#42 - Methodology
At first look, methodology seems really deep and really complex. Lots has been written about methodology. Dozens of experts give dozens of sophisticated explanations of how it works. Each one is completely dis-related to the other and none of them agree with each other. There doesn’t seem to be a standard or an accepted norm within the educational community. But, the longer you look at it, the more you realize that it’s just content and delivery. It’s What you deliver and HOW you deliver it.
The number of different ways of delivering education are probably endless. There are as many ways to deliver a lesson as there are teachers. Probably more. Regardless of the complexity involved in methodology, there is one really simple concept - you’re just trying to get an idea from here to there.
Content is important and deserves its own discussion. That’s a big subject all by itself.
The primary method of delivery is lecturing and explaining. As a methodology, it’s been around for 2000 years or more. Added to that, the Socrates Teaching method is a universal tool for developing learning and critical hinking.
With modern technology, delivery has expanded to many more channels including mobile, digital and online.
Most methodologies are just variations on how to deliver the message.
Some experts describe methods as teacher-centered or student-centered. They describe them as low-tech and high-tech referring to old fashioned lecturing versus computer-based learning. Some psych-based authorities divide them according to this philosophy or that philosophy. It seems to be a free-for-all. More of a popularity contest.
A lot of “methodologies” are just (sometimes innovative) twists on basic lecture and explanation techniques and involve facilities, learning format, activities, materials and teacher tools. Here are some examples:
Educational Facilities
Methodologies involving the facilities include the classrooms, service facilities (like food service, bathrooms or auditoriums), good library, collaborative learning spaces, designated quiet spaces, flexible seating, student social spaces, physical education facilities, computer stations, school newspaper and web site.
Teaching Format
Things that fall under Format might include traditional lectures, reading, storytelling, appointments with students, guest speakers - author’s chair, brainstorming, chalkboard instruction, class projects, class discussion - group discussions, current events reports and quizzes, DIY activities, educational podcasts, essays, “genius hour”, learning contracts, learning stations, literature circles, panel discussions, peer partner learning, reading aloud, interviewing people, flipped classes and TED talks.
Educational Activities
Typical educational activities would include homework (of any description), art-based projects, research projects, book reports, case studies, oral reports, classroom video diary, debate, role playing, projects (problem solving), mock conventions, dramatization (plays, skits, readers' theater etc.), educational games, exhibits and displays, explore different cultures, field trips, games, journal writing, laboratory experiments, rehearsals – all arts, pen pals, photography, spelling bees and academic competitions, science fairs, scrapbooks, make podcast, student originated projects, term papers and supplemental reading.
Education Materials
Standard material would include the usual classroom materials, flash cards, audio testimonies, bulletin boards, murals and montage, showcases, posters, online courses, handouts, ebooks, workbooks, films, videos, vocabulary lists and video lessons.
Teacher Tools
A teacher’s tools could include online platforms, certificates, rewards & recognition, teacher admin software, prepared lesson syllabus, prepared tests and quizzes and prepared lesson content.
As you can see, “methodologies “ are endless. Authorities and experts talk about “methodology” ad infinitum. Most of these “discoveries” are fabricated and use psychobabble and seasoned bamboozling to make them look scholarly and important.
There have been a number of worthwhile advancements over the millennia and a lot of them worth keeping. Education has advanced over the millennia. 2000 years ago, education was aimed at a limited audience - scribes and the elites. Over time, the curricula expanded and the notion that everyone deserved some education and education, among other things, should serve society in terms of preparing people to work. But, underlying all of it and constant is the basic method of lecture and explain.
Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. A lot of this stuff is good. But, It’s time to throw “pseudoscience” in the garbage.
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