The classroom is a dynamic environment, bringing together students from different backgrounds with various abilities and personalities.

Being an
effective teacher therefore requires the implementation of creative and innovative teaching strategies in order to meet students’ individual needs.

Whether you’ve been teaching two months or twenty years, it can be difficult to know which teaching strategies will work best with your students. As
a teacher there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution, so here is a range of effective teaching strategies you can use to inspire your classroom practice.

1. Visualization

Bring d ull academic concepts to life with visual and practical learning experiences, helping your students to understand how their
schooling applies in the real-world.
Examples include using the interactive whiteboard to display photos, audio clips and videos, as well as encouraging your students to get out of their
seats with classroom experiments and local field trips.

2. Cooperative learning

Encourage students of mixed abilities to work together by promoting small group or whole class activities.

Through verbally expressing their ideas and responding to others your students will develop their self-confidence, as well as enhance their
communication and critical thinking skills which are vital throughout life.

Solving mathematical puzzles, conducting scientific experiments and acting out short drama sketches are just a few examples of how cooperative
learning can be incorporated into classroom lessons.

3. Inquiry-based instruction

Pose thought-provoking questions which inspire your students to think for themselves and become more independent learners.
Encouraging students to ask questions and investigate their own ideas helps improve their problem-solving skills as well as gain a deeper
understanding of academic concepts. Both of which are important life skills.

Inquiries can be science or math-based such as ‘why does my shadow change size?’ or ‘is the sum of two odd numbers always an even number?’.
However, they can also be subjective and encourage students to express their unique views, e.g. ‘do poems have to rhyme?’ or ‘should all students
wear uniform?’.

4. Differentiation

Differentiate your teaching by allocating tasks based on students’ abilities, to ensure no one gets left behind.
Assigning classroom activities according to students’ unique learning needs means individuals with higher academic capabilities are stretched and
those who are struggling get the appropriate support.

This can involve handing out worksheets that vary in complexity to different groups of students, or setting up a range of work stations around the
classroom which contain an assortment of tasks for students to choose from.
Moreover, using an educational tool such as Quizalize can save you hours of time because it automatically groups your students for you, so you can
easily identify individual and whole class learning gaps (click here to find out more).

5. Technology in the classroom

 Incorporating technology into your teaching is a great way to actively engage your students, especially as digital media surrounds
young people in the 21st century.
Interactive whiteboards or mobile devices can be used to display images and videos, which helps students visualize new academic concepts.
Learning can become more interactive when technology is used as students can physically engage during lessons as well as instantly research their
ideas, which develops autonomy.

Mobile devices, such as iPads and/or tablets, can be used in the classroom for students to record results, take photos/videos  or simply as a behaviour
management technique. Plus, incorporating educational programmes such as Quizalize into your lesson plans is also a great way to make formative
assessments fun and engaging.

6. Behaviour management

Implementing an effective behaviour management strategy is crucial to gain your students respect and ensure students have an equal
chance of reaching their full potential.
Noisy, disruptive classrooms do no encourage a productive learning environment, therefore developing an atmosphere of mutual respect through a
combination of discipline and reward can be beneficial for both you and your students.

Examples include fun and interactive reward charts for younger students, where individuals move up or down based on behaviour with the top
student receiving a prize at the end of the week. ‘Golden time’ can also work for students of all ages, with a choice of various activities such as games
or no homework in reward for their hard work.

7. Professional development

Engaging in regular professional development programmes is a great way to enhance teaching and learning in your classroom.
With educational policies constantly changing it is extremely useful to attend events where you can gain inspiration from other teachers and
academics. It’s also a great excuse to get out of the classroom and work alongside other teachers just like you!

Sessions can include learning about new educational technologies, online safety training, advice on how to use your teaching assistant(s) and much
more.
Being an effective teacher is a challenge because every student is unique, however, by using a combination of teaching strategies you can address
students’ varying learning styles and academic capabilities as well as make your classroom a dynamic and motivational environment for students.

1. Modeling

After telling students what to do, it’s important to show them exactly how to do it. Model how you expect them to complete an assignment, so they
understand what they’re supposed to do. This will help your students who are visual learners, too.

2. Mistakes

If you’ve ever accidentally spelled a word wrong on the board, you know that students love to identify mistakes. When you’re teaching a new skill,
make an example riddled with mistakes. Let students practice the skill by identifying and fixing the mistakes for you.

