Teaching Methods For Today's Job Market

Can teachers be fired for teaching the Socratic Method, for doing less lecturing and for having students do project based learning in teams? Yes, there have been recent cases where educators were fired due to poor student evaluations because students wanted a straight lecture format. Many students have been conditioned to learn for the test and they may not appreciate a teaching style that asks them to think, to problem solve and to work on team projects. These students might grow impatient when they are not given the “right” answer.
This is ironic because employers are seeking job candidates who can think, be creative, problem solve and work in teams. NACE’S Job Outlook 2012 Survey found that employers are looking for team players who have good verbal communication skills. These same employers also expressed interest in hiring employees who can problem solve, make decisions and process information.

Teaching methods need to prepare students for the 21st century job market. The good jobs require creative and critical thinking , ability to express oneself and knowing how to learn and apply knowledge to the job. Employers are not looking for job candidates who  only know how to memorize and regurgitate information.
As educators lets provide our students with an education that prepares them for 21st century jobs. We also need to help students understand the value and purpose of teaching methods that are different from what they expect. Students need to be able to make sense out of the way they are being taught and to see the relevance to their lives.
Many more students will appreciate non-lecture teaching methods if we help them understand what employers are looking for and the practical value that a thinking education will have on their careers and in their lives.