We often hear the debate: which method is more effective for learning, teaching or facilitation? Let’s try to understand this debate with a short story.
In a renowned English Academy, two teachers, Mr. Lee and Ms. Nur, were known for their different teaching styles. Mr. Lee believed in traditional teaching, while Ms. Nur favored facilitation. Mr. Lee loved to stand in front of the class, explaining concepts clearly and giving detailed notes. His students listened attentively, jotting down everything he said. One day, Mr. Lee taught a lesson on English grammar. He explained the rules meticulously, and his students memorized them. However, when it came to using those rules in real conversations, many students struggled. On the other hand, Ms. Nur had a different approach. She believed in facilitation, encouraging her students to discover answers themselves. During her English class, she divided students into small groups and gave them a challenging task: write a story using the grammar rules they had learned. Ms. Nur walked around the room, offering guidance and asking questions to spark their thinking. Her students worked together, discussing ideas and solving problems. They made mistakes but learned from them. By the end of the lesson, they had written creative stories and gained a deeper understanding of grammar through practical use.
At the end of the term, both Mr. Lee and Ms. Nur noticed differences in their students. Mr. Lee’s students had strong theoretical knowledge, but Ms. Nur’s students were more confident and capable of applying what they had learned in real-life situations.
The higher management, observing these outcomes, concluded that a balance of both teaching and facilitation might be the best approach. The story of Mr. Lee and Ms. Nur teaches us that while traditional teaching is essential for building foundational knowledge, facilitation helps students develop critical thinking and practical skills. Combining both methods can create a more engaging and effective learning environment.