3. Feedback

Students don’t always know if they’re doing a good job without you telling them so. Regularly provide written or verbal feedback for individual or
group assignments.
Also, it can be beneficial to turn the tables sometimes. Let the students provide you feedback to tell you how you’re doing, too.

4. Cooperative Learning

Students learn effectively when they’re working together. Plan activities that require students to work together and learn from one another. In the
process, they’ll also learn critical thinking skills, communication skills, problem solving skills, and more.

5. Experiential Learning

Students learn by doing, so create experiences for them to see the concepts in action. Let them practice the concepts in a safe environment. Then,
they should reflect on the experience and discuss what they learned from it. Classroom activities that you could do for experiential learning
include fun games, experiments, or simulations.

6. Student-Led Classroom

When students get to be the teacher for the day, they learn things that they wouldn’t have learned otherwise. You could have students team teach
or work in groups to teach a new topic. You’ll find that other students will learn from their peers’ unique take on the subjects, too.
7. Class Discussion

Another way for students to teach each other is through class discussions. As students take turns discussing the subject, you can assess their
knowledge and discover which students grasp the concepts and to what extent.

8. Inquiry-Guided Instruction

By asking questions and working together to solve the problems, students get to be involved in the learning process. The class can work together to
determine the answer and report it. As students do the work to discover the answers on their own, they remember the concepts better and more
fully.

9. Lesson Objective Transparency

Rather than letting your students figure out what they should be learning on their own, just tell them. Clearly state your  lesson goals or objectives.
You could announce it in class or write it on the board. Just make it simple and clear for all of your students to understand. Then, they know what
they’re working towards and what they should know by the end of the class. This also really helps to reduce student anxiety come test time.

10. Graphic Organizers

Graphic organizers summarize the information in a concise manner. Using a flow chart, Venn diagram, or web, students get to see the information
in a new light. This helps them organize the information in their minds, so they can better grasp the new concepts.

TEACHING STRATEGIES
Institutions of higher learning across the nation are responding to political, economic, social and technological pressures to be more responsive to students'
needs and more concerned about how well students are prepared to assume future societal roles. Faculty are already feeling the pressure to lecture less, to
make learning environments more interactive, to integrate technology into the learning experience, and to use collaborative learning strategies when
appropriate.

Some of the more prominent strategies are outlined below. For more information about the use of these and other pedagogical approaches, contact the Program in
Support of Teaching and Learning.

Lecture. For many years, the lecture method was the most widely used instructional strategy in college classrooms. Nearly 80% of all U.S. college classrooms in
the late 1970s reported using some form of the lecture method to teach students (Cashin, 1990). Although the usefulness of other teaching strategies is being
widely examined today, the lecture still remains an important way to communicate information.

Used in conjunction with active learning teaching strategies, the traditional lecture can be an effective way to achieve instructional goals. The advantages of the
lecture approach are that it provides a way to communicate a large amount of information to many listeners, maximizes instructor control and is non-threatening to
students. The disadvantages are that lecturing minimizes feedback from students, assumes an unrealistic level of student understanding and comprehension, and
often disengages students from the learning process causing information to be quickly forgotten.

The following recommendations can help make the lecture approach more effective (Cashin, 1990):

1. Fit the lecture to the audience

2. Focus your topic - remember you cannot cover everything in one lecture

3. Prepare an outline that includes 5-9 major points you want to cover in one lecture

4. Organize your points for clarity

5. Select appropriate examples or illustrations

6. Present more than one side of an issue and be sensitive to other perspectives

7. Repeat points when necessary

8. Be aware of your audience - notice their feedback

9. Be enthusiastic - you don�t have to be an entertainer but you should be excited by your topic.
(from Cashin, 1990, pp. 60-61)

Case Method. Providing an opportunity for students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-life experiences has proven to be an effective
way of both disseminating and integrating knowledge. The case method is an instructional strategy that engages students in active discussion about
issues and problems inherent in practical application. It can highlight fundamental dilemmas or critical issues and provide a format for role playing
ambiguous or controversial scenarios.

Course content cases can come from a variety of sources. Many faculty have transformed current events or problems reported through print or
broadcast media into critical learning experiences that illuminate the complexity of finding solutions to critical social problems. The case study
approach works well in cooperative learning or role playing environments to stimulate critical thinking and awareness of multiple perspectives.

