Top 10 Instructional Strategies Sarah Rychart

#10-Independent Study Provides a high level of individualized instruction and individual pacing. An excellent strategy for challenging gifted children since most gifted students are inquisitive, self-motivated & enjoy having freedom to choose area of study Teachers must be diligent to ensure they structure appropriate activities, provide time parameters & closely monitor progress. Fosters development of individual student initiative, self-reliance & self-improvement.  http://voices.yahoo.com/teaching-gifted-children-through-independent-studies-5645570.html?cat=4 https://www.k12.gov.sk.ca/docs/cethics/approach.html

#9- Mastery Learning Proposes that all children can learn when provided with the appropriate learning conditions in the classroom. Group-based, teacher-paced instructional approach, with students learning by cooperating with their classmates, though at times it may require independent work. Does not focus on content, but on process of mastering it.  Teacher also provides frequent & specific feedback, regularly correcting student mistakes. Good for memorizing multiplication tables. http://www.funderstanding.com/educators/mastery-learning/

#8-Questioning Strategy Questions are at an appropriate level of difficulty, with most students experiencing a high degree of success in answering Paying close attention to who is answering questions during classroom discussion & calling upon non volunteers Asking students to comment or elaborate on one another's answers Using information on students levels of understanding to increase the pace of instruction whenever appropriate http://educationnorthwest.org/webfm_send/541

#7- Scaffolded Instruction Gives students context or foundation to understand new information introduced in upcoming lesson. Scaffolds should be gradually removed as instruction continues, so students will be able to demonstrate comprehension independently. Strategies include activating prior knowledge, breaking a complex task into easier tasks, offering hints or partial solutions to problems, guiding students in making predictions & suggesting possible strategies for students to use during independent practice. http://k6educators.about.com/od/helpfornewteachers/a/scaffoldingtech.htm

#6-Modeling The teacher demonstrates a new concept or approach to learning & students learn by observing. Teacher demonstrates a task students will be expected to do on their own. Strategy is used so students can observe what is expected of them & they can feel more comfortable in engaging in a new assignment. Can be used as scaffolding technique with teacher modeling task first then students begin assigned task & work at own pace. Teacher may call on students to demonstrate task or procedure for their peers. http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/4697

#5-Discovery Learning Student uses what they know as well as previous experiences to draw upon conclusions for solving and learning. Learner interacts with world around them while exploring & questioning during experimentation & use of trial & error. Teachers give a problem to their students & set students free to solve it on their own, discovering as they go. Children are in charge of own learning, which gives them sense of self worth. https://sites.google.com/a/nau.edu/educationallearningtheories/discovery-learning

#4-Inquiry Learning Involves the learner & leads him to understand through the gathering of data & information & applying them to the 5 senses. Not just asking questions but a way to convert data & information into useful knowledge. Involves different level of questions, focus for questions, framework for questions, & context for questions. Ways to incorporate inquiry learning are through developing open ended questions, using observation in lessons, using collaborative learning & hands-on activities http://www.worksheetlibrary.com/teachingtips/inquirybasedlearningtips.html http://www.teach-nology.com/currenttrends/inquiry/

#3-Direct Instruction Direct instruction is directed and controlled by the teacher.  New content is introduced in lecture format Incorporates orientation, presentation, structured practice, guided practice, and independent practice to reinforce new learning. Useful when teaching basic skills, & when skills to be learned can be reduced to small, independent segments.  Also useful when teaching facts or data for recall. http://lifeisastoryproblem.tripod.com/lesson/mdl_dir_instr.html

#2-Cooperative Learning Students learn to work together as a team with group & individual responsibilities. 5 advantages: reflection & planning, small group or interpersonal learning skills, individual responsibility, simultaneous interaction & positive interdependence.  Ownership of teaching & learning is shared by groups of students, & no longer sole responsibility of teacher. Students have more opportunities to actively participate in learning, question & challenge each other, share & discuss their ideas, & internalize their learning. http://www.teach-nology.com/currenttrends/cooperative_learning/what_is_it/ http://www.teachervision.fen.com/pro-dev/cooperative-learning/48531.html?page=1&detoured=1

#1-Differentiated Instruction Method in which lesson planning & instructions are offered to students with a vast range of techniques. Teacher has to keep in mind each student interests, preferences, readiness & needs. After teacher is able to understand students, feedback is necessary to check constantly level of understanding between the teacher & students. Preassessment  guides teacher about what students already know, what are they able to learn, & what they need & want to learn.  http://www.teach-nology.com/currenttrends/differ.html

References Approaches to Instruction. (2012). Retrieved June 24, 2012 from https://www.k12.gov.sk.ca/docs/cethics/approach.html Teacher Vision. (2012). Retrieved June 25, 2012 from http://www.teachervision.fen.com/pro-dev/cooperative-learning/48531.html?page=1&detoured=1 Teachnology. (2012). Retrieved June 24, 2012 from http://www.teach-nology.com/currenttrends/