ABSTRACT
In considering how teachers should teach in the classroom, it is useful to make a distinction between three aspects of teaching. Which includes the use of particular teaching methods and learning activities; the relationship between the teacher and pupils and how the teacher maintains authority and discipline during lessons; and how teaching and learning in the classroom enables each pupil to feel challenged, engaged and motivated by their experiences. This chapter considers the key issues involved in the choice of teaching methods to be used in the classroom. It illustrates how the context of policy and practice initiatives impacts on teaching methods. The chapter explores how teaching methods need to take account of pupil characteristics such as age, ability, knowledge, social context, self-perceptions, motivation, and previous experience of learning. Expertise as a teacher is based on being able to make high-quality judgements about teaching and being able to put these into effect in a skilful manner.
