Instructional strategies are the methods or approaches teachers take in order to accomplish certain learning objectives. The instructional strategies commonly used include direct instructions, collaborative learning, independent study, interactive instruction, indirect instructions, and experiential learning. The strategies have been discussed as follows:
Table
Direct instructions
This is a straight forward type of strategy where by the teacher is supposed to stand in front of the class while educating the students about the new information.
Collaborative learning
It is alternatively known as learning in groups. This is a type of learning that entails students cooperating in finding the solution to a problem. It can be in a larger group or even between two students.
Independent study
In this type of strategy, the student works independently. The student is self-reliant, self-initiative and also self-improving. The student relies on himself or herself.
Interactive instruction
This type of strategy relies heavily on conversations and sharing among the students involved and also between the students and the teachers. Therefore the students are able to learn among themselves and also from the teachers.
Indirect instructions
Indirect instruction is student centered, therefore it is up to the students to think critically, make enquiries and also be able to solve problems.
Experiential learning
This is a type of strategy where by the students learn from experience, make sense out their experiences and put them to test.
Utilization of the instructional strategies in a classroom
Direct instructions
Research has shown that direct instructions in the most effective strategy. Through direct instruction, the teacher is able to perform demonstrations on how to approach an issue and also show solutions to the different problems. In addition, the teacher is also able to allocate individual practice to the students in a class for good mastery of the subject.
Collaborative learning
This is also known as learning in groups. Research has also shown the effectiveness of collaborative learning since it is also required in many fields. In a classroom, students are frequently given specific roles which makes them concentrate on different duties or assignments.
Interactive instruction
In a classroom, this type of strategy provides various advantages to the learners for instance, providing an orientation, making critical connection within and across domains or giving context. The students are able to learn among themselves and also from their teachers.
Independent study
In a classroom, independent study allows students to choose topics of which they would like to focus on and be able to apply the skills learnt and also be able to examine the information. The interaction between the teacher and the student is key during independent study since the teachers are able to help students in solving problems.
Indirect instructions
This type of strategy is student-centered. It is contrast to the direct instruction since the students in classroom find out solutions to problems on their own. The students are allowed to make enquiries in case of any difficulty.
Experiential learning
In a classroom students are able to play different roles. It is activity oriented and learner centered. Students are engaged in activities like field trips and even conducting experiments.
Works cited
Elish-Piper, Laurie, and Susan K. L'Allier. Literacy Strategies for Teacher Candidates. Boston: Pearson Education, 2013. Print.
Moore, Kenneth D, and Jacquelyn R. Hansen. Effective Strategies for Teaching in K-8 Classrooms. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications, 2012.