Discussion. There are a variety of ways to stimulate discussion. For example, some faculty begin a lesson with a whole group discussion to refresh
students� memories about the assigned reading(s). Other faculty find it helpful to have students list critical points or emerging issues, or generate a set
of questions stemming from the assigned reading(s). These strategies can also be used to help focus large and small group discussions.

Obviously, a successful class discussion involves planning on the part of the instructor and preparation on the part of the students. Instructors should
communicate this commitment to the students on the first day of class by clearly articulating course expectations. Just as the instructor carefully plans
the learning experience, the students must comprehend the assigned reading and show up for class on time, ready to learn.
 Active Learning. Meyers and Jones (1993) define active learning as learning environments that allow �students to talk and listen, read, write, and
reflect as they approach course content through problem-solving exercises, informal small groups, simulations, case studies, role playing, and other
activities -- all of which require students to apply what they are learning� (p. xi). Many studies show that learning is enhanced when students become
actively involved in the learning process. Instructional strategies that engage students in the learning process stimulate critical thinking and a greater
awareness of other perspectives. Although there are times when lecturing is the most appropriate method for disseminating information, current
thinking in college teaching and learning suggests that the use of a variety of instructional strategies can positively enhance student learning.
Obviously, teaching strategies should be carefully matched to the teaching objectives of a particular lesson. For more information about teaching
strategies, see the list of college teaching references in Appendix N.

Assessing or grading students' contributions in active learning environments is somewhat problematic. It is extremely important that the course syllabus
explicitly outlines the evaluation criteria for each assignment whether individual or group. Students need and want to know what is expected of them.
For more information about grading, see the Evaluating Student Work section contained in this Guide.

Cooperative Learning. Cooperative Learning is a systematic pedagogical strategy that encourages small groups of students to work together for the
achievement of a common goal. The term 'Collaborative Learning' is often used as a synonym for cooperative learning when, in fact, it is a separate
strategy that encompasses a broader range of group interactions such as developing learning communities, stimulating student/faculty discussions, and
encouraging electronic exchanges (Bruffee, 1993). Both approaches stress the importance of faculty and student involvement in the learning process.

When integrating cooperative or collaborative learning strategies into a course, careful planning and preparation are essential. Understanding how to
form groups, ensure positive interdependence, maintain individual accountability, resolve group conflict, develop appropriate assignments and grading
criteria, and manage active learning environments are critical to the achievement of a successful cooperative learning experience. Before you begin, you
may want to consult several helpful resources which are contained in Appendix N. In addition, the Program in Support of Teaching and Learning can
provide faculty with supplementary information and helpful techniques for using cooperative learning or collaborative learning in college classrooms.

Integrating Technology. Today, educators realize that computer literacy is an important part of a student's education. Integrating technology into a
course curriculum when appropriate is proving to be valuable for enhancing and extending the learning experience for faculty and students. Many
faculty have found electronic mail to be a useful way to promote student/student or faculty/student communication between class meetings. Others use
listserves or on-line notes to extend topic discussions and explore critical issues with students and colleagues, or discipline- specific software to
increase student understanding of difficult concepts.

Currently, our students come to us with varying degrees of computer literacy. Faculty who use technology regularly often find it necessary to provide
some basic skill level instruction during the first week of class. In the future, we expect that need to decline. For help in integrating technology into a
course curriculum contact the Program in Support of Teaching and Learning or the Instructional Development Office (IDO) at 703-993-3141. In
addition, watch for information throughout the year about workshops and faculty conversations on the integration of technology, teaching and learning.

Distance Learning. Distance learning is not a new concept. We have all experienced learning outside of a structured classroom setting through
television, correspondence courses, etc. Distance learning or distance education as a teaching pedagogy, however, is an important topic of discussion on
college campuses today. Distance learning is defined as 'any form of teaching and learning in which the teacher and learner are not in the same place at
the same time' (Gilbert, 1995).

Obviously, information technology has broadened our concept of the learning environment. It has made it possible for learning experiences to be
extended beyond the confines of the traditional classroom. Distance learning technologies take many forms such as computer simulations, interactive
collaboration/discussion, and the creation of virtual learning environments connecting regions or nations. Components of distance learning such as
email, listserves, and interactive software have also been useful additions to the educational setting.

For more information about distance learning contact the Instructional Development Office at 703-993-3141 (Fairfax Campus) and watch for
workshops and faculty discussions on the topic throughout the year.

