---
name: teaching-methods
description: 'Direct instruction, inquiry-based, project-based, flipped classroom, differentiation, and assessment'
metadata:
  author: cosmicstack-labs
  version: 1.0.0
  category: education-learning
  tags: [teaching, education, methods, pedagogy, instruction]
---

# Teaching Methods

Effective teaching approaches for different learning contexts.

## Methods Overview

| Method | Teacher Role | Student Role | Best For |
|--------|-------------|--------------|----------|
| Direct Instruction | Expert, guide | Active listener | Foundational skills, procedures |
| Inquiry-Based | Facilitator | Investigator | Critical thinking, curiosity |
| Project-Based | Coach | Creator, problem-solver | Real-world application |
| Flipped Classroom | Mentor | Self-directed learner | Active class time |
| Socratic | Questioner | Critical thinker | Deep understanding |

## Direct Instruction
Structure: I Do → We Do → You Do
1. **I Do**: Model the skill, think aloud
2. **We Do**: Guided practice with feedback
3. **You Do**: Independent practice

### When to Use
- New concepts or skills
- Procedural knowledge (math, coding syntax)
- Safety-critical topics

## Inquiry-Based Learning
1. Present a question or problem
2. Students explore, ask questions, investigate
3. Guide toward conclusions through questioning
4. Debrief and formalize learning

### Example Prompt
*"How could we determine the most efficient sorting algorithm without looking it up? What experiments would you run?"*

## Project-Based Learning

### Framework
- **Driving Question**: Open-ended, meaningful
- **Sustained Inquiry**: Multiple research cycles
- **Authenticity**: Real-world relevance
- **Student Voice & Choice**: Decisions throughout
- **Reflection**: Process and product
- **Critique & Revision**: Feedback loops
- **Public Product**: Presented to authentic audience

## Differentiation
Adapt for different learners by adjusting:
- **Content**: What students learn (vary complexity)
- **Process**: How they learn (vary activities)
- **Product**: How they show learning (vary assessments)
- **Environment**: Where/how they learn (vary settings)