Teaching Styles and the WWW

Teaching Styles Cluster 4

Summary

This combination of the Delegator, Facilitator, and Expert modes of teaching works best when students have appropriate levels of knowledge and possess Independent, Collaborative, and Participant learning styles. Their capabilities also must include a willingness to take initiative and to accept more responsibility for their own learning. To use the highly student-centered teaching methods of Cluster 4 or the independent study processes means that teachers must be willing to give up direct control over how learners engage various tasks and their outcomes. An independent study or collaborative project, for example, would be lass interesting if the teacher planned every detail and the outcomes were highly predictable. Teachers must be willing to "empower" students and to develop rapport with them. The instructor must be viewed as approachable in order to consult effectively with students and to act as a resource person. Good working relationships among students, however, has to be something they rarely work on themselves in the context of their tasks.

A Summary of the Model's Requirements

General Classroom Methods

Emphasis on independent learning activities for groups and individuals.

Degree of Sensitivity to Learning Style that Teacher Needs

(Moderate-High) Teacher acts as a consultant and resource person for students. Must know how to emphasize and to help students adopt Independent, Collaborative, and Participant styles.

Capability of Students to Handel Course Demands

(High) Students need proficient levels of knowledge and skill, and must take initiative and accept responsibility for their learning. Need emotional maturity to work alone and with others and the motivation to succeed when asked to work independently.

Control of Classroom Tasks

(Low) Important for teacher to move into the background and serve as a consultant and resource person.

Willingness of Teacher to Build/Maintain Relationships

(Low-Moderate) Students must manage their own interpersonal processes in groups. Good communication needed when consulting with students.

This text is quoted from Anthony Grasha, Teaching with Style (Pittsburgh, PA: Alliance Publishers, 1996), pp.149-205.
Used with author's permission

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