Page 60 - International Perspectives on Effective Teaching and Learning in Digital Education

Tina Štemberger and Andreja Klančar

panions. Peer learning occurs among peers from similar social groupings,
who are not professional teachers, helping each other to learn and in doing
so, learning themselves (Topping & Ehly, 1998).
Problem-based learning is a teaching method in which complex real-world
problems are used as the vehicle to promote student learning of concepts
and principles as opposed to direct presentation of facts and concepts. In
addition to course content, PBL can promote the development of critical
thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills. It can also
provide opportunities for working in groups, finding and evaluating research
materials, and life-long learning (Duch et al., 1).
Project-based leaning is a student-driven (student-centred) approach to
learning in which students are required to take part in a real project by devel-
oping a question or inquiry and under the supervision of teachers in order to
create a project to share with the select audience (Challenge  Multime-
dia Project, 1999).
Roleplaying is a teaching technique based on the pedagogical psycho-
drama, which requires the participants’ dedication and interest to complete
every stage, but also, teacher supervision to avoid participants’ extreme re-
actions that could emerge as a result of the group problem-solving (Rojas et
al., 17).
Simulation and modelling refer to the representation of a small part of a
real complex system through a model for understanding and discussing the
complex phenomena that are part of the system. In an educational context,
its use may aim to motivate the student to test hypotheses about reality, to
represent systems through schemas, or to develop mental models, among
others. In this context, a modelling activity is based on the use of a model that
represents a phenomenon or system more simply and where certain aspects
have been suppressed in order to make it easier to understand (Repenning
et al., 1998).
Storytelling is the use of stories or narratives as a communication tool to
value, share, and capitalize on the knowledge of individuals. Stories provide
a powerful metaphor, framework, and set of practical processes for resolv-
ing issues, educated ourselves, and pursuing our goals. Storytelling can be
a powerful element of communication process, being equally as textbooks
and essays (Ohler, 13).
In summary, innovative teaching methods are not necessarily the latest
approaches but rather those that remain untried in addressing specific chal-
lenges, such as improving student engagement. Incorporating innovative
teaching and learning strategies into higher education is a key responsibility

6