Instructional strategies are wonderful tools for varying your teaching approach. They can be used to help students check their understanding, consolidate their learning, and become more independent. With 36 varied ideas, we’ve got plenty of inspiration to help you discover techniques that cater to different learning styles and ages. Dive right in to find your new favorite strategy!
1. Think-Pair-Share
Ever tried to implement the trifecta of critical thinking and failed? Give Think-Pair-Share a spin. It starts with a solo approach whereby each student quietly reflects on a question. Next, they get to pair up and share their thoughts before enlightening the whole class with their ideas.
Learn More: Lams Learning Medium
2. Jigsaw Learning
Jigsaw learning, otherwise described as cooperative learning, is a fantastic approach for building comprehension and facilitating group work in a fun way! Your classroom turns into an expert factory as each student, or group of students, takes a deep dive into a different subtopic. They then reassemble and share their newfound expertise.
Learn More: Learning Currents
3. Graphic Organizers
For those who prefer learning with visual aids, Graphic Organizers are a godsend! Whether you make use of flow charts, Venn diagrams, or mind maps- any of these tools can help you unlock a world of understanding.
Learn More: Very Well Family
4. Role Play
Lights, camera, action! Have your students step into the shoes of historic figures or embody abstract concepts with a fun role play. It’s a fun, immersive way of learning that’ll stay with them for years.
Learn More: YouTube
5. Station Teaching
Transform your classroom into a ground for an exciting relay race of knowledge! By rotating students through different learning stations, every corner of the room becomes a new adventure in learning.
Learn More: UFT
6. Socratic Seminar
Socratic Seminars serve as a platform for student-led discussions that’ll sharpen questioning, critical thinking, and dialogue skills. Students will need to engage in formal discussions and employ active listening to inform a second round of debate.
Learn More: eSchool News
7. Peer Tutoring
Let your students take a shot at teaching for a change! Either one-on-one or in small groups, they will learn by teaching one another.
Learn More: Emergent Tutoring
8. Project-Based Learning
Let your learners roam free in the wild world of self-guided research. You can kick things off with a question or challenge, but from there, they’re at the helm; charting a course through the 7 steps depicted above.
Learn More: Literacy In Focus
9. Inquiry-Based Learning
Inquiry-based learning can be likened to a detective agency- where questions are the keys to unlocking the secrets of knowledge. Encourage students to don the hats of investigators and engage in probing, exploring, and experimenting to find answers.
Learn More: Teacher PH
10. Mnemonic Devices
Did you know that ROYGBIV isn’t just a random collection of letters, but a powerful tool to remember the colors of the rainbow? Level up your students learning by teaching them such memory-boosting techniques.
Learn More: YouTube
11. Flipped Classroom
Buckle up for a role reversal like never before! Homework time transforms into a mini film festival where students engage with a host of educational videos. On the other hand, classroom time becomes a session for hands-on exploration or a one-to-one mentoring zone.
Learn More: YouTube
12. Virtual Field Trips
Who said classrooms are bound by four walls? With technology, you can effortlessly transport your students to far-off places right from the comfort of their desks.
Learn More: THE Journal
13. Exit Tickets
Think of exit tickets as a thoughtful adieu at the end of each class. Students can make use of these tools by penning down what they remember or any lingering questions they may have.
Learn More: The Art of Education
14. Cooperative Learning
There’s strength in unity, and this approach proves it! Have your students come together to chase a set of common goals; fostering team spirit and collaboration while learning.
Learn More: Continental Press
15. Hands-on Activities
Ever noticed how a child learns to tie shoelaces faster by doing rather than seeing? That’s the power of hands-on activities. Abstract concepts take on a tangible, understandable form.
Learn More: Begin Learning
16. Guided Reading
The love for reading is a lifelong gift. Foster it in your students by employing guided reading sessions where you help them unravel the beauty of words, one page at a time!
Learn More: Learning A-Z
17. Brain Breaks
All work and no play can make learning a dull affair. Sprinkle your class with short, refreshing activities to help break the monotony and keep energy levels high.