Differentiated Instruction Strategies and Examples [+ Downloadable List]

As students with diverse learning styles fill the classroom, many teachers don’t always have the time to plan lessons that use differentiated
instruction (DI) to suit their distinct aptitudes.

This can involve adjusting:

 Content — The media and methods teachers use to impart and instruct skills, ideas and information

 Processes — The exercises and practices students perform to better understand content

 Products — The materials, such as tests and projects, students complete to demonstrate understanding
To help create lessons that engage and resonate with a diverse classroom,  below are 20 differentiated instruction strategies and
examples. Available in a condensed and printable list for your desk, you can use 16 in most classes and the last four for math lessons.

Try the ones that best apply to you, depending on factors such as student age.

1. Create Learning Stations

Provide different types of content by setting up learning stations — divided sections of your classroom through which groups of students
rotate. You can facilitate this with a flexible seating plan.

Each station should use a unique method of teaching a skill or concept related to your lesson.

For example, students can rotate between stations that involve:

  Watching a video
 Creating artwork
 Reading an article
 Completing puzzles
 Listening to you teach

To help students process the content after they’ve been through the stations, you can hold a class discussion or assign questions to answer.

2. Use Task Cards

Like learning stations, task cards allow you to give students a range of content.  Answering task cards can also be a small-group activity,
adding variety to classes that normally focus on solo or large-group learning.

First, make or identify tasks and questions that you’d typically find on worksheets or in textbooks.

Second, print and laminate cards that each contain a single task or question. Or, use Teachers Pay Teachers to buy pre-made cards.

Finally, set up stations around your classroom and pair students together to rotate through them.

You can individualize instruction by monitoring the pairs, addressing knowledge gaps when needed.

3. Interview Students

Asking questions about learning and studying styles can help you pinpoint the kinds of content that will meet your class’s needs.

While running learning stations or a large-group activity, pull each student aside for a few minutes. Ask about:

 Their favourite types of lessons

 Their favourite in-class activities
 Which projects they’re most proud of
 Which kinds of exercises help them remember key lesson points

Track your results to identify themes and students with uncommon preferences, helping you determine which methods of instruction
suit their abilities.

4. Target Different Senses Within Lessons

A lesson should resonate with more students if it targets visual, tactile, auditory and kinesthetic senses, instead of only one.

When applicable, appeal to a range of learning styles by:

 Playing videos
 Using infographics
 Providing audiobooks
 Getting students to act out a scene
 Incorporating charts and illustrations within texts
 Giving both spoken and written directions to tasks
 Using relevant physical objects, such as money when teaching math skills
 Allotting time for students to create artistic reflections and interpretations of lessons

Not only will these tactics help more students grasp the core concepts of lessons, but make class more engaging.

5. Share Your Own Strengths and Weaknesses

To familiarize students with the idea of differentiated learning, you may find it beneficial to  explain that not everyone builds skills and
processes information the same way.

Talking about your own strengths and weaknesses is one way of doing this.

Explain — on a personal level — how you study and review lessons. Share tactics that do and don’t work for you, encouraging students to try
them.

Not only should this help them understand that people naturally learn differently, but give them insight into improving how they
process information.  

6. Use the Think-Pair-Share Strategy

The think-pair-share strategy exposes students to three lesson-processing experiences within one activity. It’s also easy to monitor
and support students as they complete each step.

As the strategy’s name implies, start by asking students to individually think about a given topic or answer a specific question.
Next, pair students together to discuss their results and findings.

Finally, have each pair share their ideas with the rest of the class, and open the floor for further discussion.

Because the differentiated instruction strategy allows students to process your lesson content individually, in a small group and in a large
group, it caters to your classroom’s range of learning and personality types.

7. Make Time for Journaling

A journal can be a tool for students to reflect on the lessons you’ve taught and activities you’ve run,  helping them process new
information.

When possible at the end of class, give students a chance to make a journal entry by:

 Summarizing key points they’ve learned

 Attempting to answer or make sense of lingering questions
 Explaining how they can use the lessons in real-life scenarios
 Illustrating new concepts, which can be especially helpful for data-focused math lessons

As they continue to make entries, they should figure out which ones effectively allow them to process fresh content.

8. Implement Reflection and Goal-Setting Exercises

An extension of journaling, have students reflect on important lessons and set goals for further learning at pre-determined points of the
year.

