Strengths & Limitations of Teaching & Learning Approaches

Strengths & limitations of teaching & learning approaches.
Understand every teaching method has its strengths and limitations, for example:   demonstrations - are a very practical of showing how a particular job is done, but then are the resources available to you – students may want to have a go themselves, whereas in a large group, the students at the back may not be able to see or be paying attention and may quickly lose interest and resort to inappropriate behaviour.
Please see the table below for further examples.


Demonstrations A practical way of showing how something works.

Allows time for questions and for students to have a go themselves.

Links theory and practice.

A handout can be given to supplement the demonstration.

Can cover all learning styles. Resources may not be available.

Takes time to prepare.

Not all students may be able to see if they are in a large group.

Individuals might not pay attention.

Discussions All students can be encouraged to participate.

Useful to assess knowledge and understanding. Some students might not wish to be involved.

The group needs to remain focussed as it can be easy to digress.
E learning Students can learn at their own pace.

Encourages further research.

Easy to submit completed assignments. Some students may not find the motivation to complete the tasks.

Students may find the lack of peer assessment slows their progression.
Presentations Ease of assessing knowledge and learning.

Confident students will relish making a presentation.

Develops students interaction skills. Some students may lack the confidence to be able to make a presentation.

Resources may not be available.
Group work Develops social skills.

Tackle more   complex problems than they could on your own.

Find effective peers to emulate. Difficulty monitoring behaviour in with multiple groups.

Dealing with arguments and bullying.