Teaching methods can be described as learning activities that facilitate the flow of information from the teachers to the students whether verbally or through non-verbal communication. Teaching methods can widely be classified into direct and indirect instructions. However, they can be subdivided into smaller groups, and sometimes one teaching method can be integrated with another to facilitate a smooth flow of information. The determinant of the teaching method that flows with the student depends on many factors such as; the age of the students and their developmental stage, the subject matter of the lesson, aims and objectives of the lesson, availability of space, time, and the material used. Direct teaching method: This method involves a systematic way of planning, communication, and the way to deliver in a room setting to the students. This method requires an instructor to have internalized the command of the subject to a level close to mastery. Therefore the teacher understands the context matter in more than one way. Direct teaching helps in the classification of clearly outlined objectives to the students and the seriousness of the matter is emphasized by the instructor. Using this method of teaching it is very easy to gauge the students’ understanding of the subject and therefore makes it the best method for teaching factual content and basic skills. Cooperative learning: This method applies a group work type of approach. Small groups are put together comprising of students with different capabilities. This method uses a wide range of learning activities to promote understanding of the subject.
Each member of the team has a responsibility not only to learning but also in making sure that all the members of the group understand the concept taught. It helps the students in fostering mutual responsibility. Cooperative learning helps the student not only in class but in the development of human qualities of an individual like compassion and responsibility to other students. This method can be limiting in that the introverts can find it hard to share their knowledge with others and consequently the outgoing students may dominate the group creating inferiority to some students. Lecture method: In this method of teaching the students rely on the instructor to pass information to them. Therefore, the lecturer has an upper hand on what the student learns. This method is most appropriate in higher institutions of learning such as colleges. It is most appropriate for students who are auditory learners. This method is advantageous in that factual content can be presented in a very direct and clear way. It is also useful when dealing with large numbers. However, this method can be limiting in that the students who are poor in auditory learning can have a hard time coping and consequently when making notes. The lecture method can be boring and tiresome especially when presented for more than one hour. Communication is one way as the lecturer lectures and the student listens and just makes notes. Videotapes and slides: This is mostly for distance and online learning. Whereby the instructor videotapes their work and then sends it to their students. This is mostly made possible by the availability of net. Videotapes can also be used in a class setting mostly in language classes whereby an instructor teaches the students pronunciation or tonal variations. This method can be advantageous in that the student can be able to make notes easily through rewinding of the tape it also brings a sense of entertainment and is hence easy to remember. The video tape method can be limiting in that communication is one way and there is no room for students to ask the instructor questions.