During these points, ask students to write about their favourite topics, as well as the most interesting concepts and information they’ve
learned.

They should also identify skills to improve and topics to explore.

Based on the results, you can target lessons to help meet these goals. For example, if the bulk of students discuss a certain aspect of the
science curriculum, you can design more activities around it.

9. Run Literature Circles

Organizing students into literature circles not only encourages students to shape and inform each other’s understanding of readings,
but helps auditory and participatory learners retain more information.

This also gives you an opportunity to listen to each circle’s discussion, asking questions and filling in gaps in understanding.

As a bonus, some students may develop leadership skills by running the discussion.

This activity makes written content — which, at times, may only be accessible to individual learners with strong reading retention — easier to
process for more students.

10. Offer Different Types of Free Study Time

Free study time will generally benefit students who prefer to learn individually, but can be  slightly altered to also help their classmates
process your lessons.

This can be done by dividing your class into clearly-sectioned solo and team activities.

Consider the following free study exercises to also meet the preferences of visual, auditory and kinesthetic learners:

 Provide audiobooks, which play material relevant to your lessons

 Create a station for challenging group games that teach skills involved in the curriculum

 Maintain a designated quiet space for students to take notes and complete work

 Allow students to work in groups while taking notes and completing work, away from the quiet space

By running these sorts of activities, free study time will begin to benefit diverse learners — not just students who easily process
information through quiet, individual work.

11. Group Students with Similar Learning Styles

Heterogenous grouping is a common practice, but grouping students based on similar learning style can encourage collaboration through
common work and thinking practices.

This is not to be confused with grouping students based on similar level of ability or understanding.
In some cases, doing so conflicts with the “Teach Up” principle, which is discussed below.

Rather, this tactic allows like-minded students to support each other’s learning while giving you to time to spend with each group. You
can then offer the optimal kind of instruction to suit each group’s common needs and preferences.

12. Give Different Sets of Reading Comprehension Activities

Instead of focusing on written products, consider evaluating reading comprehension through questions and activities that test different
aptitudes.

Although written answers may still appeal to many students, others may thrive and best challenge themselves during artistic or kinesthetic
tasks.

For example, allow students to choose between some of the following activities before, during and after an important reading:

 Participating in more literature circles

 Delivering a presentation
 Writing a traditional report
 Creating visual art to illustrate key events
 Creating and performing a monologue as a main character or figure

Offering structured options can help students demonstrate their understanding of content as effectively as possible, giving you more
insight into their abilities.

13. Assign Open-Ended Projects

Similar to evaluating reading comprehension, give students a list of projects to find one that lets them effectively demonstrate their
knowledge.

Include a clear rubric for each type of project, which clearly defines expectations. Doing so will keep it challenging and help students
meet specific criteria.

By both enticing and challenging students, this approach encourages them to:

 Work and learn at their own paces

 Engage actively with content they must understand
 Demonstrate their knowledge as effectively as possible

As well as benefiting students, this differentiated instruction strategy will clearly showcase distinct work and learning styles.

14. Encourage Students to Propose Ideas for Their Projects

As well as offering set options, encourage students to take their projects from concept to completion by pitching you ideas.

A student must show how the product will meet academic standards, and be open to your revisions. If the pitch doesn’t meet your
standards, tell the student to refine the idea until it does. If it doesn’t by a predetermined date, assign one of your set options.

You may be pleasantly surprised by some pitches.  

After all, students themselves are the focus of differentiated instruction — they likely have somewhat of a grasp on their learning styles
and abilities.

15. Analyze Your Differentiated Instruction Strategy on a Regular Basis

Even if you’re confident in your overall approach, Carol Ann Tomlinson — one of the most reputable topic thought-leaders — recommends
analyzing your differentiated instruction strategies:

Frequently reflect on the match between your classroom and the philosophy of teaching and learning you want to practice. Look for matches and
mismatches, and use both to guide you.
Analyze your strategy by reflecting on:

 Content — Are you using diverse materials and teaching methods in class?

 Processes — Are you providing solo, small-group and large-group activities that best allow different learners to absorb your
content?

 Products — Are you letting and helping students demonstrate their understanding of content in a variety of ways on tests,
projects and assignments?

In doing so, you’ll refine your approach to appropriately accommodate the multiple intelligences of students.
16. “Teach Up”

Teaching at a level that’s too easily accessible to each student can harm your differentiated instruction efforts, according to Tomlinson.

