Teaching Techniques and Methods

In relentless effort of PSU in providing quality education the university adapted various mechanisms to ensure that the institution’s Teaching, Learning and Evaluation adhere to the principles of Flexibility, Connectivity, and Objectivity—the core of PSU’s academic excellence.

In the light of Covid-19 pandemic the University shifted from the typical classroom set up in performing and delivering instruction to students to online modality. The University adjusted and transitioned to online classes but before it was implemented the University trained and conducted faculty members in developing flexible learning materials such as course guide and study guides. Numerous training workshops such as on how to use MS Teams, different applications that can improve the learning of the students were conducted to enhance the delivery of instruction and to maintain quality education even during the challenging time of early pandemic where all of us is still in the process of adjusting and adopting to the new normal.

The result of intensive and thorough trainings provided by the university resulted to enhanced and better delivery of learning instruction to students. In addition to this, all the faculty members was able to develop study guides in every subject they are handling.

To ensure the correctness and appropriateness of study guides, the university conducted validation process of all study guides and these include plagiarism test and similarity index.

Synchronous and asynchronous classes was adopted during the time of pandemic. Students with poor to no internet connection has an option for a module type of learning. Tablets were also provided to all faculty members and selected students. Free load was also provided to selected students. All these is to ensure that there will be no students left behind and that quality education can still be provided even in pandemic time.

The instruction process flow in the University reflects the alignment between intended learning outcomes, effective teaching strategies and students’ assessment methods. Faculty members are encourage to develop their own instructional materials that are aligned with the learning objectives, assessments, and activities as it provides students with core information for an effective and efficient learning and instruction on the part of the instructors and professors. Different teaching strategies are employed by the faculty which are designed to meet the desired learning objectives. Student assessment is designed to assess the different learning objectives.

Different teaching techniques and methods commonly use in delivery of instruction to students during pre-pandemic and new normal that help to ensure quality of instruction in Information Technology.

1. Lecture method is an effective way to present new information orally, hence it is the most widely used instructional strategy in classrooms. This approach provides a way to communicate a large amount of information to many listeners maximizes instructor control and is non-threatening to students.

Majority of the faculty practice this strategy with their Instructional Materials such as lecture notes and power point presentations. In conjunction with active learning strategy, this traditional lecture effectively achieves instructional goals, however, feedback from students is minimal and it assumes an unrealistic level of student understanding and comprehension and often disengages students from learning process causing information to be quickly forgotten.

 Online Lecture during the Pandemic

2. Active Learning Strategy is an effective way to foster active, constructive participation of students. This learning environment allow students to talk and listen, read, write and reflect as they approach course content through problem-solving exercises, informal small groups, simulations, case studies, role playing and other activities, all of which require students to apply what they are learning and what they learned.

 Presentation of Students in Classes

3. Cooperative learning is a systematic strategy that encourages small groups of students to work together for the achievement of a common goal. It is a group interaction that stresses the importance of faculty and student involvement in the learning process.

Teaching Strategies used by IT Faculty members