Take the teaching styles quiz now to find out what kind of teaching style you have…
Every teacher has a natural way of approaching the classroom – their teaching style. This style shapes how lessons are planned, how instructions are delivered, and how students are engaged. While no single style is “better” than another, most teachers develop their own personal model or blend of different styles based on their own preferences and experiences. Each style carries strengths and potential challenges, especially when working with learners who experience behavioural conditions such as autism, ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), or anxiety.
Understanding your own teaching style is the first step to recognising how it impacts your students’ learning experiences. For some learners, a highly structured approach may provide comfort and predictability; for others, flexibility and creativity may be the key to unlocking engagement. By reflecting on your teaching style – and using our interactive quiz to explore where you naturally lean – you can begin to identify both the benefits and the risks it may hold for your learners. The best teaching style often depends on the needs of different students and the specific classroom context.
There are five different teaching styles of teachers. You might find that you are resolutely all one style all the time or you might find that you prefer a blended style that combines different types. Most teachers adapt their approach to suit different students, recognizing that there is no universally best teaching style. Developing some self-awareness of your teaching style is a healthy thing to do as a teacher and it might introduce you to some different teaching styles you’re less familiar with.
Take the teaching styles quiz now to find out what kind of teaching style you have…
Learning Styles and Effective Teaching
Understanding the relationship between different teaching styles and learning styles is at the heart of effective teaching. Every student brings their own unique learning process to the classroom, shaped by their preferences, strengths, and needs. As a teacher, being aware of these different learning styles—such as visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic—allows you to select teaching methods that truly engage students and support their learning journey.
An effective teaching style is rarely one-size-fits-all. Instead, the most successful teachers use a blended style, combining elements from the five teaching styles—authority, demonstrator, facilitator, delegator, and hybrid—to create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. For example, you might begin a lesson with a traditional lecture style to introduce new material, then shift to a demonstrator style to model a concept, and finally adopt a facilitator style to encourage student participation and critical thinking skills through group projects or discussions.
This approach not only supports active learning but also ensures that students with different learning styles can access the curriculum in ways that make sense to them. For instance, visual learners benefit from diagrams and multimedia presentations, while kinesthetic learners thrive during hands-on activities and group work. By using a variety of teaching methods—such as direct instruction for elementary students who need clear guidance, or project-based learning for mature students ready to take ownership of their own learning—you can engage students at every level.
A key part of effective teaching is knowing when to use a teacher-centered approach, such as the authority style, and when to shift to a student-centered approach that prioritizes student involvement and deeper understanding. While the traditional teacher-centered approach can provide structure and clarity, especially for younger learners, student-centered strategies like inquiry-based learning and group style activities foster critical thinking and allow students to become active participants in their own learning process.
The Five Different Teaching Styles
In the quiz we ask you to consider your response to different classroom scenarios. There are five responses available for each question and each is linked to one of the five teaching styles ordered randomly. Your teacher personality will guide you to the answer you feel fits you best. A teacher's personality can shape their approach to teaching and influence which styles they naturally gravitate toward, making their teaching more personalized and adaptable. At the end we calculate a prediction of your true teaching style out of one of the following five teaching styles.
1. Nurturer – Empathetic Guide
The Nurturer prioritises empathy, patience, and emotional connection. This is an effective teaching style when learners need reassurance and consistency, particularly in environments where a strict teacher centred approach may feel overwhelming. It is a student centred way of teaching that allows for emotional needs to be addressed alongside academic progress.
Example in practice
Imagine a student with ADHD blurting out an answer without raising their hand. Instead of giving firm direct instruction, the Nurturer adopts a calm, empathetic response: “I can see you’re really excited to share — thank you for your input. Let’s make sure everyone has a turn so all voices can be heard.”
In this situation, student participation is encouraged because the learner feels safe and validated. For students with anxiety or PDA, this can be an effective teaching method because it reduces tension and helps them remain engaged. Students respond well to the sense of being understood, and this can strengthen trust between teacher and learner.
On the other hand, if the teacher adopts this nurturing response every time, there is a risk that the absence of consistent rules may reduce classroom discipline. Without occasionally blending in elements of more structured teaching methods, students may continue to call out, creating inconsistency. For some learners — particularly mature students who expect firm boundaries — this facilitator style alone may not feel robust enough. Thus, while the Nurturer is a compassionate and supportive approach, it benefits from being blended with clear structure to ensure fairness and predictability.
