Introduction to teaching Strategies

The following teaching and learning techniques fall at various points on a scale of completely directive to completely nondirective. Directive instruction is teacher-oriented and didactic, whereas nondirective instruction is student-oriented and facilitative. These are the two main categories of teaching styles, and most methods involve some combination of the two, the distribution of which is up to the educator’s discretion.
a. Be alert to early signs of difficulty and provide assistance and referrals.
b. Be aware of time commitments for the course. Be realistic about amount of time required of
the student.
c. Be knowledgeable of college policies and procedures concerning activities such as the library,
dropping and adding classes, student ID s, etc., that can be passed on to the students.
d. Try to recognize and assist students with limitations in areas such as writing, reading, and
math. They should be referred for appropriate help before it affects their class standing.
e. Be aware that students may be under significant stress. Avoid confrontations. Be considerate
of such students.
f. Disabled students may not wish to share their limitations publicly. Be sensitive to this as well
as the need to assist them. At the beginning of the class, it is advisable to simply comment, “if
anyone needs special seating, etc. please see me after class.”