Choosing a teaching format

Which teaching format you choose depends on your desired working methods in addition to external conditions.

In general, the more actively students engage with the content, the better and more sustainable the learning outcome will be (Freeman 2014).

The planning steps are the same for all formats:

  1. Define the learning objectives
  2. Define a suitable exam type
  3. Prioritize and allocate content
  4. Select suitable activities
  5. Create a course design

Advantages:

  • all participants in the same room
  • it is possible to read the class atmosphere and make eye contact

Disadvantages:

  • from approx. 25 people little interaction, students predominantly passive

Digital elements are used in face-to-face classes to increase participant involvement (quizzes, feedback, polls, digital whiteboards, prior knowledge activation etc.)

Advantages:

  • it is possible to read the class atmosphere and make eye contact
  • high level of interaction; all students can actively participate

Disadvantages:

  • initial effort to develop digital elements

Alternation between face-to-face classes and self-study phases (online).

Advantages:

  • plenary phases and intensive individual or group work possible

Disadvantages:

  • only suitable if the course allows for different work modes

All participants are in a videoconference at the same time.

Advantages:

  • participation possible from anywhere
  • digital elements (quiz, whiteboard etc.) can seamlessly be integrated
  • break-out rooms make it easy to switch between plenary phase and group work

Disadvantages:

  • long lecture phases quickly lead to digital fatigue
  • if teachers do not expressly foster visible participation, students usually leave the camera off, resulting in little contact between teacher and students, but also among the students

Students work through the content provided online either independently or in groups. There may be a kick-off and/or closing event (online or on campus).

Advantages:

  • students have the freedom to choose when and where they complete coursework
  • also ideal as a supplement to another course if students need to catch up on knowledge that is an important prerequisite

Disadvantages:

  • possibly little contact and exchange between teacher and students as well as among the students themselves
  • this might make it difficult to monitor the learning process and e.g. ensure assignments are submitted at the end
  • initial effort to develop the self-study material