A New Approach to Teaching and Learning
A New Approach to Teaching and Learning

Summary/Abstract: This paper offers an example of a methodology change underpinning the design of a new course in teaching Common Agricultural Policy. The objectives of this research are to identify the best methods of teaching and learning a subject in English and to apply them in the teaching process. The methods were chosen after carrying out a survey about students' learning preferences and their perceptions about the teacher's role. The results of the survey show that students prefer practical activities in seminars: case studies, projects, working in pairs, games. During lectures, students want to receive handouts and write down only the teacher’s explanations. They agreed that Power Point presentations are useful for large classes and that small group activities are suitable not only for seminars, but for lectures as well. Students consider that some issues of Common Agricultural Policy may be learned by watching TV news in English and by reading newspapers in English. The teacher's role within the process of teaching and learning is to act as a team member, thus the teacher and all the students in the class constitute a team and should interact like members of a team. Based on the results of the survey I have designed the methods, materials and activities that I use in teaching the subject Common Agricultural Policy. In the part "New methods of learning", the methods and material used are described from a theoretical point of view, while in the last section of the paper: "New methods of learning Common Agricultural Policy in English – Methodology in action", all the methods used are exemplified. The new methods focus on using group work and pair work activities rather than individual work. It intends to enable participatory and cooperative learning, where the teacher is not an absolute planner and manager of the class, but a facilitator, team member, motivator, and group organizer. The new methods introduced are: role-plays; critical thinking skills: analysis, interpretation, inference, explanation, evaluation, self-regulation; discussion: brainstorming, jigsaw activities, fish-bowl activities, pyramid discussion; group work, pair work and others. There are a lot of papers and articles on the topic of participatory learning, new methods of teaching and learning and other related issues, but none of these focuses on modern methods of teaching Common Agricultural Policy. It is hoped that teachers will find the present study useful in their efforts of preparing and teaching the classes not only of Common Agricultural Policy, but on other topics as well.

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