Teaching Responsively to Different Ways of Knowing

Responsive teaching involves adapting instructional strategies to align with students’ different ways of knowing, from absolute to contextual. This method fosters deeper learning, critical thinking, and active participation. Engaging students through personal interactions, discussions, and practical activities creates a learning environment where students feel valued and motivated.

• Responsive Teaching: Emphasizes aligning teaching methods to students’ varied ways of knowing. This approach promotes deeper learning and critical thinking.
• Student Interaction: Students benefit from interactive relationships with professors, including approachable and personable attitudes.
• Learning Engagement: Activities that involve participation, discussions, and hands-on experiences are essential for fostering deeper understanding.
• Adapting to Developmental Stages: Students’ learning preferences evolve from absolute knowing to contextual knowing. Effective teaching involves adapting to these different stages.
• Critical Thinking: Encouraging students to engage in debate and defend their ideas supports the growth of independent and contextual learners.
• Evaluation Techniques: Fair and transparent evaluation that supports thinking and application, rather than memorization, is highly valued.

Baxter Magolda, M. B. (1992). Teaching Responsively to Different Ways of Knowing. In Knowing and reasoning in college: Gender-related patterns in students’ intellectual development (1st ed). Jossey-Bass.