The teaching methods an educator uses in higher education classrooms vary from those used in traditional K-12 classrooms. In higher education, professors typically rely on a mix of lectures, discussion-based classes, and hands-on learning experiences to engage students and help them retain information. This article will discuss some of the many different teaching methods higher education teachers might use, as well as how they can learn more about these different approaches when they get a higher education teaching certificate.

Common Teaching Methods Used in Higher Education Classrooms

As we mentioned, there are many different teaching methods higher educators might employ. However, these are ten of the most common.

Lecture

Lectures are a standard teaching method in higher education. They can be used to introduce new material, provide an overview of a topic, or present detailed information about a specific concept. When delivering a lecture, professors typically use PowerPoint slides or another form of visual aid to supplement their talk.

Discussion

Discussion-based classes are another common teaching method in higher education. In these classes, students are typically divided into small groups to discuss a particular topic. The professor might pose a question or prompt to start the discussion, but the focus is on the student-led conversation.

Hands-on learning experiences

Many higher educators also use hands-on learning experiences to engage their students. This might include laboratory experiments, field trips, service-learning projects, and more. These experiences allow students to apply what they learn in class to real-world situations.

Flipped classroom

In a flipped classroom, students watch lectures or read texts at home before coming to class. This frees up class time for other activities, such as discussion, group work, and hands-on learning.

Problem-based learning

With problem-based learning, students work together to solve real-world problems. This type of learning is often used in fields like healthcare and engineering. It can help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Project-based learning

Like problem-based learning, project-based learning has students working together to complete a task or produce a product. However, projects in project-based learning are typically more open-ended than those in problem-based learning. This type of learning is often employed in artistic fields, like design and music.

Case study

A case study is an in-depth analysis of a particular situation. Case studies are often used in business and law courses. They can help students understand how to apply what they’re learning to real-world situations.

Blended learning

Blended learning is a mix of online and face-to-face instruction. For example, in a blended learning environment, students might watch lectures and complete readings online before coming to class. Then, in-class time can be used for discussion, group work, and other hands-on activities.

Simulations

Simulations are another type of hands-on learning experience. They can be used to give students the opportunity to practice skills or explore different scenarios. One example is how simulations are often used in nursing education programs.

Case studies

Case studies are another common teaching method in higher education. In these classes, students read and analyze real-life case studies. This helps them better understand how concepts they’re learning about in class can be applied to real-world situations.

Choosing the Right Teaching Method for Your Classroom

As you can see, there are many different teaching methods higher education teachers might use. While the lecture is still the most common method of instruction, more and more professors are using active learning strategies, like discussion, group work, and hands-on learning experiences.

So, how will you know which teaching method is best for your course? It depends on your goals for the class and the type of material you’re teaching. But here are some general tips:

• For students to learn factual information, the lecture is probably the best method.
• If you want students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, hands-on learning experiences or problem-based learning might be a better option.
• If you want students to be able to apply what they’re learning to real-world situations, case studies or simulations could be helpful.
• And if you’re looking for a mix of online and face-to-face instruction, blended learning might be the right choice.

Regardless of your chosen teaching method, remember that your goal is to create an engaging and effective learning environment for your students.

Fostering an Engaging Learning Environment

Here are some additional tips for creating engaging learning environments for higher education students, regardless of the teaching method you employ.

Encourage student participation

Students are more likely to be engaged and motivated when actively involved in the learning process. So, make sure to encourage student participation in your class. This could mean calling on students to answer questions, leading group discussions, or asking volunteers to share their work with the class.

Use technology thoughtfully

Technology can be a useful tool for engaging students in the learning process. But it’s important to use it to enhance, rather than detract, the learning experience. So, for example, if you’re using PowerPoint slides, ensure they’re clear and concise. And if you’re using video, ensure it’s high-quality and relevant to the material you’re teaching.

Make connections to real life

Students are more likely to engage with the material if they can see how it applies to their lives. So, make connections between the course material and real-life examples whenever possible. This could mean sharing stories from your own experience, using current events to illustrate a point, or having students work on projects they can use in their future careers.

Be flexible

No matter how well you plan, there will always be days when things don’t go as expected. When this happens, it’s essential to be flexible and adjust your lesson plans accordingly. For example, if a discussion isn’t going as planned, you might need to change the structure of the discussion or provide more guidance.

Get feedback

Finally, it’s imperative to get feedback from your students on a regular basis. This can help you gauge how well they understand the material and identify areas where they struggle. You can get feedback by asking questions in class, conducting surveys, or holding one-on-one meetings with students.

Teaching higher education students can be a challenge. But by using effective teaching methods and creating an engaging learning environment, you can set your students up for success. When you get a higher education teaching certificate, you will also get the training you need to effectively teach in a higher education setting and study these different teaching methods in greater detail.