Which Approach Is Best for Learning Environments?

After reflecting on all of the learning approaches discussed and presented today, I’ve developed some opinions about which ones are most effective in different situations.

Direct instruction is where the teacher guides the learning, is often the most traditional and familiar method. While there is a time and place for this approach, especially when introducing new content, it needs to be combined with other strategies to help students internalise and apply what they’ve learned. For example, after explicitly teaching a concept, providing students with opportunities to use that knowledge through independent research or hands-on activities can help embed the learning more deeply.

That said, not all students respond equally to direct instruction. Some may disengage if they don’t connect with the topic or learning style, while others may thrive in that structured environment. What works well for one student may not work for another.

In my group, we explored cooperative learning, which involves working in groups. In our case, we researched the topic, wrote it down, reviewed it, and then taught it to others. This is an example of inquiry-based learning in a group. I found that cooperative learning can be especially beneficial for some students, as it offers a more comfortable space to share ideas than a whole-class discussion might. It also builds leadership skills. Some students enjoy taking the lead, whether it’s by reading aloud or writing down the ideas for the group.

However, this approach can be challenging in diverse classrooms. Students who struggle academically or feel less confident about the topic might become anxious or withdrawn in group settings. Sometimes this leads to behavioural outbursts that disrupt the activity for others.

As we think about which learning approaches work best for our project on AI in education, two approaches stand out: cooperative learning and inquiry-based learning.

Cooperative learning is especially helpful for some learners. Having a supportive peer who is more confident with the topic can help teach the other student. Being able to share ideas is valuable for learners.

Inquiry-based learning also suits our project well. It gives educators the space to explore, experiment, and learn through trial and error, which is often how we learn best. However, a teacher’s comfort level with experimentation plays a role here. Some may be open to trying and failing, while others may feel hesitant without more structured guidance.

In the end, the best approach depends on the learners, the goals, and the context. Blending different strategies to meet the diverse needs of students is the most effective way to teach and learn.