Which Teaching Method is More Effective Today; Authoritative, Liberal or Democratic?
The landscape of education is a constantly evolving one, and rightly so, because it needs to address the ever-changing requirements of society. Aristotle’s famous declaration that “education is the best provision for old age”, and renowned motivational speaker and author William Arthur Ward’s belief that “Teaching is more than imparting knowledge; it is inspiring change,” elucidate the fluid paradigm of education.
Over the years, prominent pioneers of education have come up with their own strategies and techniques for imparting education: Authoritative, Liberal and Democratic are broadly the most followed approaches for classroom instruction.
Authoritative Teaching Method
An authoritative teacher is punctilious while laying the ground rules for her students. Expectations are communicated with utmost clarity to the pupils while encouraging them to engage in active discussions. However, while setting the expectations, the unique circumstances of the learners are not ignored. Though there is a high level of involvement and control, the teacher modifies her teaching to suit individual requirements. The emphasis on discipline and order is vital, but the teacher is duly invested in students’ lives and their success. Teachers recognize the limitations and strengths of their students and guide them to pursue their hobbies/ interests and discover their optimum potential.
Liberal Teaching Method
Conventional and strictly disciplinarian teaching methods are gradually getting eschewed as the rapidly changing world requires confident and independent individuals who are empowered to deal with diversity, complexity, and change. Nowadays, several educators are turning towards liberal education which lays stress on collaborative, critical and creative thinking skills.
The Liberal teaching method is all about creating a conducive environment where students feel comfortable in expressing their opinions and engaging in meaningful conversations with teachers and other students.
Democratic Teaching Method
Democratic teaching methods empower students with choice and control thus enabling them to guide their own educational plans and goals instead of their educational journey being decided by others. This methodology pays due diligence to students’ voices and is often specifically emancipatory. The purpose of democratic education is to provide students ownership over their own education. Classroom policies and procedures as well as behavioural issues are resolved through meetings and discussions.
To conclude, each of the above styles have their own merits. While there is no golden rule to select the best teaching style, a methodology that nurtures 21st century skills and enables students to construct their learning is the best way to nurture students. It is imperative to keep in mind the social and cultural circumstances, as well as the stage of learning to decide the optimum teaching style. While there is still space for teacher-centered learning for specific topics and learning objectives, a student-centered approach is important. The most effective method is to vary the teaching style as per the demands of the situation: An effective and passionate teacher is able to gauge when to direct students (authoritative); when to engage in discussions (liberal); and when to delegate responsibility (democratic).
“ If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.” John Dewey
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