17 examples of instructional strategies, explained

In general, an instructional strategy is a plan or set of steps that are followed in order to teach a particular skill or concept. This can include things like using specific methods or materials, providing practice opportunities, and giving feedback.

Teaching offering instructions in a classroom
Instructional strategies are meant to improve student’s learning efficiency

There are several types of instructional strategies that can be used to support student learning.

These include:

  1. Modeling is an instructional strategy that involves demonstrating a skill or behavior for students to observe and imitate. It can be an effective way to teach new concepts or skills and can help students to better understand what is expected of them.Guided practice
  2. Guided practice is a teaching strategy in which the teacher provides step-by-step instructions to the students, who then carry out the task under the teacher’s supervision. This strategy is often used to introduce a new concept or skill.
  3. Experiential learning as an instructional strategy is when students are actively involved in the learning process and are able to apply what they are learning to real-world situations. This type of learning is often hands-on and allows students to learn through doing.
  4. Demonstration learning is a type of instructional strategy in which students observe and imitate a model or demonstration. This strategy can be used to teach new skills, concepts, or attitudes.
  5. Lecture is a teaching strategy in which the teacher talks to the students about a particular topic while the students listen. The lecture can be given in person or through a video or audio recording.
  6. Inquiry-based learning is an instructional strategy that encourages students to explore their own questions and ideas, rather than being taught information by the teacher. This type of learning allows students to be more active and engaged in their own learning, and can help them to better understand and retain the information they are learning.
  7. Class discussion is a instructional strategy where the teacher leads a discussion with the class about a particular topic. The teacher may ask questions to elicit participation from the students, and the students are expected to listen and contribute to the discussion. This strategy can be used to introduce new material, review material, or simply to generate discussion about a topic.Project-based Learning
  8. Project-based learning is an instructional strategy where students are engaged in learning through completing a project. This type of learning allows students to apply what they have learned in a real-world setting and to develop 21st century skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration.
  9. Explicit instruction is a teaching strategy that involves clearly and concisely explaining to students what they are expected to learn and how they are expected to learn it. This type of instruction often includes modeling and scaffolding to ensure that students are able to meet the expectations.
  10. Guided practice is a instructional strategy where the teacher provides step-by-step instructions to the students as they complete a task or activity. This type of practice allows the students to work through the task with the guidance of the teacher, which can help them to better understand the concept or skill being learned.
  11. Discussion is a teaching strategy in which students interact with each other to explore a topic, share ideas, and reach a conclusion. The teacher may provide a prompt or question to get the discussion started, but the students do most of the talking. This strategy encourages critical thinking and allows students to share their ideas and perspectives with the class.Problem-based learning
  12. Problem-based learning is a type of instructional strategy in which students are presented with a problem to solve. The problem can be real-world or fictional, but it should be challenging enough to engage the students and help them learn new concepts and skills. Once the problem is presented, the students work together to find a solution. The teacher serves as a facilitator, helping the students to stay on track and providing guidance when needed. After the problem is solved, the students reflect on their experience and what they have learned.
  13. Small group work is a strategy where students work together in small groups on an activity. This can be done with a teacher-led activity or an independent activity. Small group work allows students to interact with each other and learn from each other. It is also a good way to differentiate instruction because it allows students to work at their own level.
  14. Cooperative learning is an instructional strategy in which students work together in small groups to complete a task or project. This strategy encourages students to share their knowledge and skills, and to help each other learn.Direct instruction is a teaching method that is designed to provide explicit, step-by-step instruction to promote student learning and understanding. This type of instruction is often used in classrooms to teach new concepts or skills.
  15. A flipped classroom is a type of instructional strategy where students learn content online outside of class, and then use class time to work on projects or problems related to that content.Independent practice
  16. Independent practice is a instructional strategy where students work on their own to complete a task or assignment. This can be done with little to no guidance from the teacher.
  17. Review and reinforcement – review is a method of re-exposing students to material that has already been presented in order to reinforce learning and ensure understanding. Reinforcement is a method of providing positive or negative consequences after a behavior is displayed, in order to increase or decrease the likelihood of that behavior being repeated.

In the 21st Century, instructional strategies vary depending on the subject matter and the needs of the students. However, some common instructional strategies used in the 21st century include inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, and technology-based instruction.