Strategies Science Influences My Pedagogy
In the realm of education, a shift is underway, as more educators are adopting an evidence-based approach to teaching. This method, supported by rigorous research, prioritises strategies that have been empirically proven to improve learning outcomes.
One of the key areas where traditional teaching methods fall short is the concept of learning styles. Contrary to popular belief, evidence does not support teaching tailored to individual learning styles, such as visual or auditory learners. Instead, effective teaching addresses content with methods known to universally enhance learning, like explicit explanations and worked examples.
The use of instructional videos is another aspect that has received new attention. When designed to reduce cognitive load and focus learners on key information, videos can enhance learning. This is particularly true when combined with evidence-based strategies like segmenting information and providing guided explanations, rather than passive viewing.
Pre-testing, or formative assessment, is another strategy that has proven its worth. These assessments help diagnose students' current knowledge, identify gaps, and prepare students to better encode new information. They align with principles like retrieval practice and help tailor subsequent instruction to optimise learning.
While lectures have long been a staple of traditional teaching, evidence suggests that they should be concise and accompanied by active learning elements. Importantly, evidence favours explicit instruction—carefully guided teaching with worked examples and structured explanations—over minimal or discovery-based guidance, especially for novices. Reducing pure lecture time in favour of active, scaffolded practice improves comprehension and retention.
In the digital age, the impact of AI-generated papers is a topic of discussion. From an evidence-based perspective, the emphasis on integrity and critical evaluation of sources remains crucial. AI-generated content, if unvetted, can pose challenges in academic settings, potentially undermining the emphasis on authentic, evidence-supported work. Educators addressing AI-generated submissions should reinforce academic honesty and use evidence-based assessment techniques to evaluate genuine learning.
The author, a seasoned educator, has embraced this evidence-based approach, recognising its strong evidence to support it. They encourage the use of automated citation tools but are against AI writing replacing student writing, citing the positive impact of the writing process on critical thinking experiences. The author's interest in science and health didn't initially translate into an interest in teaching methods until they started writing for Tech & Learning and interviewing educational scientists.
Active learning, more effective than traditional lectures according to research, is now a cornerstone of the author's teaching strategy. They devote more class time to in-class writing and other writing-related projects, understanding that students will probably learn better from high-quality videos. The author has also started using pre-testing as a teaching strategy, which has been shown to boost learning.
Despite the shift towards evidence-based teaching, the author is mindful of those who still cling to the concept of learning styles. They are currently seeking better strategies for informing these individuals about the research debunking their validity.
In conclusion, evidence-based teaching emphasises methods backed by research—explicit instruction, spaced practice, frequent formative assessment, and cognitive load management—while challenging many traditional beliefs like learning styles and unstructured discovery learning. It integrates technology such as video carefully to supplement, not replace, guided learning and requires modern educators to adapt assessment and integrity practices in light of new tools like AI-generated content.
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