Teaching approaches compared
Two approaches side by side: what each is, what the research says, and when to use which.
Each comparison puts two approaches teachers are asked to choose between in one table, lists the studies that bear on the choice (each linked at its source), and says plainly when to use which.
- Systematic phonics vs balanced literacy: what the research says
Systematic phonics or balanced literacy for beginning readers? A side-by-side comparison, what the meta-analyses found, and what to keep from each.
- Explicit instruction vs inquiry-based learning: which works, and when?
Explicit teaching or student inquiry? A side-by-side comparison, the meta-analyses that bear on the choice, and a practical answer: guidance matters more than the label.
- Retrieval practice vs rereading: which helps students remember?
Should students test themselves or read their notes again? A side-by-side comparison, the studies that compared them directly, and how to switch a class over.
- Spaced practice vs massed practice (cramming): which works better?
Practice a little over many days, or a lot at once? A side-by-side comparison of spacing and cramming, the studies that tested them, and how to schedule review.
- Flipped classroom vs traditional teaching: what the research says
Should you flip your class? A side-by-side comparison of flipped and traditional teaching, what a meta-analysis and a randomized trial found, and who benefits.