Teaching Strategy vs. Teaching Technique

Attribute	Teaching Strategy	Teaching Technique
Definition	Overall plan or approach to achieve learning objectives	Specific method or way of delivering instruction
Flexibility	Can be adapted and modified based on student needs	Usually more rigid and structured
Scope	Broader in scope, encompassing multiple techniques	Focuses on specific skills or tasks
Longevity	Can remain consistent over time	May change frequently based on research and trends
Goal	To guide overall teaching approach	To provide specific methods for instruction

Definition

Teaching strategy and teaching technique are two terms that are often used interchangeably in the field of education. However, they have distinct meanings and play different roles in the teaching process. A teaching strategy refers to the overall plan that a teacher uses to guide their instruction and achieve learning objectives. It involves making decisions about what to teach, how to teach it, and how to assess student learning. On the other hand, a teaching technique refers to the specific methods and tools that a teacher uses to deliver instruction and engage students in the learning process.

Attributes

Teaching strategies are broad and encompassing, focusing on the big picture of how to achieve educational goals. They involve decisions about curriculum design, lesson planning, and assessment methods. Teaching strategies are often informed by educational theories and research on effective teaching practices. In contrast, teaching techniques are more specific and concrete, involving the actual implementation of instructional methods in the classroom. They include activities, tools, and approaches that teachers use to deliver content, facilitate learning, and assess student understanding.

Flexibility

One key difference between teaching strategy and teaching technique is their level of flexibility. Teaching strategies tend to be more flexible and adaptable, allowing teachers to make adjustments based on the needs of their students and the context of the learning environment. Teachers can modify their overall approach to teaching to better meet the needs of diverse learners and address unexpected challenges. On the other hand, teaching techniques are more fixed and specific, providing teachers with a set of tools and methods to use in the classroom. While teachers can make minor adjustments to techniques, they are generally less flexible than strategies.

Focus

Another difference between teaching strategy and teaching technique is their focus. Teaching strategies are focused on the long-term goals and objectives of instruction, such as promoting critical thinking skills, fostering creativity, or developing subject-specific knowledge. They guide the overall direction of teaching and learning in a course or curriculum. Teaching techniques, on the other hand, are focused on the day-to-day activities and interactions that occur in the classroom. They are more concerned with the specific methods and tools that teachers use to engage students, deliver content, and assess learning.

Integration

Teaching strategies and teaching techniques are not mutually exclusive; in fact, they are often used in combination to create effective instruction. Teaching strategies provide the framework and direction for teaching, while teaching techniques offer the specific tools and methods for implementing that strategy. For example, a teacher may use a strategy of inquiry-based learning to promote critical thinking skills in their students. They may then use techniques such as group discussions, hands-on activities, and project-based assessments to support that strategy. By integrating strategies and techniques, teachers can create a cohesive and effective approach to instruction.

Effectiveness

Both teaching strategy and teaching technique play important roles in the effectiveness of instruction. A well-designed teaching strategy provides a roadmap for achieving learning objectives and guiding student progress. It helps teachers make informed decisions about what to teach, how to teach it, and how to assess student learning. On the other hand, effective teaching techniques are essential for engaging students, delivering content in a meaningful way, and assessing student understanding. By using a combination of effective strategies and techniques, teachers can create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that promotes student success.

Conclusion

In conclusion, teaching strategy and teaching technique are two essential components of effective instruction. While teaching strategy provides the overall plan and direction for teaching, teaching technique offers the specific methods and tools for implementing that strategy. Both are important for creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment that promotes student success. By understanding the attributes of teaching strategy and teaching technique, teachers can make informed decisions about how to design and deliver instruction that meets the needs of their students and achieves learning objectives.