Instead, she recommends “teaching up.” This eliminates the pitfall of being stuck on low-level ideas, seldom reaching advanced concepts:

We do much better if we start with what we consider to be high-end curriculum and expectations — and then  differentiate to provide scaffolding,
to lift the kids up.

The usual tendency is to start with what we perceive to be grade-level material and then dumb it down for some and raise it up for others. But we
don’t usually raise it up very much from that starting point, and dumbing down just sets lower expectations for some kids.
Keeping this concept in mind should focus your differentiated teaching strategy, helping you bring each student up to “high-end
curriculum and expectations.”

Differentiated Math Instruction Strategies and Examples

17. Use Math EdTech that Adjusts Itself to Each Student

Some EdTech tools — such as certain educational math video games — can deliver differentiated content, while providing unique ways to
process it.

For example, Prodigy adjusts questions to tackle student trouble spots and offers math problems that use words, charts and
pictures, as well as numbers.

To the benefit of teachers, the game is free and aligned with CCSS, TEKS, MAFS and Ontario curricula for grades 1 to 8. You can adjust the
focus of questions to supplement lessons and homework, running reports to examine each student’s progress.

18. Relate Math to Personal Interests and Everyday Examples

Clearly linking math to personal interests and real-world examples can help some learners understand key concepts.

Working with 41 grade 7 students throughout an academic year, a 2015 study published by the Canadian Center of Science and
Education used contextual learning strategies to teach integers and increase test scores by more than 44%.

Striving for similar benefits may be ambitious, but you can start by surveying students. Ask about their interests and how they use math
outside of school.

Using your findings, you should find that contextualization helps some students grasp new or unfamiliar math concepts.

There are many classroom math games and activities to find inspiration to implement this tactic.

19. Play a Math-Focused Version of Tic-Tac-Toe

Help students practice different math skills by playing a game that’s a take on tic-tac-toe.

Prepare by dividing a sheet into squares — three vertical by three horizontal. Don’t leave them blank. Instead, fill the boxes with questions
that test different abilities.

For example:

 “Complete question X in page Y of your textbook”

 “Draw a picture to show how to add fraction X and fraction Y”
 “Describe a real-life situation in which you would use cross-multiplication, providing an example and solution”

You can hand out sheets to students for solo practice, or divide them into pairs and encourage friendly competition. The first one to link
three Xs or Os — by correctly completing questions —  wins. 

So, depending on your preferences, this game will challenge diverse learners through either individual or small-group practice.

20. Create Learning Stations, without Mandatory Rotations

Provide differentiated math learning opportunities for your students by setting up unique learning stations across your classrooms, but
forgoing mandatory rotations.

The idea comes from a grade 9 teacher in Ontario, who recommends creating three stations to solve similar mathematical problems
using either:

 Data — Provide spreadsheets, requiring students to manipulate data through trial and error

 People — Group students into pairs or triads to tackle a range of problems together, supporting each other’s learning

 Things — Offer a hands-on option by giving each student objects to use when solving questions
Only allow students to switch stations if they feel the need. If they do, consult them about their decision. In each case, you and the
student will likely learn more about his or her learning style.

Supplemented by your circulation between stations to address gaps in prior knowledge, this activity exposes students to exercises that
appeal to diverse abilities.

Downloadable List of Differentiated Instruction Strategies and Examples

Click here to download and print a simplified list of the 20 differentiated instruction strategies and examples to keep at your desk.

Differentiated Instruction Strategies Infographic

Here’s an infographic with 16 ideas from this article, provided by Educational Technology and Mobile Learning  — an online resource for
teaching tools and ideas:
Differentiated Instruction Strategies Infographic

Here’s an infographic with 16 ideas from this article, provided by Educational Technology and Mobile Learning  — an online resource for
teaching tools and ideas:
Wrapping Up

With help from the downloadable list, use these differentiated instruction strategies and examples to suit the diverse needs and
learning styles of your students.

As well as adding variety to your content, these methods will help students process your lessons and demonstrate their understanding of
them.

The strategies should prove to be increasingly useful as you identify the distinct learning styles in — and learn to manage — your classroom.

Interested in other teaching strategies to deploy in your classroom?