2. Adaptable – A Truly All-Rounder
The Adaptable teacher thrives on flexibility, seamlessly switching between specific teaching styles to meet the needs of the class. This approach reflects the reality that no two learners are the same, and different learning styles often require different teaching methods. By employing a range of teaching strategies, the Adaptable teacher can respond effectively to diverse classroom situations.
Example in practicePicture a student with autism who becomes visibly overwhelmed during group work. An Adaptable teacher quickly adjusts: “Would you prefer to work with a partner instead, or take some quiet space to focus?” Here, the teacher adopts both student centred and teacher centred approaches as needed, showing that effective teachers are willing to modify plans to keep students engaged.
Students respond well when they see flexibility that respects their individual needs. This can make the Adaptable teacher an especially effective teaching style for inclusive classrooms, where some learners require structure while others need autonomy. It’s also well suited to subjects like physical education, where tasks often have to be modified on the spot to support student participation.
Yet, constant shifts can create confusion if not managed carefully. Without clear routines, learners may feel uncertain about expectations. Mature students, for example, may appreciate the adaptability but could see inconsistency as a weakness compared to a steady, structured approach. In this sense, the Adaptable style works best when combined with clear communication so students know why adjustments are made.
3. Inspirer – Motivating and Enthusiastic
The Inspirer thrives on energy, passion, and engaging delivery. This is often seen as a facilitator style, where the teacher sparks curiosity and uses enthusiasm to drive student participation. This approach frequently aligns with an activity style, encouraging students to engage in hands-on and exploratory tasks that promote active involvement and self-directed learning.
Example in practice:Consider a student with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) who refuses to begin a writing task. The Inspirer reframes the activity with energy: “I’ve been waiting to see what kind of story you’ll create — let’s set a timer for five minutes and then you can read me the best line.” Here, the teacher adopts motivation as a tool, and the student responds by seeing the task as a challenge rather than a demand.
This effective teaching style is often highly engaging for learners with ADHD who need stimulation to sustain attention. It can also be powerful with reluctant learners who thrive on encouragement and creativity. In many ways, it aligns with student centred learning styles, since students are inspired to take ownership of their participation.
However, the Inspirer’s high-energy approach can feel overwhelming for some learners, especially those with autism or anxiety who value predictability. If the teacher adopts this approach without balancing it with structured direct instruction, students may become distracted rather than focused. In addition, while younger learners often respond well to this method, mature students may expect a calmer, more measured delivery and could view too much enthusiasm as unprofessional.
4. Coach – Reflection and Regulation
The Coach views the classroom as a space to build lifelong skills of reflection, problem-solving, and self-regulation. This approach is known as the coach style, characterized by the teacher taking on a demonstrator role, using multimedia presentations, demonstrations, and activities to actively involve students in learning while maintaining a formal authority position. This aligns strongly with a facilitator style, where the teacher guides rather than directs, helping learners take responsibility for their own progress.
Example in practice: Imagine a student having a meltdown after losing a group game. Instead of punishment, the Coach sits down with the student afterwards: “I noticed you felt upset when things didn’t go your way. What could we try next time to help you stay calm? Let’s think of two strategies together.” The teacher adopts a reflective approach, and over time, students respond by developing tools for emotional self-management.
This is an effective teaching style for learners with behavioural conditions, as it focuses on building independence and resilience. It’s particularly useful for mature students, who may be better able to engage with reflective strategies and benefit from being treated as partners in learning.
But there are challenges. Younger learners or those with ADHD may not yet have the skills to reflect without clear, step-by-step direct instruction. Without guidance, the Coach’s approach may feel vague, leading to frustration. To be an effective teacher, the Coach often needs to blend reflection with structured teaching methods that show students how to apply self-regulation strategies in practice.
5. Rule Keeper – Authoritarian
The Rule Keeper emphasises discipline, structure, and clear boundaries. This is a classic teacher centred approach, where rules and expectations take priority over flexibility or negotiation.
Example in practice: Imagine a student repeatedly talking during silent reading. The Rule Keeper responds firmly with direct instruction: “The rule is silent reading. If you continue to talk, you’ll complete the task during break.” The teacher adopts consistency, ensuring that all students respond to the same set of rules.
