An Evaluation of Teaching Styles of Advanced Level Science Stream Teachers in Colombo District Schools

Abstract

Teaching styles are different approaches of teaching. Student-centered approach to teaching increase student-teacher interaction, student motivation and prepare the students for adult learning in universities. To promote student-centered teaching it’s important for the teachers to identify their teaching styles. This study’s aim was to identify the teaching styles and the related factors of Sri Lankan school teachers. The study followed an analytical cross sectional study design and was conducted in 25 functional grade 1 AB schools in Colombo district, with the participation of 176 A/L science stream teachers. Schools were randomly selected and data was collected using two research tools, Van Tilburg/Heimlich Teaching Beliefs Scale and Principles of Adult Learning Scale. Relevant socio-demographic data was also collected. The data analysis was done using 16th version of SPSS. From the total of 176 participants 5.2% have a studentcentered teaching style and 94.8% follow a teacher centered teaching style. Majority of participants have an awareness of their own teaching styles. There is a negative correlation between teaching styles with age (r=-0.26) and teaching experience (r=-0.18). There is a statistically significant difference in teaching styles based on gender (p=30.2) with female teachers preferring more student-centered approaches. The commonest indicative factor identified in the participants’ teaching styles is participation in learning process. Factor analysis of Van Tilburg/Heimlich Teaching Beliefs Scale indicate that participants try to use student centered activities in teaching however are hesitant to change their teaching methods to cater individual learner needs. Majority of the study participants currently follow a teacher-centered teaching style. This may be due to their lack of training and lack of experience in student-centered teaching; however, their teaching methods include several studentcentered teaching approaches. The teaching styles are associated with age, gender and teaching experience.