teaching-methods

name	teaching-methods
description	Direct instruction, inquiry-based, project-based, flipped classroom, differentiation, and assessment
metadata	{"author":"cosmicstack-labs","version":"1.0.0","category":"education-learning","tags":["teaching","education","methods","pedagogy","instruction"]}

Teaching Methods

Effective teaching approaches for different learning contexts.

Methods Overview

Method	Teacher Role	Student Role	Best For
Direct Instruction	Expert, guide	Active listener	Foundational skills, procedures
Inquiry-Based	Facilitator	Investigator	Critical thinking, curiosity
Project-Based	Coach	Creator, problem-solver	Real-world application
Flipped Classroom	Mentor	Self-directed learner	Active class time
Socratic	Questioner	Critical thinker	Deep understanding

Direct Instruction

Structure: I Do → We Do → You Do

1. I Do: Model the skill, think aloud
2. We Do: Guided practice with feedback
3. You Do: Independent practice

When to Use

• New concepts or skills
• Procedural knowledge (math, coding syntax)
• Safety-critical topics

Inquiry-Based Learning

1. Present a question or problem
2. Students explore, ask questions, investigate
3. Guide toward conclusions through questioning
4. Debrief and formalize learning

Example Prompt

"How could we determine the most efficient sorting algorithm without looking it up? What experiments would you run?"

Project-Based Learning

Framework

• Driving Question: Open-ended, meaningful
• Sustained Inquiry: Multiple research cycles
• Authenticity: Real-world relevance
• Student Voice & Choice: Decisions throughout
• Reflection: Process and product
• Critique & Revision: Feedback loops
• Public Product: Presented to authentic audience

Differentiation

Adapt for different learners by adjusting:

• Content: What students learn (vary complexity)
• Process: How they learn (vary activities)
• Product: How they show learning (vary assessments)
• Environment: Where/how they learn (vary settings)