Week #8 Free Post: 3 New Teaching Methods

I read an article about 3 new teaching methods that are being implemented and claim to be achieving greater success than traditional methods.  In general, teaching is becoming more interactive and student run.  There is less focus on authority of teacher over student and more focus on interactions between students. Additionally, there is more focus being placed on enjoyment rather than grades.
Here is a summary of the three teaching methods:

Spaced Learning

• Content is repeated 3 times, with 10 minute breaks between
• 10 minute breaks are used for physical education
• Helps create connections
• Relaxes students

Flexible Fridays

• An in depth section is taught all day (for example, math)
• Focused study time that helps students grasp tough subjects
• Prevents meltdowns at home for not understanding
• Personal connection with students individual needs

Engagement

• Students are encouraged to analyze what's happening in every part of the world
• Look at different spheres: economic, social, political, environmental...
• Field trip to local business allows students to understand what they've been learning and create connections

In my opinion, this article has some interesting ideas, but it is incomplete.  I have heard about all of these ideas before (with different names) and I believe they do work, but I also believe there are other modern teaching techniques that will also work.  Psychologically, introducing the purpose of each activity will ensure the activities are relevant for students and will hopefully make them more interested.  Praise is used carefully to reward students for effort and progress, not just for being intelligent, and evaluation reflects this idea.  Group activities that force collaboration and build community will strengthen the learning environment and can be flexible based on common interests or achievement level.  Individualizing learning and encouraging all students is how education should happen.  School the way it works today isn't for everyone, but since it is required until the age of 16, teachers should work to make school a place where everyone can be involved and engaged.

Citation:

Jackson, Sonia. "3 New Teaching Methods Improve the Educational Process." Gettingsmart.com. Getting Smart, 19 Sept. 2012. Web. 16 Mar. 2014.