Tutors@ANU

There are many models of teaching — what it is, how people go about it, what it means. Different models may not only apply to teaching as a whole, but also to its parts; that is, different models may apply to different units, tasks, lectures etc.

Listed below are some teaching models that might help describe your own philosophy of teaching (adapted from Fox 1983).

• building model. An amalgamation of both the transfer and shaping models (see below). Students are seen as building sites and part of the job is to deliver the raw materials of the subject-matter to the site (similar to the transfer model). To this end, a concept is a complex structure that needs to be built according to a predetermined plan (shaping model).
• growing model. Focuses attention on the intellectual and emotional development of the learner. Students make significant contributions not only to the process and pace of their learning but also to the direction, to the objectives.
• shaping model. Teaching is a process of shaping or moulding students to a predetermined pattern. Shaping typically occurs with teachers firstly 'showing' and 'demonstrating' these qualities then setting exercises whereby the qualities are fashioned in the students.
• testing model. Teaching is a case of testing students on how much they know at the current time, and of seeing how much they have learnt at the completion of a task, unit, course etc.
• training model. Views learning as a developmental process wherein students are trained to think independently and to apply what they have learnt as they go. Student progress is measured by sequenced and related tasks.
• transfer model. Knowledge is seen as a commodity which can be transferred by the act of teaching. This model sees teaching as 'imparting knowledge' or 'conveying' information.
• travelling model. Treats the subject as a terrain to be explored with hills to be climbed for better viewpoints with the teacher as the travelling companion or expert guide. No guide, though, no matter how competent or experienced can do your exploring for you. Exploration is a personal activity.

What is your philosophy of teaching?