Controlled & Free teaching techniques in the classroom
Moderators: Dimitris, maneki neko2, Lorikeet, Enrico Palazzo, superpeach, cecil2, Mr. Kalgukshi2
Controlled & Free teaching techniques in the classroom
There must be hundreds of techniques to teaching language and general content that teachers can utilize. An easy way to classify them and make sure I incorporate a variety of them is to organize them into the categories of controlled and free techniques. I already include many of the more controlled, teacher centered and pre-planned activities. Some that have worked very well for my students are warm-up mimes, dances, role playing, dialogue, content instructions, read aloud and identification/recognition activities. However, I tend to forgo copying of text and drills, which I am now learning can be helpful so long as they content and purpose is meaningful and includes instruction and constructive feedback. I am still skeptical though, and would like some examples of when they this can be useful (beyond for rote practice). Some of the semi-controlled/free student centered activities that seem to elicit authentic engagement and responses are not used as frequently in my instruction. I do utilize many of the techniques, such as student created drama scenes, interviews, think/pair/shares, information exchange, etc, just not as often. I would like to include more free writing/composition, problem solving activities and debates to elicit more spontaneous and meaningful speech from students. I can see how utilizing all types of techniques will be beneficial for students of varying abilities and interests.