Preferred Teaching Methods

Research on teaching methods indicates that there are many successful ways to teach and learn. We are interested in how essential you consider some specific teaching methods, activities, and tools in your classroom.

To what extent do various activities contribute to your success as a teacher? Tell us what you and your students actually do, not what someone else thinks you should be doing.

For items 1 through 6, please check the box between "supplemental" and "essential" which most closely represents the importance of the teaching method, activity or tool for your own instructional style. Check only one box.

1. In my instruction, the use of cooperative learning is ______.

2. Solving complex problems is ______ in my instruction.

3. For my teaching, the use of computer technology is ______.

4. Interdisciplinary instruction is ______ in my classroom.

5. In my instruction, the use of lecture/demonstration is ______.

6. For my teaching, the use of individualized instruction is ______.

For items 7 through 12, please check the box between "never" and "often" which most closely represents the frequency with which you and your students use the teaching method, activity or tool. Check only one box.

7. My students ______ work cooperatively in small groups to accomplish learning tasks.

8. In my instruction, students ______ engage in complex problem solving.

9. Students ______ do parts of their work on computers in my curriculum.

10. In my classroom, students ______ study themes from the perspectives of more than one discipline (for example, science and language arts).

11. In my instruction, I ______ expect students to listen and take notes.

12. I ______ tailor specific learning activities for individual students.

For items 13 through 16, please check the box which most closely represents how useful you believe computers are for particular jobs. Check only one box.

13. Computers are ______ for helping with classroom management tasks such as record keeping and letter writing.

14. Computers are ______ for providing students practice on basic skills.

15. Computers are ______ as tools for engaging students in critical thinking.

16. Computers are ______ for helping students gain access to information.

17. Do you use computers at all in your instruction? Yes No

Answer 18 through 22 if you answered "Yes" to Question 17.

18. We ______ use word processing or desktop publishing software.

19. We ______ use a modem or telecommunications software.

20. We ______ use multimedia, CD-ROM or laserdisc software.

21. We ______ spreadsheet or database software.

22. We ______ tutorial or drill and practice software.

Answer 23 through 28 if you answered "No" to Question 17.

23. I don't know enough about computers to use them.

24. I don't have access to computers and/or software for my students.

25. I don't believe computers are very effective in helping students learn.

26. Technology isn't emphasized in my school.

27. There's not enough help when I have problems with computers.

28. Other reason (s) __________________________________________

Survey Part 2

(This survey was taken from a study done at San Diego State University)

Send any comments to kahayden@pepperdine.edu