Differentiated instruction strategies overlap in important ways with a number of other pedagogical approaches. Consider reviewing these
supplementary strategies to find more ideas, combine different elements of each strategy, and enrich your pedagogical toolkit!
  Active learning strategies put your students at the center of the learning process, enriching the classroom experience and
boosting engagement.
 As opposed to traditional learning activities, experiential learning activities build knowledge and skills through direct
experience.
 Project-based learning uses an open-ended approach in which students work alone or collectively to produce an engaging,
intricate curriculum-related questions or challenges.
 Inquiry-based learning is subdivided into four categories, all of which promote the importance of your students’ development of
questions, ideas and analyses.
 Adaptive learning focuses on changing — or “adapting” — learning content for students on an individual basis, particularly with
the help of technology.

One of the best qualities a teacher can have is a willingness to try new teaching strategies.

In Effective Teaching and Learning, educational researcher Naga Subramani argues that an effective teacher:

“Constantly renews himself [or herself] as a professional on his [or her] quest to provide students with the highest quality of education
possible. This teacher has no fear of learning new teaching strategies or incorporating new technologies into lessons.”
Is that you?

There’s more than one way to teach a diverse and dynamic classroom. In this post you’ll find:

 A comprehensive list of 36 teaching strategies to use in math class and beyond

 A list of essential resources for using them effectively

Classroom teaching strategies Classroom management Flexible seating

Webb’s depth of knowledge Summative assessment

Active learning Formative assessment

Differentiated instruction Personalized learning

Universal design for learning Response to intervention

Classroom technology

Math teaching strategies  Math games Math websites

Mental math Common core math

Solve math problems faster How to teach multiplication

Multiplication games Multiplying fractions

How to divide fractions Math puzzles

Student-focused teaching strategies   Gamification Convergent and divergent thinking

 Project-based learning Experiential learning

Peer teaching Inquiry-based learning

Problem-based learning Cooperative learning

Reciprocal teaching Blended learning

Culturally responsive teaching Interdisciplinary teaching

Service learning Media literacy

Growth mindset

Classroom teaching strategies

1. Classroom management strategies

Infographic: 20 Classroom Management Strategies and Techniques. Click to expand!

According to research from 2006, teachers overwhelmingly reported a lack of professional development support when it came to improving
their own classroom management strategies. This can lead to confusion for students and frustration for teachers.

When students clearly understand what’s expected of them, they’re more likely to be focused and engaged with their lessons. Some tips for
building a positive environment include:

 Model ideal behaviour: Clearly explain proper behaviour, and then follow it yourself.
 Encourage initiative: Allow students to actively participate in the learning process.
 Avoid collective punishment: While it can be difficult, make a point of calling out disruptive behaviours on an individual, not
collective, basis.

For more actionable classroom management teaching strategies, read 20 Classroom Management Strategies and Techniques
[+Downloadable List].

2. Flexible seating

Kristine Fourman, a teacher in the Bucyrus Elementary Preschool Program, connects student seating and academics: “When students aren’t
trying to hold themselves still in their chairs, they can integrate auditory, visual and tactile systems of the body.”

There are so many different ways to incorporate flexible seating into your classroom in a way that fits with your students’ learning goals. For
examples and best practices, read Flexible Seating: 21 Awesome Ideas for Your Classroom.

3. Webb’s Depth of Knowledge

Norman Webb’s Depth of Knowledge (DoK) is familiar to many teachers from a theoretical perspective, but it can be incredibly difficult to
apply practically and consistently in your teaching strategies.

There are four DoK levels:

 Level one: Recollection and reproduction

 Level two: Knowledge application
 Level three: Strategic thinking
 Level four: Extended critical thinking

There are a number of engaging activities that can promote different DoK levels: read more about them in  Specific Ways to Use Webb’s
Depth of Knowledge in Class.
4. Summative assessment

Savefrom Uploaded by user2K+ProdigyMath Lessons & Math Resources

Summative assessments are end-of-unit tests, final projects or standardized tests used to assess student understanding on a broad and
absolute level.

Critics of summative assessments say they’re inauthentic and don’t accurately reflect the learning process. But there are important benefits
to using summative assessments as a teaching strategy: they motivate students to pay attention and challenges them to apply their learning.
They’re also a valuable source of insight for teachers, especially for those with larger classes — allowing them to easily identify and correct
any wide gaps in understanding across the classroom.

