Teaching Approaches: Theory and Practice

Abstract

While according to some authors, teaching approach is the way of teaching students, implying the kinds of teaching and learning activities that a teacher conducts and the ways in which teacher engages students with the subject matter, other authors use this term to refer to the way of teaching, which can take the form of a lecture, tutorial, or laboratory work. The paper first focuses in particular on the theoretical understandings of teacher-centered and student-centered approaches, executive, facilitator, and liberationist teaching approaches, as well as lecture, direct instruction, and group discussion. These theories are then examined in regard to teaching approaches in Kazakhstan, whose educational system has recently undergone significant changes, moving from traditional to a more competence-based type of education, thereby encouraging students to develop the ability to apply the knowledge and experience in order to solve problems. By examining these theories and their application in Kazakhstan, it is hoped to shed light on the areas for further growth and improvement.