48 Teaching Methodologies

Every Teaching Method, in One Place

Browse the active learning methodologies used in the best classrooms around the world. Filter by category to find the right approach for any topic, grade level, or classroom setup.

48 methodologies7 categories

Discussion & Debate

Socratic Seminar

Deep discussion in inner/outer circles

30–60 min12–35

Simulation & Role-Play

Mock Trial

Courtroom simulation with roles

45–60 min15–35

Collaborative Learning

Jigsaw

Each student becomes an expert, then teaches

30–50 min16–36

Discussion & Debate

Four Corners

Move to corners to defend your position

20–35 min12–40

Collaborative Learning

Gallery Walk

Create displays, rotate and critique

30–50 min12–36

Simulation & Role-Play

Simulation Game

Complex scenario with roles and consequences

40–60 min15–35

Problem-Based

Document Mystery

Analyze evidence to solve a historical question

30–45 min12–32

Discussion & Debate

Structured Academic Controversy

Argue both sides, then find consensus

35–50 min12–32

Collaborative Learning

Stations Rotation

Rotate through different activity stations

35–55 min15–36

Creative & Production

Hexagonal Thinking

Map connections between concepts visually

25–40 min12–32

Discussion & Debate

Fishbowl Discussion

Inner group debates while the class observes

20–40 min15–35

Simulation & Role-Play

Role Play

Students embody historical or fictional characters

25–50 min12–30

Collaborative Learning

Think-Pair-Share

Individual reflection, then partner discussion, then class share-out

10–20 min8–40

Discussion & Debate

Formal Debate

Structured argumentation with timed speeches

30–50 min12–36

Collaborative Learning

World Café

Rotating small-group conversations that build on each other

30–50 min16–40

Simulation & Role-Play

Academic Speed Dating

Rapid partner rotations for quick exchanges

15–30 min12–40

Game-Based

Carousel Brainstorm

Groups rotate between posted prompts, adding ideas

20–35 min12–36

Discussion & Debate

Hot Seat

One student in character, class asks questions

20–40 min10–35

Creative & Production

Chalk Talk

Written-only discussion, no speaking allowed

15–30 min10–35

Simulation & Role-Play

Inside-Outside Circle

Concentric circles rotate for rapid partner exchanges

15–25 min14–40

Collaborative Learning

Expert Panel

Students research and present as subject experts

30–50 min12–35

Creative & Production

Museum Exhibit

Groups create interactive exhibits with docent presentations

40–60 min12–36

Problem-Based

Case Study Analysis

Deep dive into a real-world case with structured analysis

30–50 min12–32

Discussion & Debate

Philosophical Chairs

Take a side, argue, and move if persuaded

20–40 min12–40

Discussion & Debate

Human Barometer

Stand along a spectrum to show your position

10–25 min10–40

Discussion & Debate

Snowball Discussion

Growing groups: 1 → 2 → 4 → 8 → class

20–40 min12–36

Game-Based

Graffiti Wall

Collaborative writing and drawing on a shared surface

15–30 min10–36

Discussion & Debate

Town Hall Meeting

Community meeting simulation with stakeholder roles

35–55 min15–35

Game-Based

Escape Room

Solve content puzzles in sequence to "break out"

30–50 min12–36

Reflection & Self-Direction

Concept Mapping

Build visual maps of concept relationships

20–40 min10–35

Reflection & Self-Direction

Peer Teaching

Students prepare and deliver mini-lessons to classmates

30–55 min12–30

Collaborative Learning

Round Robin

Each person contributes in turn, no skipping

10–25 min8–35

Creative & Production

RAFT Writing

Creative writing from a specific Role, Audience, Format, Topic

25–45 min10–35

Problem-Based

Decision Matrix

Evaluate options systematically against criteria

25–45 min12–32

Problem-Based

Inquiry Circle

Student-led investigation of self-generated questions

30–55 min12–32

Reflection & Self-Direction

Walk and Talk

Paired walking discussions for movement and reflection

10–25 min10–36

Collaborative Learning

Placemat Activity

Individual corners feed into a group consensus center

15–30 min12–32

Collaborative Learning

Give One, Get One

Trade ideas one-on-one to fill your list

10–20 min12–40

Discussion & Debate

Save the Last Word

Share a quote, others discuss, sharer gets the final word

20–35 min12–30

Game-Based

Trading Cards

Create and exchange character/concept cards

25–45 min12–36

Simulation & Role-Play

Press Conference

Historical figures face reporter questions

25–45 min12–35

Game-Based

Timeline Challenge

Physically construct and debate a timeline

20–40 min12–36

Problem-Based

Project-Based Learning

Extended projects with real-world deliverables

45–60 min12–35

Problem-Based

Problem-Based Learning

Tackle open-ended problems without predetermined solutions

35–60 min12–32

Reflection & Self-Direction

Flipped Classroom

Pre-learn at home, apply and deepen in class

30–55 min10–40

Reflection & Self-Direction

Experiential Learning

Hands-on learn-by-doing with structured reflection

30–60 min10–35

Problem-Based

Collaborative Problem-Solving

Structured group problem-solving with defined roles

25–50 min12–36

Reflection & Self-Direction

Learning Contracts

Student-negotiated goals, methods, and assessment criteria

45–90 min1–35