Teaching Method Preference by College Teachers in India

The higher education in India is marked by its rich diversity in institutions, disciplines, and student demographics, influencing the array of teaching methods employed by college educators. In the context of advancing pedagogical innovation, this research aims to delve into the preferences of college teachers regarding teaching methods and explore the factors shaping these preferences. Focusing on the Indian higher education system, the study investigates the influence of cultural, institutional, and personal elements on educators' choices. The primary hypothesis posits that experienced teachers, with 16 or more years of teaching experience, are more inclined towards traditional lecture-based methods. A comprehensive online survey involving 400 college teachers across various disciplines and institutions in India was conducted, collecting data on demographics, teaching experience, institutional context, and preferred teaching methods. The results provide insights into the diverse landscape of teaching preferences and shed light on the impact of factors such as institutional context, discipline, teaching experience, student demographics, and cultural influences. The analysis suggests a correlation between teaching experience and the preference for traditional lecture-based methods, offering valuable implications for the evolving dynamics of higher education in India.