professional education

What is the difference of approach, strategy, method, and technique?

Let’s discuss the nature of each topic, and how they differ from each other. Under the Principles of Teaching subject, this LET Review note presents the following: nature, situational examples, sample questions, and other references.

Nature of Approach, Method, Strategy, and Technique

Teaching Approach

Teaching approach pertains to ideas. These ideas can be a set of philosophies, principles, or beliefs in learning and teaching. They are deemed very important as they serve as the foundation of the classroom teaching in general. It often defines what kind of educator he or she will be.

Some of the examples of teaching approaches are the following: teacher-centered, subject-matter centered, teacher-dominated, banking approach, guided approach, learner-centered, interactive, and collaborative approach.

Teaching Method

Once the course objectives are set, the teacher then decides on a plan on how to achieve the goals. Teaching method pertains to the systematic way of accomplishing the tasks in general.

Some of the examples of teaching method are the following: direct method, lecture method, demonstration method, or group methods.

Teaching Strategy

In every lesson plan, there is a certain procedure that needs to be followed to accomplish the introduced tasks. In order to do this, the teacher chooses the best teaching strategy for a particular goal.

Some of the examples of teaching strategies are the following: inquiry-based strategy, differentiated instructions strategy, and cooperative learning strategy.

Teaching Technique

After defining the methods, the teacher needs to decide on how to complete specific tasks. Teaching technique, hence, is used to showcase the well-defined procedures and the personal style of the teacher to carry out a specific method and strategy.

Situational Example for Approach, Strategy, Method, and Technique

Background: Elementary teacher for Grade 6 students

Teacher Anna believes that every student needs to be adaptable to new people and environment. She is guided by collaborative approach.

Hence, she has chosen to use group demonstration methods to achieve her lesson objectives. She assigned groups with six members each, and each group needs to propose a new project based on on the problem.

Before proceeding to a group demonstration, the students need to brainstorm and evaluate the issues using the think-pair-share strategy .

While the activity is ongoing, she uses cards to facilitate the activity. The card technique has been useful to provide hints, feedback, and props to the students.

Sample Questions

1. Which among the following refers to the personal style of the teacher that aids simple tasks in the classroom?
a. teaching approach
b. teaching method
c. teaching strategy
d. teaching technique

2. Jeff, a secondary educator, needs to decide on how to attain the objectives of the course. What should he focus on?
a. teaching approach
b. teaching method
c. teaching strategy
d. teaching technique

3. The principal said that Jeff got poor evaluations from the students for being too dominating in the classroom. He believed that the source of knowledge must be the teacher. What should he do to improve the situation?
a. Change his teaching approach to learner-centered.
b. Consider direct method in fulfilling the objectives of the tasks.
c. Replace the strategies from group method to individual tasks.
d. Use graphic organizer and powerpoint presentations in the classroom to engage the students.

Answers

1. A. Teaching technique

Explanation: Teaching approach pertains to ideas. These ideas can be a set of philosophies, principles, or beliefs on learning and teaching.

2. B. Teaching method

Explanation: Teaching method pertains to the systematic or procedural way of accomplishing the tasks.

3. C. Change his teaching approach to learner-centered.

Explanation: The question states “too dominating” and “believed that the source of knowledge must be the teacher”. Therefore, there is an issue with the approach of the teacher as it’s teacher-centered.

Other References

Please note that the references below are only suggestions. They are not directly related to our team. Kindly read them carefully to avoid any confusions. Click the title to be redirected to the website.

Read: Tips to Pass LET: Self-Review Guide. Click here.
Read: LET Coverage and Review Notes. Click here.

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