This specific teaching style can be reassuring for learners who thrive on predictability, such as those with autism or anxiety. It creates an orderly environment where student participation is structured and disruption is minimised. For certain contexts — like physical education, where safety is paramount — this approach can be highly effective.
Yet, there are risks. This style often involves lengthy lecture sessions, which may not be effective for all learners. In particular, the authority style is generally avoided in elementary school settings due to the limited attention spans and note-taking skills of younger students. Students with ODD or ADHD may resist authoritarian methods, seeing them as confrontational. Over-reliance on this style may stifle creativity and reduce opportunities for student centred learning styles to flourish. Mature students may comply, but also expect more autonomy and could find the rigidity unnecessary. For the Rule Keeper to be an effective teacher, they must ensure rules are enforced with fairness, not fear, and occasionally balance their approach with elements of the facilitator style.
Take the teaching styles quiz now to find out what kind of teaching style you have…
Effects of Teaching Styles on Learners with Common Behavioural Conditions
Every learner’s approach to learning is shaped not only by their personality and background, but also by the teaching style they encounter. For students with behavioural conditions, the match (or mismatch) between teaching style and need can significantly affect the learning process. It is essential to understand student needs and students needs, and to adapt teaching styles to meet those needs for more effective engagement and learning. The way content is taught and the methods teachers use to teach can greatly influence learning outcomes, especially for students with behavioral conditions. Below we explore how each of the five specific teaching styles — Nurturer, Adaptable, Inspirer, Coach, and Rule Keeper — may impact learners with common conditions.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Students with autism often prefer clear routines, predictable environments, and reduced sensory overload.
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Nurturer (Empathetic Guide): Provides reassurance and emotional safety, helping learners engage in group learning without feeling overwhelmed.
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Adaptable: Adjusts lesson plans to create alternatives (quiet work vs. group style tasks), offering flexibility that respects sensory needs. Using curriculum appropriate methods ensures that these adaptations still meet academic standards and learning objectives.
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Inspirer: While enthusiasm encourages active learning, too much energy may overwhelm; balance with structured demonstrator style tasks.
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Coach: Builds critical thinking skills through reflection, but may require more explicit scaffolding.
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Rule Keeper: The traditional teacher centred approach provides clarity and structure, which many students with ASD find grounding. However, rigidity may limit inquiry based learning opportunities.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Students with ADHD often need stimulation, variety, and opportunities for movement.
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Nurturer: Encourages student centred participation, validating impulsivity without escalating it. Works well when combined with direct lecture style guidance.
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Adaptable: Shifts quickly between teaching methods, offering tasks with variety and short bursts of activity, keeping the learning process engaging. Incorporating hands on learning is especially valuable for maintaining engagement and supporting students with ADHD.
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Inspirer: Thrives here — enthusiasm fuels attention and promotes active learning. Works especially well in group style projects.
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Coach: Helps learners develop regulation and reflection, though critical thinking skills may need explicit modelling before independence is expected.
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Rule Keeper: Can create structure, but a strict formal authority approach may trigger defiance or disengagement. Works best when rules are balanced with positive reinforcement.
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
Learners with PDA resist direct demands and often require creative, indirect approaches. Teachers may need to adapt their approach for different groups of students with PDA to ensure engagement and cooperation.
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Nurturer: An effective approach to learning here — empathetic language avoids confrontation, supporting cooperation. Adapting nurturing strategies for various groups of students can help meet diverse needs.
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Adaptable: Adjusts lesson plans to reduce demands, reframing activities as choices.
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Inspirer: Motivates by turning demands into challenges or games, encouraging participation through inquiry based learning rather than compliance.
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Coach: Encourages reflection on feelings around demands, supporting long-term self-regulation.
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Rule Keeper: The traditional teacher centred approach risks escalating avoidance; learners may resist strict formal authority.
Anxiety
Supporting student learning is the primary goal when adapting teaching styles for students with anxiety. Ensuring that each approach is tailored to facilitate effective student learning helps address both emotional well-being and academic success.
Students with anxiety benefit from reassurance, predictability, and gradual exposure to challenge.
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Nurturer: Creates a calm, supportive environment that reduces fear and encourages gentle active learning.
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Adaptable: Offers flexible pathways, such as alternative assessments, reducing stress during the learning process.
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Inspirer: Can reduce anxiety through encouragement, though excessive energy may heighten stress. Works well with group learning when participation is carefully structured.
