3 Types of Lessons

There are 3 types of lessons that I worked with this semester: Direct Instruction, Inquiry, and Cooperative Learning. It is very important as a teacher candidate, that I know how to teach different types of lessons because each child learns differently. Some students are visual learners, some may be auditory, some may be hands on, and some may be a combination. When teaching, a teacher must teach one topic in a range of different ways in order to make the information accessible to each and every child in your classroom. 

Direct Instruction Lesson: "I do"

Direct Instruction is taught by explicit, guided instructions. This lesson focuses on sticking to the lesson plan and lecture style teaching. It is a teacher directed lesson. The effectiveness of Direct Instruction is supported by research and continues to be the most widely used method of teaching in classrooms. 

Click here to learn more

Inquiry Based Learning: "We do" 

Inquiry Based Learning is taking the learner and bringing him to understand. This lesson allows students to ask questions about new resolutions and issues while gaining new information. Inquiry Based Learning uses to elements of the scientific method. 

Click here to learn more 

Cooperative Learning Lesson: "You do" 

In a Cooperative Learning Lesson, students of mixed levels of abilities are grouped together. The students are rewarded based on the success of the group instead of the success of the individual. Cooperative Learning involves: face-to-face interaction, positive interdependence, individual accountability, group processing, and collaborative skills. 

Click here to learn more 

Although I feel that each of these teaching methods are important and each should be used in the classroom, Cooperative Learning is my favorite. I love to see students interacting with each other. During a Cooperative Learning lesson, students learn important social skills that they will need for every aspect of their lives. In order to be successful in the real world, students must be able to work well with others and be social. I love to watch children teaching each other and learning together. I remember from my own experiences as a child that I enjoyed Cooperative Learning the most because it was fun! Cooperative Learning allows children to expand their knowledge without knowing they are even learning because they are enjoying the process.