In an era dominated by screens and digital innovations, the concept of traditional teaching methods may seem like a relic of the past. However, parents should understand the essence of old school teaching methods holds that moulds resilient, disciplined, well-rounded individuals. In this exploration, we shall highlight the importance of these timeless techniques, strategies to instill valuable teachings, and innovative ways to fuse them into the fabric of our digital age.
The Importance of Old School Teaching Methods
Certainly, teaching styles have transformed significantly over the years. People define the old school teaching method as “teacher centric” which encompasses recitation and memorization techniques. On the contrary, the digital modern teaching is called”student centric” as it is more interactive and exciting. Both are equally important for children to navigate in real life. Let us explore the importance of old school teaching:
- Foundational Learning: Countless successful individuals were tutores through old school teaching methods. The emphasis on mastering fundamentals like mathematics or language provided students with a solid foundation upon which they could build lifelong skills.
- Personal Accountability: The old school teaching approach instilled a sense of personal accountability in students. The diligence required for tasks like handwriting practice or memorization nurtured discipline and a strong work ethic. This foundation of responsibility serves individuals well, whether they are facing a handwritten exam or a digital project deadline.
- Human Connection: Traditional teaching methods greatly emphasized on human connection. In a pre-digital era, interaction was face-to-face that fostered a unique bond between students and teachers. This personal connection went beyond the academic realm, inculcating a sense of brotherhood.
Inculcating Valuable Old School Teachings: Strategies for Parents
Foster a Love for Reading:
Encourage the joy of reading physical books. Online reading and audiobooks have become a trend. However, there’s a unique satisfaction in flipping through pages and immersing oneself into it. Create a cozy reading corner at home, making reading a safe haven for children.
Prioritize Handwriting Practice:
With the advance of technology and availability of keyboards, children have forgotten how to write. Nevertheless, the art of handwriting is alluring. Handwriting technique engages different parts of the brain, enhancing fine motor skills and aiding in information retention. Dedicate time to handwriting practice which improves cognitive development.
Embrace Simple Arithmetic:
While calculators are handy, instill a solid understanding of basic arithmetic. Engage in activities that involve mental math like abacus or encourage the use of flashcards for quick calculations. This not only sharpens mathematical skills but also promotes mental agility.
Encourage Face-to-Face Communication:
Digital communication has decreased human interaction in totality. As parents, ensure that your child values face-to-face interaction. Teach them the art of conversation, active listening, and the nuances of non-verbal communication.
Old School Teaching Pros and Cons
The debates between old school teaching methods and modern approaches are never- ending. Every educator, institute and parent has their own personal opinion. However, every style of teaching has its own advantages and disadvantages.
5 Pros and Cons of Classical Methods
Pros
- Memorization techniques help to improve cognition and retain information in the long term memory.
- It is a proven, research-based fact that when students read out loud, they can strengthen their comprehension, speaking skills, and build their confidence.
- There is a uniformity in education ensuring a consistent educational experience for all students
- Discipline is majorly inculcated because tough love pricks the bubble and equips children to face the real world
- Teacher centric education intills deep respect and love for the educators and makes learning process effective
Cons
- Children have become accustomed to technology so old school teaching by default need to use modern techniques to make their educational journey easier.
- Internet provides various resources to expand new horizons of knowledge in contract to limited textbook theories
- Education needs to address the diversity of children’s capability and understanding. Hence, one-size-fits-all approach may leave some learners behind.
- Limited student engagement in classroom can cause passive learning and hinder their critical thinking
- Creativity takes a back seat as children become dependant on the teachers to spoon feed and do as asked.
Conclusion: Navigating the Crossroads of Classic and Innovation
As we navigate the crossroads of tradition and innovation in education, the significance of old school teaching methods remains undeniable. They form the bedrock of timeless skills, fostering discipline and a love for learning. The debate between the two revolves around which style is better. However, the challenge lies in preserving the timeless principles of old school teaching while harnessing the advancements of technology.
Parents have the privilege and responsibility to weave these valuable teachings into the fabric of children’s education. By embracing a balanced approach that harmonizes the best of both worlds, we should equip our children to thrive in the digital age while staying anchored to our rich history. Albert Einstein famously said,
It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”
