools. In this section we will present the top 10 new ways of learning.
The reverse class: working the course before coming…in class
Working on the course at home, before the session, allows time in class to deepen certain notions and ask questions. Without being new, the method of learning reverse pedagogy is expanding thanks to digital tools (videos, MOOC, storage of documents on the school ‘servers) which facilitate its application. Thanks to this method, learners can better appropriate the course content as long as they do the necessary work outside the classroom.
The Fablabs: collaborative creation workshops
Fablabs or open and collaborative workshops stimulate creativity by providing students with a set of tools and materials to create and make objects and implement participatory manufacturing projects. Access is within the framework of the courses, but also freely available to carry out personal projects.
Learning lab: the classroom 3.0
New, more open and flexible learning spaces are now appearing in educational institutions. These “learning labs” should encourage the implementation of new learning methods through alternative pedagogies based on interactivity and creativity. In concrete terms, this means easily movable tables and chairs that can be set up for group work and organized in circles to launch collective discussions. Some institutions equip themselves with writing walls for brainstorming sessions and provide their students with electrostatic post-it notes, tablets and other connected touch screens in order to encourage exchanges between students and teachers.
Teachers within a click’s reach…in the lecture hall…
The electronic voting boxes now allow live answers to the questions of Profs. This makes it possible to know immediately whether the students have understood the concepts discussed, without fear of being watched by their classmates. In addition to the pedagogical interest, the boxes have a playful aspect that encourages student participation.
Design thinking
Based on a multidisciplinary approach, this method of innovation consists of providing a technically feasible and economically viable response to user expectations. Students work in mixed teams on projects ranging from the design of a bathroom cabinet for seniors to an infrared camera to facilitate the work of firefighters. Their credo: don’t just have ideas, but make them happen.
Simulation centers to learn medicine
Before practicing on real patients, medical students have the opportunity to practice infusing, intubating and resuscitating a dummy in real simulation centers. One surgical school even offers training courses during which the learning process is done on computer simulators, but also on human cadavers and live pigs.
Tele-attendance, attending classes while physically absent
Immersive tv-presence rooms make it possible to follow the classes of a teacher located in another city, or even on another continent, while feeling as if you are sitting right in front of him or her. This space is usually equipped with live document sharing tools, tactile interfaces, coupled with specialized sound and high-definition images. Even today, a tele-presence robot allows hospitalized students to follow their schooling almost normally.
Tweet Incentive
Social networks are now being used for educational purposes and more and more secondary and higher education teachers are experimenting with Twitter in the classroom.
Smartphone becomes a scientific tool
The telephone can sometimes be a pocket laboratory. Equipped with an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, cameras and a microphone, smartphones can be used as scientific measuring tools.
The buzz groups
From now on, a lecture hall class does not necessarily mean listening to the teacher who delivers his knowledge from the top of the stage. To make the sessions more interactive, some teachers have the students work in small groups on a specific question, with a reporter presenting the synthesis to the entire lecture hall. From the results of these “buzz groups”, a collective discussion can then develop.
Peer-to-peer Learning
This method removes the knowledge/learner relationship between students and trainers. Peer learning consists of being a learner and a trainer in turn. Here it is the collective that allows learning and progress. An example would be the creation of a code by a group in which everyone participates and shares their way of coding.
Social Learning Networks (Social Learning)
This mode of training is based on the observation of others. Digital tools allow this form of learning to be exacerbated by the creation of mutual aid networks. These networks are discussion groups or virtual workspaces. Sharing and commenting on networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook or developpez.net allows any individual to learn and train.
Adaptive Learning
This mode of training adapts the proposed training paths to best meet the needs of the learners. The goal of adaptive learning is to suggest the appropriate module to the learner, at the right time and with the right pedagogy.
The Serious Games
This type of training is based on “serious games” or video games whose goal is to make the training more interactive for the learners. Serious games are developing more and more for professional use because they are easy to set up, efficient and flexible. The criteria for a good serious game are quality content, a captivating storyline and a very good simulator to interact with the game.
Blended Learning
This method combines different pedagogies and makes them more effective because they are complementary. The goal is to combine both distance learning and human contact, for guaranteed success.