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Coach: Builds resilience by teaching coping strategies and encouraging critical thinking skills about triggers and responses.
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Rule Keeper: Provides a sense of safety through consistency, though a rigid lecture style may exacerbate anxiety if students feel pressured.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Learners with ODD may resist authority and benefit from strategies that reduce confrontation.
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Nurturer: Reduces power struggles through empathy and validation, softening resistance to authority.
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Adaptable: Reframes instructions to maintain cooperation, switching from teacher centred to student centredtasks as needed.
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Inspirer: Uses enthusiasm and challenges to channel defiance into group style engagement, supporting active learning.
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Coach: Helps students reflect on behaviour, promoting critical thinking skills about choices and consequences.
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Rule Keeper: Heavy reliance on formal authority can trigger defiance; consistency helps, but a purely authoritarian teaching method may escalate conflicts. In practical settings like science labs, balancing structure and flexibility is crucial to maintain both safety and engagement for students with ODD.
Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, and Dysgraphia (The Three Ds)
These specific learning differences affect literacy and numeracy skills but not overall intelligence.
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Nurturer: Offers reassurance and patience, ensuring mistakes are seen as part of the learning process. Differentiated instruction is essential for supporting students with these learning differences, as it allows lessons to be tailored to individual strengths and challenges.
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Adaptable: Adjusts lesson plans, using alternative formats (audio, visuals) to support different learning styles.
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Inspirer: Uses energy and creativity to make reading, writing, or maths tasks engaging through active learning activities.
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Coach: Builds independence by teaching compensatory strategies and developing critical thinking skills for problem-solving.
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Rule Keeper: Provides structured, step-by-step instruction in a demonstrator style, which can be supportive, but risks stifling confidence if errors are punished harshly.
Pulling it Together
What emerges is that no single style is perfect for every condition. Instead, effective teachers often blend elements of different teaching methods — sometimes adopting a delegator style to encourage independence, other times a facilitator style to promote deeper understanding. This blending is often referred to as a hybrid style, a flexible approach that combines teacher-centered and student-centered methods, allowing for adaptability to diverse learners and various educational settings. Whether through inquiry based learning, group learning, or a traditional teacher centred approach—which, as a traditional approach, is more teacher-centered and lecture-based—moving beyond a purely traditional approach offers greater customization and engagement for students. The goal is always the same: to match the style of teaching to the learner’s needs, ensuring every student has the chance to succeed.
Adapting and Evolving your Teaching Style
Now that you’ve explored the five specific teaching styles and taken the quiz, you have a clearer picture of the natural tendencies that shape your approach to learning. Recognising your style is only the first step. The next stage is engaging in some critical thinking about how your teaching methods influence the learning process and what adjustments you might make to become a more effective teacher. The most effective teaching style is one that adapts to the needs of the classroom and enhances the learning experience for all students.
Reflect on Your Current Practice
Begin by asking yourself:
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How do students respond to my teaching style?
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Does my style encourage student participation, or do I lean more toward a lecture style or formal authority?
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Which learners seem to thrive under my approach, and who may be left behind?
This reflection helps you identify not just your strengths, but also the blind spots where your teaching style may not suit certain learning styles or behavioural needs.
Explore New Approaches
Even if you naturally favour one style, consider experimenting with others to build flexibility:
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Try adding elements of the facilitator style, creating opportunities for inquiry based learning and deeper understanding.
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Use aspects of the delegator style to encourage independence and responsibility, particularly with mature studentswho may benefit from self-directed tasks.
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Balance a teacher centred approach with student centred methods, alternating between clear direct instructionand active learning projects.
Blend and Balance
No classroom benefits from a rigid one-size-fits-all model. A truly adaptable teacher blends styles based on context:
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In a science experiment, an Inspirer approach may drive engagement, while the Rule Keeper ensures safety rules are followed.
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In group learning, a Coach may guide reflection, while a Nurturer supports students struggling with confidence.
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In physical education, a demonstrator style may be essential for modelling techniques, while adaptability ensures inclusion for all learners.
Keep Learners at the Centre
Ultimately, evolving your teaching style is not about abandoning your strengths, but about expanding your toolkit so every learner benefits. By combining traditional teacher centred approaches with innovative, student centredstrategies, you create an environment that supports diverse needs, promotes active learning, and develops lifelong skills.