9. Teachers´ Style of Delivery

While students have different learning styles, teachers have distinct teaching styles, which shape the way we deliver a lesson. Our teaching style reflects the way we approach teaching, and our beliefs about it. Therefore, our teaching style is a reflection of our teaching philosophy. There are different teaching styles:

Formal authority: this style is teacher-centered (“the teacher on the stage”). The teacher “provides” the content, and students “receive” it, making students have a more passive role. In addition, these teachers do not care about building rapport with their students nor do they encourage a sense of community in the classroom. This teaching style is representative of the traditional teaching paradigm.

Demonstrator: this style is teacher-centered as well, but there is a focus on modeling or demonstration. That is, the teacher shows the steps or correct way to perform a certain task or solve a problem, and then students perform the task or solve the problem by themselves until they master a new skill – this being an example of scaffolding. For this reason, this teaching style requires more active learners.

Facilitator: this style is student-centered. The teacher focuses on activities, and students must take the initiative and participate actively. This teaching style encourages more independent and reflective students. In addition, it fosters critical thinking and collaborative learning. 

Delegator: this is a student-centered style. This type of teachers place more control and responsibility on students. That is, students are responsible for their own learning. This style also encourages independent learners and collaborative work. As students have the opportunity to create and implement their own learning projects, teachers often have a consultative role. 

I consider myself a facilitator and a delegator. I like my teaching to be student-centered. As a teacher, I believe I must encourage and shape active, independent, and reflective students. I want my student to be responsible for their learning and be critical thinkers.