USING EMPIRICALLY-BASED TEACHING METHODOLOGIES TO TEACH FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION TOPICS EFFECTIVELY

ABSTRACT. Empirically-informed teaching is driven by empirically-based teaching methodologies and techniques. Three principles of teaching are introduced in this article as foundational approaches to effective teaching. These simple approaches to organizing any teaching presentation can increase an instructor’s success in the classroom. The Attention, Interact, Apply, Invite (AIAI) teaching methodology, Fact, Think, Feel, Do (FTFD) questioning techniques, and variety/pacing ideas introduced in this article are designed to engage students in a “praxis ” or learn-by-doing approach to learning. The AIAI FTFD Teaching Model can be an effective tool in improving family life educator’s confidence in teaching and quality of delivery. Empirically-informed teaching is driven by empirically-based teaching methodologies and techniques. Surprisingly, very little specific teaching methodology and strategy exists in family science for family life educators. The principles of theory-driven teaching, audience needs assessment, group process, effective evaluation, and approaches to teaching various family science topics have been generally addressed (see Powell & Cassidy, 2001) without a clear and specific methodology for organizing and delivering presentations. Three specific principles of teaching are introduced in this article as foundationa