Often times the teachers are looking for different approaches, strategies, and methods of effective teaching to aid students to increase their achievement level in Science and generally in other subjects.  Not many students like this subject, since they find that Science is a delicate and challenging subject because the content and activities should develop individuals critical thinking skills and multiple intelligences that could be attained through hands on and minds –on approach since learners learn effectively when they are actively engaged in discovery process. These skills can be developed and acquired through problem-solving and laboratory activities.  It will also lead to positive attitudes and increase scientific literacy.  According to studies, Science and Math are among the subjects which are dreaded by many students, and because of this situation, effective teaching of Science and Math entails many factors, one of these they claim is the teaching styles of teachers.

            Teaching styles describes the manner in which a teacher manages instruction and the classroom environment.  Effective learning in the classroom depends on the teacher’s ability to maintain the interest of the learners.  However, no teachers are alike, and any teacher with classroom teaching experiences will agree that their style of teaching is uniquely their own..  Teachers need to account for students’ various learning abilities and must adapt their teaching styles to benefit each individual learner and the class as a whole.

            The teachers more than any other professionals are momentarily subjected to scrutinizing to the minutest detail and observation by those they associate with.  Teachers are judged more strictly than other professionals. There are other persons who will observed him/her, for instance, the school principal, the department head, the education supervisors, other DepEd Personnel coming from the Regional and Central Offices  The personality they project determines the impressions they implant upon students and colleagues.  Their poise, bearing and manner of dressing create a stunning and attractive appearance.  Their facial expression communicates a friendly and amiable disposition.

            Teachers whether they like it or not have their own teaching style.  According to Corpuz and Salandanan, (2005) they may be authoritative, wherein the teacher acts as the center of attention, demanding all students to form on the teacher’s direct instruction.  In this style, the teacher maintains power through negative punishments in a swift and severe manner.  This style of teaching is most common in disruptive classrooms and may produce short term gains.

            They further explained that another style of teaching is the student-centric; this teaching style focuses heavily on each particular student, as this style assumes every student learns in a different capacity.  Teachers must spend more time with each individual student accommodating the lessons to fit to students needs This teaching style is ideal in smaller settings, but may also suit a larger classroom.  Another teaching style is the  facilitator.  In this style, the teacher creates several activities and provide the classroom with materials and an outline, placing the impetus on students to complete assignments individually or in groups. Teachers may walk around the classroom to help facilitate thoughts about the subject matter, or they may stay at their desk answering questions when necessary.

            Next kind of teaching style according to Corpuz and Salandanan is the Delegator wherein they cited that not many years ago, researcher and practitionersalike advocated strongly for science activities that would allow students to learn experientially.  Lectures were implemented by laboratory activities that students advocated themselves-either individually or as part of a team.

            As teachers, do you really believe that teaching styles have something to do with the students’ achievement?

References:

Brenda Corpuz and Gloria Salandanan.Principles of Teaching. Manila, Philippines. (2006)

Maricel F. Dela Cruz Science Laboratory Skills Of Grade VI Pupils In the District of Hermosa, Unpublished Masteral Thesis BPSU, BalangaCity,March 2009

By: ODISSA P. DASILAO | Teacher III | Morong National High School- Mabayo Annex | Morong, Bataan