Disadvantages to the 6 teaching styles in Inclusion Classrooms

My earlier post mentioned the different styles of teaching within an inclusion classroom.  There are some disadvantages and negatives related to each teaching style.  Please find them below:

1. One teach, one observe - The teacher doing the observing might feel as if she or he is not a teacher and is a guest/observer in the classroom.  The teacher can also feel like an aide and the children might view the observer as such if the other teacher is always doing the teaching,

2. One teach, one drift - The negatives are similar to the above since the drifter is not actually teaching the lesson.  With one teach, one drift and one teach, one observe, it is important to switch roles so that both teachers play each role.  Also these two methods should be used the least freqeutnly out of all six styles.

3. Parallel teaching - the disadvantage to this method is that it breaks apart the classroom and can be distracting  Students in one group might be more interested in checking out what the other group is doing than actually learning the material.  Also if there are two lessons occuring simultaneously, the classroom can get noisy.

4. Station teaching - The disadvantages include the need for the kids while at the independent station to monitor themselves and ensure they are completing the activity/task.  As with parallel teaching, the classroom can be noisy with different stations occurring at the same time.

5.  Team Teaching - This requires the most planning and oftentimes teachers have limited planning time because of their other responsibilities  Also the styles and method of teaching a lesson need to be cohesive in order for the children to learn.

6. Alternative teaching - The children being pulled out into the smaller group may miss important lessons that are occurring within the classroom in the general group.  There also might be a stigma associated with going in the small group.  Therefore it is important to vary the purpose of the small group at all times.  For example, have the group participate in enrichment activities one time, a review of the lesson another time, and a preview of an upcoming lesson a third time

If you are aware of the pitfalls of each learning style, you can use all of these styles.  This will ensure diversity in lesson delivery and an interesting classroom where kids are motivated to learn.