Top 10 Teaching Methods and When to Use Them

Explore the top 10 teaching methods with examples. Learn when and how to use each strategy to boost student learning in your classroom.

When you’re in the classroom, every lesson cannot be the same. Topics need to be approached from different angles, looking at what is appropriate for the subject. Sure, you need to read the text in English, but leaving it at that can make it hard for students to engage with their work. 

In my classroom, students will act, will affect voices, and will draw what they think a character or a room looks like from the text and the evidence within. Group discussion will allow them to share their views and teach each other. 

We are always learning as teachers, and here are some of the best teaching methods to bring into your classroom. 

Why Your Teaching Method Matters

There is more to teaching than information and the curriculum. Whilst what you teach is key, learning in the classroom is as much about delivery as it is about content. More than just your tone and delivery, the method you choose can dramatically impact student understanding, engagement, and behaviour. 

Whether you're explaining a complex idea in maths or Science, or guiding a discussion in English literature, the how matters just as much as the what.

No single approach works in every context, but the best teachers know how to adapt based on their subject, students, and objectives. That’s why knowing when and how to apply different teaching methods is essential. Think of it like a toolkit: using the right tool at the right time makes all the difference.

This guide goes beyond just naming popular teaching methods. We’ll explain the when, why, and how for each strategy. Whether you're an NQT, preparing for an observation, or simply looking to freshen up your practice, this article will help you plan more effectively and teach more confidently.

How to Choose the Right Teaching Method

Before we dive into the top 10 methods, it’s important to understand what works for you and how to choose the right methods for your lesson. When lining up new techniques and ideas to try, take these key factors account:

• Subject: Different subjects have different needs; a method that works brilliantly in Drama might flop in Maths.
  

• Key Stage: What engages Year 7 won’t necessarily suit Year 11.
  

• Class Size: Group work in a class of 15 looks very different from one with 32.
  

• SEN Needs: Students with additional needs may require specific scaffolding or differentiated materials.
  

• Learning Objectives: What’s your goal in the lesson? Are you building knowledge? Practising a skill? Promoting creativity?
  

• Topic familiarity: If it’s an entirely new concept, you will need to introduce it. But revisiting or building on a topic means you will need to understand what they have done or were taught before.

Top 10 Teaching Methods with Practical Examples

1. Direct Instruction

What is it?
This one is simple. A teacher-led approach where information is clearly explained, often via lectures or demonstrations. It is often a good idea when teaching new material, so that their first instruction is from you, giving them an accurate and understandable explanation.

Best used for:

• Introducing new concepts
  

• Exam preparation
  

• Whole-class instruction

Pros: Clear, time-efficient
Cons: Can limit discussion or creativity, demands passive engagement

Example:
Use direct instruction when teaching the quadratic formula to a Year 11 class. Demonstrate the method step-by-step on the board, then guide students through practice problems.

2. Inquiry-Based Learning

What is it?
With inquiry-based learning, your class is given a chance to form and shape their learning. Students investigate a question or problem, developing critical thinking skills through exploration.

Best used for:

• Open-ended tasks
  

• Science, Geography, or History lessons
  

• Promoting curiosity and independent thought

Example:
In a GCSE Biology lesson on photosynthesis, students investigate the question: What factors affect the rate of photosynthesis? They design a simple experiment using pondweed and vary light intensity. Students collect data and present findings. This encourages critical thinking and reinforces practical science skills.

3. Cooperative Learning (Group Work)

What is it?
This one is nothing new, even if cooperative learning sounds nicer than the classic ‘group work’ term! Simply put, these are structured group activities where students work together towards to discuss, create, and learn.

Best used for:

• Peer interaction
  

• Developing social and communication skills
  

• Tasks needing multiple perspectives

Tips: Depending on the dynamics of your class, you can assign clear roles (e.g. note-taker, presenter, researcher) to keep groups focused and ensure every member is engaged.

Example:
Use literature circles in KS4 English when analysing a novel. Each student takes on a role (e.g. summariser, questioner) and rotates weekly, whilst allowing different viewpoints to be shared and understood. 

4. Flipped Learning

What is it?
Students engage with lesson content at home (via videos, readings), then use class time for active learning. Great for thoughtful classes with learners who are engaged and enthused, and certainly one that is better for older students. 

Best used for:

• Revisiting content
  

• Supporting homework
  

• Independent learners

Tools:

• Save My Exams for revision resources like our Revision Notes
  

• Loom or Edpuzzle to create explainer videos

Note: Consider whether all learners will be able to access the content, and offer an alternative or time in your classroom at lunch/after-school, to cater for those students.

