Teaching Methods, Learning and Development: A 15-Year Research Perspective by Educational Stages

Abstract

Teaching methods are pivotal to the success of educational systems, ensuring that students acquire the competencies embedded in the curriculum at every educational stage. This study presents a novel longitudinal analysis of teaching methods and their association with learning, perception, and development across Elementary, Secondary, and Post-Secondary education over the past 15 years. Using a large sample of 43,298 articles from the ERIC database, we applied correspondence analysis to reveal the temporal patterns and associations between teaching methods and educational stages. The analysis highlights a clear trend, with Active Learning emerging as a dominant methodology across all stages, reflecting a shift toward more student-centered approaches. The results underline the necessity for methodological reforms that prioritize active student engagement and participation. By offering a detailed mapping of the evolution of teaching methods, this study offers a descriptive mapping that may inform educators and policymakers to guide the implementation of more effective and adaptive educational practices, in order to achieve meaningful learning for students and a teaching practice that optimises the teaching and learning process.