Effective instructional strategies

Strategies are the means or ways that we use to teach material to our students. Our choice of methods depends on what we want to teach (content), whom we are teaching, and the level of competence expected. (Christopher & Lynn Manfred, n.d).

Research shows that many strategies have proven to be effective in teaching different subjects. These strategies have facilitated blending academic and career/technical subjects to make learning more meaningful for students who learn best by doing. Instructional techniques generally focus on engaging students in learning by reading, writing, strengthening understanding and reasoning skills in math, delving into textbooks and materials, doing lab projects in science, and using literacy and hands-on projects and problems in social studies (Monty Wilson, 2012). The research conducted by Dr. Shahida Sajjad, the Assistant Professor of Department of Special Education of University of Karachi in Pakistan about effective teaching methods at higher education level shows the following instructional strategies are effective among the students.

(1) Lecture:

A lecture is a talk or verbal presentation given by a lecturer, trainer or speaker to an audience. With all the advancement of training systems and computer technology, lecture method is still a backbone widely used in teaching and training at any level of education. This method is economical, can be used for a large number of students, material can be covered in a structured manner and the teacher has a great control of time and material.

 (2) Discussion:

It is a free verbal exchange of ideas between group members or teacher and students. For effective discussion the students should have prior knowledge and information a bout the topic to be discussed.  Students rated group discussion (class discussion) as the second best method by giving reasons that; it has more participation of students, the learning is more effective, the students don’t have to rely on rote learning, every student give his/ her opinion, and this method develops creativity among students.

 (3) Role Play:

Role-play occurs when participants take on differentiated roles in a simulation. These may be highly prescribed, including biographical details, and even personality, attitudes and beliefs; or loosely indicated by an outline of the function or task. These techniques have already demonstrated their applicability to a wide range of learners, subjects and levels. It is a memorable and enjoyable learning method. To gain maximum benefits from this method, the incidents selected for performance should be as realistic as the situation allows.

 (4) Case Study:

Primarily developed in business and law contexts, case method teaching can be productively used in liberal arts, engineering, and education. This method is basically used to develop critical thinking and problem - solving skills, as well as to present students with real -life situations.

 (5) Brainstorming:

It is a loosely structured form of discussion for generating ideas without participants embroiled in unproductive analysis. It is a very useful technique for problem solving, decision-making, creative thinking and team building. It develops listening skills.

 (6) Assignment method:

Written assignments help in organization of knowledge, assimilation of facts and better preparation of examinations. It emphasizes on individual pupil work and the method that helps both teaching and learning processes (Kochhar, 2000, p.358).

 Conclusion:

There are many other methods of effective instructional techniques widely used by teachers. Such as, demonstration, problem solving, Jigsaw, debates, concept mapping, drill and practice etc. It is also important to evaluate effectiveness of these strategies by ways of peer review, self-evaluation, teaching portfolios, student achievement and students’ ratings of teaching methods used by their teachers. Teachers also need to educate students in effective ways of giving precise feedback that addresses specific aspects of their learning experience.

 

References

Christopher & Lynn Manfred, (n.d).  Instructional Methods and Strategies. Retrieved 22^nd April 2013, from http://familymed.uthscsa.edu/ACE/chapter5.htm

Monty Wilson, (2012). Preparing All Teachers to Use Proven, Effective

Instructional Methods Across the Curriculum. Retrieved 22^nd April 2013, from http://publications.sreb.org/2012/12V08w_BestPractices_InstructionalMethods.pdf

Shahida Sajjad, (n.d). EFFECTIVE TEACHING METHODS AT HIGHER

EDUCATION LEVEL. Retrieved 22^nd April 2013, from http://class.web.nthu.edu.tw/ezfiles/669/1669/img/1381/1.Effectiveteachingmethodsathighereducationlevel.pdf