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Always in the Public Interest
Teaching Methods
A PUBLIC AGENDA
CITIZEN CHOICEWORK GUIDE
FOR COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS,
CLASSROOMS, STUDY GROUPS AND
INDIVIDUALS
Public Agenda
www.publicagenda.org
Public Agenda
www.publicagenda.org
TEACHING METHODS
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TEACHING METHODS
Are the tried and true teaching methods that we grew up with the best way
to help todays kids learn, or are there new, innovative approaches that work
better?
Or perhaps the schools should use more traditional approaches in the early
grades and more innovative ones later on?
Do todays jobs require more teamwork, creativity and ongoing learning than
in the past, and does this require us to change the way we teach?
The following scenario describes two school districts that use different teaching
methods in their schools. Which would you want in your local school district, and
why?
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TEACHING METHODS
Choicework
School District A relies on traditional teaching methods. Classes are conducted in
a traditional teaching style, with an emphasis on lectures and note-taking. Lessons
are organized around traditional subjects, so that Columbus would be studied during
history, astronomy during science, and so on.
Because a foundation of basic knowledge is emphasized, history lessons stress
facts, English lessons concentrate on spelling and grammar, and students do math
by hand before using calculators. Students are placed in class according to
academic ability. Students get regular exams and traditional report cards with letter
grades.
Those who like this approach often say:
The traditional methods are tried and true, and while they may not be the
most exciting way to learn, they worked well enough in the past.
Its easier for parents to help their kids with schoolwork if they understand the
way things are being taught.
Traditional grades give parents clearer indications about whether their kids
are making progress or not.
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TEACHING METHODS
Drills and rote learning are so boring they make kids hate school.
Its more important to learn how to learn than to stuff kids full of a lot of facts.
Traditional grading can be misleading some kids can do great work in
school even if they dont test well.
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TEACHING METHODS
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