Revolutionizing Education: Modern Teaching Methods and Techniques for 21st Century Teachers

The world is changing faster than ever, and it is almost impossible to meet the learning needs of the digital natives with the age-old obsolete teaching techniques. As teachers and stakeholders, we need to reach out to our new generations as per their learning preferences. But for this, we constantly need to adapt to new methods and techniques of teaching that can suit the students of Gen Z, and Gen Alpha!

<Gen Z – kids born between 1996 and 2010. Gen Alpha – all the kids born between 2010 and 2025.>

Unlike the previous generations, Gen Z and Alpha are living through an age of greater uncertainty. And naturally, they are also strikingly different from their previous generations.

Do you know that 70% of Gen Z citizens prefer freelancing over jobs?

Yes!

Here’s a look at some unique aspirations of Gen Z:

Preferences	%
Prefer freelancing	70%
Work only on freelance projects	53%
Wish to be financially comfortable	40%
Want to travel	30%
Want to have their business	25%
Want to retire early	20%

In this article, we will explore some effective teaching and learning methods. So get ready to take your teaching to the NEXT LEVEL with the knowledge of the most effective education methods exclusively for 21^st-century teaching!

What are Modern Teaching Methods?

Modern teaching methods and techniques help to meet the demands of contemporary education. These methods aim to match the pace of societal changes. In this way, these methods and teaching approaches keep evolving with the advancements to match the global paradigm. We all know that the 21^st-century is dominated by technological progress. And today, our education methodologies focus on making learning more relevant in the real-world context. Let’s delve deeper into the need for these modern teaching methods.

Why are the Modern Teaching Methods Necessary?

To Serve Multitasking Generations

All generations learn differently. But by far, Gen Alpha is seen as the most creative and multitasking generation ever. The typical education methodologies fail to engage these students. It is alarming to note that 71% of these new-gen students find English boring!

Similarly, Gen Z is also a highly digitally inclined multitasking generation wherein 60% of youngsters between 9 to 17 years spend more than 3 hours every day on gaming platforms and social media. These peculiar characteristics of the new generations have led to shrinking attention spans, mental health issues, and the inability to process lengthy information at a time. Modern teaching approaches like micro-teaching (breaking information into smaller parts), and video-based learning perfectly align the educational processes to such unique traits of these young students.

Immersive Technology is the Future

Do you know that the online teaching approach is adding more value to the educational journey of our Indian students?

Yes! Research has proved that immersive technology can enhance a user’s performance. And the modern way of teaching through videos, AI, and virtual resources makes students more receptive to learning.

Well! technology has not just boosted student engagement. But has also introduced new ways of collaborating with others.

Take a look at some fascinating facts!

60% of internet users make use of online learning.
50% of Indian students (across different educational institutions) use online learning to clarify doubts.

Today, the rapidly evolving classroom is way beyond the walls of traditional schools. This means that the future belongs to these engaging modern teaching methods and these smart Ed-Tech solutions!

It’s time to discuss the modern teaching and learning methods now!

Top Methods and Techniques of Teaching in a Virtual Learning Environment

Flipped Classroom

One of the most impactful methods of teaching in modern times is the ‘Flipped Classroom’. This methodology is perfect for high school and university-level students to explore topics for a meaningful learning experience. Students prepare for a topic at home. And they discuss/present the same in the classroom. By reversing the roles of teachers and students, the latter gain an enhanced understanding at a deeper level.

Collaborative Learning

Collaborative learning is also one of the most effective teaching and learning methods. Digital collaboration enables students to complete tasks, gain insights and allows them to understand diverse perspectives in a given scenario.

Pro Tip for Teachers-

A survey suggests that the most effective way to plan digital collaboration is with a small group size (with 5 students). 59.8% of students found this group size effective for completing tasks.

Digital collaboration group size	%
Two by two	34.10%
Small group (5 students)	59.80%
Large group (10 students)	6.10%

Gamified Learning

Here’s a fun fact about information retention with various teaching and learning methods!

Gamified experience boosts student engagement levels = By up to 60%
Passive methods include lectures = 5%
Reading = 10%
Audio-visual = 20%
Demos = 30%
Active learning methods (like group discussions) = 50%
Practice by doing = 75%

Clearly, game-based education methods and elements make learning more effective and fun for students. For teachers, these game-based methods and techniques of teaching can be used with the help of innovative technology. You can delve into the best practices used in online schools, and create such personalized learning pathways for students.

Personalized Learning

21^st-century education is all about personalized learning. You can make use of adaptive software, and try some AI tools with other effective methods of teaching. Set the difficulty levels as per the student’s understanding level while you assign tasks/activities. And share prompt (constructive) feedback to help students learn better.

Mixed Teaching Methods to Develop Thinking Skills

Modern teaching methods and techniques (like inquiry, problem-based, project-based, and thinking-based learning) are extremely useful for students to build connections between information. Use age-appropriate relevant methods. And be open for changes to identify the most suitable of all education methodologies.

What are the Advantages of Modern Teaching Methods?

Supports student achievement to succeed in adulthood
Reaches out to all types of students
Helps students develop critical skills for modern workplace success
Promotes research and scientific thinking abilities
Modern way of teaching makes it easier to engage students and keep them active
Makes students inquisitive and reasoning-oriented
Students enjoy immediate rewards and learn better under healthy competition
These methods and techniques of teaching keep students motivated to learn

Final Thoughts

Modern teaching methods are surely more relevant for our younger generations. They add a sense of purpose to one’s educational attainment. And empower students to discover their innate potential.

Drive your student’s educational journey with these modern teaching methods and techniques. And do not forget to applaud your efforts as a great MENTOR!

Thanks for Reading!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the father of the modern method of teaching?
John Amos Comenius is the father of modern method of teaching.
What are the five traditional teaching methods?
Lecture, teacher-centric, textbook-based, rote learning, and content knowledge- based are some of the traditional methods.
How many teaching techniques are there?
There are many teaching techniques such as inquiry, cooperative, collaborative, project-based, lecture, role play, problem-solving, etc.
Which method is best for teaching?
The best method of teaching is the one that makes learning highly personalized for students. Broadly, flipped learning, collaboration, and projects are some of the best ways to teach complex topics to students.
How are the new teaching methods different than the old?
Traditional/old teaching methods focused on building foundational literacy skills, and content knowledge. However, the modern way of teaching is designed as per the preferences of new-age students. And help them to develop the 21^st-century skills.