GROUP TEACHING;

This is the method used when learners are grouped into groups or streams according to abilities, interests, or sometimes mixed ability and interest groups.

Mixed ability or interest group comes to play when students are grouped regardless of their interests and abilities but they are rather grouped according to the way the teacher wants to group the learners either by sex, friendship, or random.

Things to consider when organizing a group teaching;

Careful supervision and organization are necessary so that the more active members do not deprive others of doing their share of the task.
Groups should know exactly what it is expected to do.
Group leaders are an essential requirement for all group teaching/learning. They serve as an important link between the teacher and the other group members.
The teacher needs to go from group to group, making sure each group is performing the activity required of them.

When to apply group teaching;

Group teaching is applied when the teacher wants learners to learn from each other or share ideas on a particular concept.

It is applied when the teacher wants learners to develop social attitudes, how to work with diverse groups, views, and personalities, and also to promote cooperative and independent learning.

Group learning is employed when the learning materials are not enough or adequate for all the learners individually or when different sets of materials or equipment are used during a lesson.

Some advantages of using group teaching;

It gives learners more opportunities to contribute actively to a lesson.
Some learners learn best from their peers. Group teaching provides an opportunity for this by allowing learners to interact among their groups to come up with solutions and their approach to the problems which gives room for better understanding.
Group teaching is an appropriate method for practical lessons, especially in an environment where there is insufficient equipment for each student.
Group teaching provides learners with the opportunity to adapt to working with others with different attitudes, abilities, or religions.
Group teaching provides a social atmosphere and decreases tension, frustration, or fear among learners thereby increasing their attention and ability to learn and understand the concept better.
Group teaching/learning allows learners with similar and dissimilar abilities and interests to learn from each other. Quick learners and slow learners are put in their respective groups to prevent unnecessary dragging or waiting.

CLASS TEACHING

In class teaching the teacher assumes a standard which he expects all learners to reach and work towards it. The teacher does not allow for any individual differences that might be among the learners. The class is taught the same thing at the same time and speed, the whole class is handled as one unit. The teacher thereby, teaches and manages the whole class with the same activities at the same time and speed.

Some benefits of using class teaching;

It is more economical when it comes to time, effort, and money. During class teaching, the teacher says a point once to the class instead of saying it to each learner as individuals or groups.
A teacher is employed to teach many learners.
Class teaching allows teachers to provide more individual attention to each student compared to group teaching. In a class setting, teachers can observe and assess the progress and understanding of each student, identify their specific learning needs, and provide targeted support and guidance accordingly.
With class teaching, teachers can offer more personalized and detailed feedback to students. They can evaluate each student’s work, provide constructive criticism, and suggest specific areas for improvement. This tailored feedback helps students understand their strengths and weaknesses better and supports their learning journey.
Class teaching promotes consistency and continuity in instruction. Teachers have the opportunity to build long-term relationships with their students, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and provide consistent support and guidance throughout the academic year. This continuity contributes to a more effective learning experience.
Class teaching allows for more in-depth instruction due to the focused attention on a single class of students. Teachers can delve deeper into complex concepts, engage in extended discussions, and provide more comprehensive explanations, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
In a class teaching setting, teachers have more control over classroom management and discipline. They can establish clear expectations, routines, and rules for behavior, facilitating a conducive learning environment. This structured setting enables teachers to minimize disruptions and maximize instructional time.
Class teaching allows teachers to provide more individual attention to each student compared to group teaching. In a class setting, teachers can observe and assess the progress and understanding of each student. Identify their specific learning needs, and provide targeted support and guidance accordingly.

Some disadvantages of class teaching;

In class teaching, learners become easily inactive.
Class teaching encourages passive learning.
It is difficult to account for the active participation of all learners in the lesson.
Class teaching in most cases does not cater to the different abilities, experiences, and emotional development of learners.

It is important to note that, the choice between class teaching and group teaching depends on various factors including;