Learn More: Twinkl
18. Analogies
Complex concepts can be rather tricky for learners to grasp. But, what if you could explain them using everyday things? That’s what analogies do. They help clarify student thinking by enabling them to visualize abstract concepts.
Learn More: Language Tool
19. Fishbowl Discussions
This technique gives learners an opportunity to encounter and respond to differing viewpoints. Some students discuss whilst others observe. Then, they switch roles. This way, everyone gets an opportunity to engage and benefit from the fishbowl discussion!
Learn More: Slide Player
20. Goal Setting
Empower students to chart their academic journey by setting goals. By setting and tracking their own goals, they learn how to take a self-directional approach to learning.
Learn More: Kison
21. Reciprocal Teaching
Looking to switch up your traditional classroom routine? Take a step back as students rotate and take on the teacher’s role- igniting discussions and sparking debates that spring from the content currently being covered.
Learn More: YouTube
22. Mind Mapping
Learning meets artistry as students learn how to use mind maps. They’re perfect for helping your students broaden their knowledge, recall information, and boost creativity.
Learn More: Mind Mapper
23. Choice Boards
What’s on the menu today? With choice boards, a buffet of activities awaits your students; each of which can be used to inform a new area of learning!
Learn More: The Collaborative Class
24. Differentiated Instruction
Everybody’s unique, and learning journeys are no different! Why not personalize student learning to cater to each child’s individual needs; tailoring instruction methods so that all students can thrive.
Learn More: Structural Learning
25. Silent Discussions
Encourage your pupils to engage in a written dialogue exercise; dynamically exchanging ideas and learning with a peer.
Learn More: David Rickert
26. Gamification
Turn your lessons into intriguing quests with the gamification technique! By doing so, you’ll evoke friendly competition and help bind learning to memory with ease.
Learn More: Hurix
27. Cold Call
Pop quiz anyone? Make use of cold calling; an inclusive approach to learning whereby you randomly pose questions and give a few learners an opportunity to explain how they reached the answer.
Learn More: Teacher Head
28. Self and Peer Assessment
What if students could be their own critics and allies? Encourage them to pair up to assess, appreciate, and advise; fostering a culture of constructive feedback and shared growth.
Learn More: YouTube
29. Modeling
By guiding your students through a process or skill, step-by-step, you create a clear path for them to follow. Modeling has been proven to reduce errors, break the monotony, and fill in the gaps of missing knowledge.
Learn More: Teach Hub
30. Debate
Ignite the intellectual battlefield by engaging your students in friendly debates. They can unleash their critical thinking and channel their persuasive prowess- all whilst enhancing their understanding of new content!
Learn More: Youth Incorporated Magazine
31. Reflective Journals
Reflective journals serve as a personal memoir of educational exploration. Invite your learners to inscribe their impressions, experiences, and emotions in an attempt to bridge the gap between learning and self-awareness.
Learn More: Wellman Psychology
32. Questioning
Foster inquiry by posing questions for your students to consider and answer. Ask a wide spectrum of questions to help them tap into different facets of thought and understanding.
Learn More: IRIS Connect
33. Concept Maps
Similar to mind mapping, you can invite your students to draw their understanding. Concept maps, depicting relationships and significant elements, are great for clearing up any grey areas in learning before moving on to more complex content.
Learn More: LSC Cornell
34. Cue Cards
Cue cards may seem simple, but there’s a reason that their place in the classroom has remained secure for years! Each card, whether depicting a question, a prompt, or a fact, can be used to aid revision or prompt discussion.
Learn More: YouTube
35. Group Investigation
Collaboration meets exploration with this learning methodology. Assign diverse topics to small groups and have them conduct an in-depth investigation and prepare an insightful presentation.
Learn More: Steemit
36. Word Walls
Word walls act as a visual glossary that your students can reference at any time. These nifty tools convert your classroom walls into an informative panorama; making learning a constant process!
Learn More: Edutopia
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