Example:
In KS4 history, this is a great way to line up a debate or conversations on a topic in class time. A video summing up an event or a speech can lead to discussion about its impact.

5. Differentiated Instruction

What is it?
Tailoring content, process, or product based on student readiness, interest, or learning profile. It is a great way to make sure all students can access the objectives of your lesson, rather than losing some children as they disengage with input that they either don’t understand or don’t find challenging. 

Best used for:

• Mixed-ability classrooms
  

• SEN support
  

• Ensuring all students can access learning

Example:
In a KS3 History lesson on the Industrial Revolution, provide tiered tasks:

• Basic: Match key terms to definitions
  

• Intermediate: Sequence events
  

• Advanced: Analyse causes and effects

6. Project-Based Learning (PBL)

What is it?
Project-based learning is a great way to give your students ownership of their learning. It involves extended tasks centred on researching and summarising a topic or information, and then creating things like presentations, pamphlets, brochures, fliers and posters, or even videos and songs. 

Best used for:

• Deep learning
  

• Interdisciplinary units
  

• Developing research and presentation skills

Example:
In KS4 Geography, students design a sustainable city. Include elements like transport, housing, and energy. You can then assess these through group presentations and written proposals.

7. Modelling and Scaffolding

What is it?
If you’ve managed to become a teacher without doing this, it will be a surprise! This is as simple as a teacher demonstrating a skill or process, building their understanding bit by bit, and ensuring they have enough help to understand each part as it goes, before gradually reducing that support as students gain confidence and independence. 

Best used for:

• Writing and problem-solving
  

• Step-by-step skills
  

• Structuring complex tasks

Example:
In English, model a PEEL paragraph (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) on the board. Then, scaffold students through writing their own with sentence starters and examples.

8. Retrieval Practice

What is it?
Recalling information from memory to strengthen long-term retention. Often great for plenaries, refreshing past content without detracting from the objective of your lesson. 

Best used for:

• Revision
  

• Low-stakes assessment
  

• Daily/weekly review

Tools:

• Mini whiteboards
  

• Target Test questions from Save My Exams
  

• Flashcards

Example:
Start each maths lesson with 5 recall questions from previous topics to build fluency, or even little quizzes in history or geography. Make it fun and informal, so that students do not see them as tests or assessments. 

9. Peer Teaching

What is it?
Getting your students to teach or explain concepts to each other. This can be useful in that it engages your students with a different voice, 

Best used for:

• Reinforcing understanding
  

• Building confidence
  

• Reflection and feedback

Example:
After teaching a new concept in RE, pair students up. One explains the concept; the other asks clarifying questions.

10. Experiential Learning

What is it?
Hands-on, immersive experiences that connect learning to real life. This is ‘learning by doing.’ You can also include things like role play. 

Best used for:

• Fieldwork
  

• Drama, Science, vocational subjects
  

• Engaging kinaesthetic learners

Example:
Take students on a Science field trip to investigate local ecosystems. Or run a courtroom role play in Citizenship to explore the justice system.

Matching Teaching Methods to Lesson Objectives

Use this table during your planning phase to match your method to your lesson's aim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which teaching method is most effective for exam preparation?

When looking at preparing students for exams, it is good to use Direct Instruction combined with Retrieval Practice. You can also use modelling to teach exam techniques and low-stakes quizzes to reinforce content.

How do I choose the right teaching method for a mixed-ability class?

Start with Differentiated Instruction. Provide tiered tasks or choice boards. Support struggling students with scaffolds and challenge high achievers with extension tasks.

Can I combine multiple methods in one lesson?

Absolutely. Many effective lessons use a blend, and many teachers start with Direct Instruction, transition into Cooperative Learning, and end with Retrieval Practice. Just ensure each part serves a clear purpose.

What’s the difference between PBL and inquiry-based learning?

Both of these methods encourage student-led learning, but PBL is project-focused with a final product, while Inquiry-Based Learning centres on exploring a question or problem, often without a "finished" product.

How do I know if a method is working?

Look for evidence in:

• Student engagement and participation
  

• Quality of work produced
  

• Formative assessments and retrieval tasks
  

• Feedback from students themselves

Reflect regularly and don’t be afraid to adapt. Trust your feelings, too. You will get a sense for what works in your classroom and what feels comfortable for you. 

By understanding the when, why, and how of these top 10 teaching methods, you’ll be better equipped to create lessons that inspire, engage, and achieve real progress, whatever your subject, key stage, or classroom context.

Need help with planning or revision tasks to further reduce marking? Explore Save My Exams for ready-to-use resources and tools to save you time in the classroom.