Types of Instruction

The Think-Pair-Share method has each student think about a question they create, or that is question presented to them. Then, gives each student time to pair with a neighbor to discuss the answer to the question or receive their peer's answer. After discussing, students are offered space to share their findings, or their peer's findings with the class. This instructional strategy boosts confidence in oral communication and encourages deeper thinking.

Scaffolding refers to methods like structure modeling, equations, sentence starters, and essay prompts. This strategy is referred to as scaffolding due to its nature of temporary support. Like training wheels on a bike, scaffolding is meant to guide young learners and will eventually be removed to teach support and independency. Scaffolding is imperative to teaching new material, concepts, and skills.

In the fishbowl strategy, a small group of students sits in the center of the student circle and discuss a topic while the outside circle observes. This promotes active listening and thoughtful engagement. Then, the circles are flipped so observers become a part of the discussion and have a chance to reflect on previous discussions. This strategy promotes critical thinking, thoughtful engagement, and respectful dialogue.

Capture is a focused note-taking method that invites students to actively record key ideas, concepts, connections, and questions. Not only does it teach students to take valuable notes, it also teaches information retainment and active reading. This strategy supports memory and understanding as students write down key ideas in their own words. As they write, they process the content more efficiently, leading to better recall and application.

My favorite strategy is Inquiry-Based Learning. This strategy is directly tailored to student questions and interests. I love this strategy because students are encouraged to ask questions, investigate and research their questions, and come to a conclusion. Not only does this strategy teach student how to research a topic effectively, and find trustworthy sources to questions, it also helps students to take responsibility for their own learning and encourages curiosity and critical thinking.

Project-based learning helps students engage in collaborative environments as they explore real-world problems through projects that integrate multiple subjects. This can help students with presentation skills, creativity, critical thinking, research-based analysis, and problem-solving skills. Group projects can teach students how to work on a team, whereas Indvidual projects can teach students independence and responsibility for their own learning and outcomes.