Teaching Methods
These pages were developed for the Pedagogy in Action website with support from On the Cutting Edge. Each pedagogic approach is described succinctly so you can quickly understand how the technique might be relevant to your teaching. Written by fellow educators, these descriptions include tips for effectively using each technique, related research on their impacts on learning, as well as a set of example activities. There are other pedagogic modules available on the Pedagogy in Action website.
- ConcepTests are conceptual multiple-choice questions that focus on one key concept of an instructor's learning goals for a lesson. When coupled with student interaction through peer instruction, ConcepTests represent a rapid method of formative assessment of student understanding. Compiled by: David McConnell, North Carolina State University.
- Guided Discovery Problems allow students to sequentially uncover layers of scientific information one step at a time and learn new concepts as they do so. Compiled by: Ann Bykerk-Kauffman, California State University - Chico.
- Jigsaws are a cooperative learning structure that emphasizes both individual accountability and achievement of group goals. Compiled by Barbara Tewksbury, Hamilton College.
- Lecture Tutorials are short worksheets that students complete in class to make lecture more interactive. Compiled by: Karen M. Kortz, Community College of Rhode Island and Jessica J. Smay, San Jose City College
- Structured Academic Controversy is a type of cooperative learning strategy in which small teams of students learn about a controversial issue from multiple perspectives. Compiled by: Claudia Khourey-Bowers, Kent State University.
- Teaching with Google Earth provides detailed instructions for bringing rich imagery and interactive information into the classroom. Compiled by: Glenn A. Richard, Mineral Physics Institute, Stony Brook University.
- Teaching Urban Students describes who urban students are and how educators can address their particular needs in education. Compiled by: Wayne Powell, Brooklyn College, City University of New York.
