Deema Othman EDU502

2016201174 Teaching & Learning

A Summary of Jacobsens Methods of Teaching

In Chapter 7 of his book Methods of Learning, David A. Jacobsen draws attention various
teaching strategies implemented in the classrooms. He starts his chapter by comparing two
strategies; the Teacher Directed Strategy and Discovery Teaching strategy by highlighting the
problems of the Teacher Directed strategy: Time and Teacher Controlled where the teacher
basically lectures the students for a long time where no student interaction found. Regarding
the Discovery Teaching strategy, it gives more chances for exploring, and more student
interaction, but this strategy requires more time unlike the directed strategy.

Jacobsen moves his discussion to talk about the components of the above-mentioned methods
which include planning and implementation of these strategies and the differences between
these components regarding to the strategy that is being used.
Jacobsen also draws attention to the cooperative learning strategy, which can be implemented
through a series of methods such as, Face to Face Interaction, Group Goals, Individual
Accountability, Collaborative Skills, and finally, Group Processing. These methods have
problems in which Jacobsen explains how to face them through out specific goals, interview,
specific task requirement, student monitoring, or having the teacher move around the class to
name a few of these solutions.

Jacobsen also discusses the Discussion Strategy which requires a lot of organized planning
because it involves Organization; Goals must be set, wither if it is a large teacher led
discussion or small student led activities, student background and experience must be known,
a specific end result must be done like a summary or a reflection, and the right allocation of
time for the activities. The implementation of this strategy is based on the availability of a
lesson plan and the big questions that students will be asked.

Finally, the advantages of Problem Based Learning allow students to learn how to ask about
things, and they enhance the students problem solving skills, and develop their self-directed
learning ability.

Jacobsens explanation and discussion of these strategies, helps teachers in implementing

effective teaching and learning process in the classroom. However, teachers can determine
the most suitable strategy out of those strategies according to his/her class basic needs, since
each classroom stands as a different case from other classes.