How We Teach

Teaching methods are the techniques teachers employ to help students achieve learning outcomes.  Activities are the various ways of implementing teaching methods. Teaching methods help students to master course content and to learn how to apply the content in particular contexts.

Some approaches are teacher-centered (lecture, directed discussion, inquiry- and project-based learning) and some are student-centered (field work). Teaching is both art and science. A strategy that might work optimally for one student may not be the best method for another.  Each Saint Mary's teacher has a repertoire of teaching methods and activities. Our teachers have the latitude to use their professional judgment in determining how best to guide and engage their students in achieving the day's learning outcomes.