The traditional method of teaching is a teacher-centric method that promotes the supremacy of the teacher within the classroom setup. Here teachers followed the drill and rote method of memorization. In this method, children learn through repetition and memorization.
While the modern method of teaching is in full swing these days, the traditional method of teaching is not far out of the picture. Even today, it is very much a part of the education system across the world.
From your schools to universities, it is still the most widely accepted form of teaching and comes only secondary to the modern methods. While we have all been through that mode of teaching, how many of us can pinpoint exactly what the traditional method of teaching is all about? How many of us can answer questions like
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- What is this traditional method of teaching?
- What are the features of this model?
- What are its advantages and disadvantages?
- How is the traditional method of teaching different from its modern counterpart?
Not many, right? But don’t worry because we at Graphy are here with an answer to all these questions. Let us take you through everything there is to know about the traditional model of teaching.
Table of Contents
What is the traditional method of teaching?
In the traditional method of teaching, teaching happens within the four walls of the classroom. Here, the teacher is the sole source of knowledge. It’s a teacher-centric method that promotes the supremacy of the teacher within the classroom setup. Also, every aspect of learning proceeds as per their will. The teacher:
- Has full control over the learning environment.
- Decides the teaching methodology.
- Determines the course curriculum.
In the traditional method of teaching, teachers followed the drill and rote method of memorization. In this method, children learn through repetition and memorization. There is little or no scope for critical thinking.
Related Blog: Remedial Teaching Strategies and Tips: Enhance Student Learning
Nowadays, with online courses gaining popularity, this method definitely sounds outdated. But in educational institutions, it is still the accepted model. But it is important to note that, today, the traditional method of learning has adopted a new form.
- The classroom set-up remains the same, but there is more space for experimentation.
- Teachers are still the head of the classroom because they accommodate the needs of students to create an effective teaching model.
- Teachers deliver lectures, but presentations and seminars are part of the course curriculum.
So, today, we have the traditional method of teaching at the core of our education system. But there is a mix of certain modern elements to keep it in sync with the changing times.
Also read: E-learning Vs traditional learning: Which one is better?
Features of traditional learning
To better understand what the traditional method of teaching involves, let’s have a look at some of its key features.
- Learning happens in a physical space, within the four walls of a classroom.
- In a traditional learning method, the teacher is in complete control of the learning environment.
- Learning happens at a predetermined pace and schedule.
- Face-to-face interaction between the teacher and students.
- Strict reliance on textbooks.
- All students learn within the same environment.
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The difference between traditional and modern methods of teaching
Traditional method of teaching | The modern method of teaching |
Sole reliance on textbooks. | Makes use of all available resources including textbooks, e-resources, online video lectures, webinars, etc. |
Location and schedule are predetermined. | Flexible in terms of schedule and location. |
Teacher-centered method. | Student-centric method. |
The physical presence of the teacher and students in one space is mandatory. | Classes happen via both online and offline modes. |
Follows the pedagogy of direct instruction. | Follows several pedagogies, including live classes, online sessions, presentations, seminars, etc. |
The traditional method of teaching is untouched by technological advancements. | Technology is at the core of the modern method of teaching. |
Also read: 5 places to get answers to your e-learning questions
The advantages and disadvantages of the traditional method of teaching
The advantages of traditional learning
There is a constant debate regarding whether the traditional teaching method is still effective or not. While one cannot ignore the drawbacks of the traditional model, its advantages are equally felt. So, for a better understanding, let’s have a look at some advantages of traditional learning.
- The traditional method of teaching has immense scope for active learning. Students learn through personal interactions with their fellow students. This creates an active learning environment and helps them develop their communication skills.
- Traditional learning develops the student’s mind and their social self. They build interpersonal relationships with their teachers and other students of their age group and, with them, learn the ways of the world.
- In the traditional learning method, there is space for practical aspects of learning. For instance, chemistry, or biology experiments best happen within a traditional laboratory. Also, school playgrounds are best suited to enhance the mobility of children in a safe set-up.
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- As traditional learning happens on-campus, students have access to libraries, canteens, and other facilities.
- With this method, the question of the digital divide never surfaces.
- The traditional teaching method aims to teach students the importance of time management. There is a proper timetable that students and teachers need to follow.
- This method is best for hands-on training as it establishes direct contact between teachers and students.
Also read: The top 10 strategies for learning new skills
Disadvantages of traditional learning
The disadvantages of traditional learning were most strongly felt during the covid times. Education came to a standstill during the consecutive lockdowns because face-to-face interaction became an impossibility. It introduced us to the importance of online teaching, and since then, online lessons have grown in significance.
So, if you are an educator who wishes to make use of this online wave, build and market your online course with us at Graphy.
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But before that, let’s have a look at some other disadvantages of traditional learning.
- As traditional learning is time and location-bound, there is no flexibility.
- Traditional learning is not adaptive to the needs of children. The teacher-centric approach prioritizes the preferences of the teachers over the needs of each student. The teacher follows the methodology that they think is best for students and seldom leaves any space for improvisation.
- Traditional teaching is quite expensive as compared to online teaching. It involves infrastructure and maintenance costs.
- While a traditional classroom set-up offers a lot of space for practical learning, the focus is mostly on theory-based lessons. The strict schedule doesn’t leave much time for practical learning.
- In the traditional method of teaching, the daily commute becomes a big disadvantage. This might place a financial burden on students or even obstruct the effective learning process. For instance, during heavy rains, other natural calamities or disease outbreaks, the learning process gets hindered.
- The traditional method of teaching is limited to geographical boundaries.
Also read: Blended learning: How your school can combine online and offline learning
To sum up:
This was everything you needed to know about the traditional method of teaching. It also gives you a better understanding of the debate: modern teaching vs. traditional teaching.
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What we need today is a mix of both these methods for effective learning to take place so that both can help overcome the drawbacks of each other. For instance, the traditional method of teaching for face-to-face interaction and online lessons for better accessibility. Or, the traditional method for classroom learning and the modern method for increased access to diverse learning resources.
Also read: How to create an eLearning website in 4 simple steps – step-by-step guide
Switch to online teaching with Graphy
If you are an educator who wishes to transcend the limitations of traditional teaching and partake in the online world, Graphy is at your service. We are a reliable online course platform that offers 360-degree assistance with the creation and promotion of online courses. With customization options, in-built marketing tools, and third-party integrations, we are a key player in the industry.
So, if you want your first step into the online world of education to be smooth and flawless, build, launch, and market your online courses with us at Graphy. For a better understanding, visit our website today.
