Instructional Approaches


"Effective teaching is not a set of generic practices, but instead is a set of context-driven decisions about teaching. Effective teachers do not use the same set of practices for every lesson . . . Instead, what effective teachers do is constantly reflect about their work, observe whether students are learning or not, and, then adjust their practice accordingly (Glickman, 1991, p. 6).


 Instructional Models 

Models represent the broadest level of instructional practices and present a philosophical orientation to instruction. Models are used to select and to structure teaching strategies, methods, skills, and student activities for a particular instructional emphasis. Instructional models are related to theories about how we learn. Some examples include: behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and connectivism.  Various learning theories fit within these general categories, i.e., adult learning theory, transformative learning, social interaction, motivation theory, etc.

 

Instructional Strategies

Within each model several strategies can be used. Strategies determine the approach a teacher may take to achieve learning objectives. Strategies can be classed as direct, indirect, interactive, experiential, or independent.

Instructional Methods 

Methods are used by teachers to create learning environments and to specify the nature of the activity in which the teacher and learner will be involved during the lesson. While particular methods are often associated with certain strategies, some methods may be found within a variety of strategies.

  

 


Learner Involvement

Capable instructors are aware of the principle of active learner participation. "Given the choice between two techniques, choose the one involving the learners in the most active participation" (Knowles, 1980, p. 240). Below is a sample of techniques categorized according to participant involvement (Cafarrella, 2002) 

 

Levels of Learner Involvement

Low Involvement

Medium Involvement

High Involvement

Lecture

Panel discussion

Demonstration

Computer-based drills

Computer-based tutorials

Socratic dialogue

Tutorials

Group discussion

Behavior modeling

Observation

Reflective practice--blogs, journals

Asynchronous online forums

E-mail and listservs

Audio/Video conferencing

3D Interactive Learning Activities

 

 

Role play

Debates

Case studies

Simulations

WebQuests

Internet searches

Concept mapping

Trial and error

Storytelling

Jigsaw

Educational gaming

Second Lifeā€”Sims

Real-time relay chats

In-basket exercises

Structured experiences

Problem-based learning

Project-Based Learning

Collaborative Learning

Inquiry Learning


 



 


 

Differences Among Learners

In addition, effective instructors acknowledge the differences among learners.  For example, instructors have recognized that adults bring rich and divergent life experiences, are immersed in various life roles, have preferred learning styles, seek learning experiences that are relevant to their goals, and want practical solutions to problems and issues (Knowles, 1980; Caffarella, 2002). With the advent of "global classrooms" and the recognition that race, gender, class and culture do make a difference, responding to learner differences has become even more challenging.

 

Learning Styles