Teaching Methods in the Preschool Classroom

Many parents have either explicit or assumed values about how children should learn, and be taught, at preschool. Some parents are keenly aware of their small ones' limited attention and are concerned about teaching or discipline methods that might ask too much, too fast without motivating children to love the learning process. Others feel passionate from a philosophical perspective.

Teaching methods come in three main varieties, with lots of variation along the continuum:

• teacher-directed (or "teacher-lead"): telling children what they need to know through lectures, readings, chalkboard displays or other methods;
• student-discovery (or "choice," "free play" or "play based"): providing appropriate materials, perhaps with guiding questions or built-in goals, that allow children to figure out new knowledge for themselves, often in activities of their own choosing; and
• a mixed approach.

The teacher-directed method is that of "expert": let me teach you what I know. The student discovery method is one more akin to "coach": let me use what I know - by providing the right materials and coaching you when you get stuck - to stimulate and motivate you to learn for yourself. Both styles can be effective when used well with older children. Research indicates that both work well for short term cognitive learning in preschool-age children. However, research also indicates that having some student-discovery in the preschool years greatly improves long-term social outcomes for children as adults. A mixed approach is superior to the extremes for combined cognitive and social outcomes with a broad range of children of differing capabilities. If you value an extreme approach, consider whether or not it is in conflict with your child's individual learning needs.

Teaching Methods and The Preschool Search