Effective Teaching and Learning—A Five-Step Process

Abstract

The Aristotelian triptych—tell them what you are going to tell them, tell them, and tell them what you told them—offers an excellent organizational framework for successful teaching. Two essentialities for learners interspersed with the Aristotelian triptych are—why listen (i.e., what’s in it for me?) and so what now (i.e., what’s its use to me?). In combination, an effective teaching and learning process requires five sequential steps. First, teachers preview how the course’s disciplinary content is organized. Second, teachers communicate information clearly and specifically to convince students how and why listening will personally benefit them. Third, teachers lead interactive classes utilizing a variety of instructional approaches interspersed with engaging learning activities. Fourth, through learning assessments, teachers reinforce learning. Fifth, students use new knowledge and skills learned.