The 4 Methods of Teaching

Going into Social Studies methods I had no idea that there were 4 methods of teaching Social Studies. That was way back when. What did I know, I was just a child. I remember when I first learned about these methods. Wow, I thought, this really gives me a lot of different tools I can insert into my classroom. I can't wait to learn all about these methods and how to use them.

There are 4 methods to teaching Social Studies. These 4 methods help students learn in a variety of different ways. The 4 methods are Behavioral, Personal, Information Processing, and Social. It is important for all teachers to learn these methods, and know how to use them in a classroom. 

The first method is Behavioral. This method is the only method out of the 4 that is used for direct instruction. Since it takes place during direct instruction it is teacher based.The Behavioral teaching model is where the student is given large amounts of information. It is the teachers job to guide the students through the material, and make sure they obtain what is being told. They can do this by using checks for understanding which are little stoppages to make sure the students understand what is being taught. One way I plan on ensuring that my students understand the information is by using choral responses. 

The second method is Information Processing. This is used during indirect instruction, and is student based. In Information Processing students use the information given to them in the behavioral model, and try to solve problems. The purpose of this method is to have the students think critically, and find answers. In this method students are creating and solving problems. Some ways I plan on using Information Processing in my classroom is through the use of  inquiry questioning, discussion, and problem solving. 

The third model is the Social Interactive Model which also takes place during indirect instruction. The purpose of this is to develop social skills. There are 4 parts of this which make the acronym PIGS. The letters stand for positive interdependence, individual accountability, group processing, and social skills. Some ways I plan on using are turn and talk, peer review, group processing, and think and share. 

The fourth and final model of teaching is the Personal model. Just like the previous 3 models, this takes place during indirect instruction. The purpose of this is to help students self esteem. This method helps students express themselves, and also helps them to find what interests them.

This is me super excited to use the 4 methods of teaching 

These 4 models give me a great wealth of knowledge to different things I can use in my class to impact my students learning. I can't wait to try them out!