Don’t be afraid to get creative when making summative assessments! Read Summative Assessment: A Comprehensive Guide for ideas on
how to get students engaged with the testing process.

5. Formative assessment

Formative assessments are the opposite of summative assessments because they take place during the teaching process.

Formative Assessment Summative Assessment

Occurs through chapter or unit Occurs at end of chapter or unit

Improves how students learn Evaluates what students learn

Covers small content areas Covers complete content areas

Monitors how students are learning Assigns a grade to students’ understanding

Focuses on process of student learning Emphasizes the product of student learning

Formative assessments are a can reduce student stress around testing. They give you the chance to course correct mid-unit if there are
serious comprehension issues and to see which students might need a bit more one-on-one time.

Some examples of formative assessment techniques include:

 Think-pair-share
 Entry and exit tickets
 Self-evaluation techniques

For more examples and ideas, read 20 Formative Assessment Examples to Try [+Downloadable List].

6. Active learning

Put students at the center of the classroom with active learning strategies — a teaching technique that increases student engagement in
daily lessons. According to active learning advocate James Ballencia, the technique can also help teachers as much as it helps students:

“With the goal of teaching mindful learners who actively pursue knowledge, teachers become more actively engaged in how they teach the
curriculum and how they develop each student’s learning potential. They mix and match a variety of … tactics to ensure that students not
only learn more, better, and faster — they also learn smarter.”
Some active learning strategies include:

 Reciprocal questioning — Have students come up with questions for the class on a recent lesson or concept.
 The pause procedure: Take a break every 10 to 15 minutes so that students have time to discuss, ask questions or solve
problems.
 Muddiest point: Ask students to write down which point in the lesson is the least clear to them.

For more active learning strategies, read 8 Active Learning Strategies and Examples [+ Downloadable List].

7. Differentiated instruction

Differentiated instruction is a popular and effective teaching strategy that involves reacting to the diverse learning styles in every
classroom with adjusted content and processes.
Carol Ann Tomlinson, a reputable thought leader on differentiated instruction, recommends analyzing teaching strategies on a constant
basis to respond to needs:

“Frequently reflect on the match between your classroom and the philosophy of teaching and learning you want to practice. Look for
matches and mismatches, and use both to guide you.”

Strategies like learning stations and the think-pair-share method are small ways that you can bring unique learning experiences to your
students.

For more differentiated instruction ideas, read 20 Differentiated Instruction Strategies and Examples [+ Downloadable List].

8. Personalized learning

No two students are exactly alike. That’s why personalized learning builds a learning experience that addresses the unique abilities of each
student.

According to a study by the Gates Foundation, personalized learning can improve test scores when used to supplement math class:

“Students attending [schools using personalized learning] made gains in math and reading over the last two years that are significantly
greater than a virtual control group made up of similar students selected from comparable schools.”
Personalized learning allows students to learn without stigma and gets students involved in what they’re learning.

Explore different options for bringing personalized learning to your classroom, including Edtech teaching strategies and increased student
involvement. For a full list of tips, read 7 Personalized Learning Strategies and Examples.

9. Universal design for learning (UDL)

Universal design for learning (UDL) is an educational framework that ensures all students have equal access to education. Use it in your
classroom to give unique students flexible ways to learn and become more goal-oriented.

Some best practices for UDL:

 Know the strengths and weaknesses of your students

 Provide flexible classrooms
 Adapt information for multilingual students

UDL gives all students an impactful learning experience and helps teachers focus their efforts on students who need it most. For more
information on how to make sure all your students succeed, read Universal Design for Learning: Principles and Examples for 2019.

10. Response to intervention

Response to intervention (RTI) focuses on early and continuous identification, assessment and assistance for students who have learning
or behaviour needs. It’s best used as part of a more general classroom management plan, and involves small-group or individual
intervention that quickly addresses trouble spots.

The most effective RTI strategies are proactive. Start with everyday teaching and move to targeted intervention as soon as you spot a
problem. When you’re prepared to move quickly, you’re more likely to be able to develop a tailored and effective learning plan.

For more information on RTI strategies and tips for bringing them to your classroom, read  The Teacher’s Response to Intervention (RTI)
Guide: Tiers, Strategies and More.

Math teaching strategies

11. Classroom technology

Technology is a great way to improve student engagement and get students excited for class, but it can be difficult to incorporate
seamlessly into the classroom.

There are an endless number of ways to use technology to enhance lessons, including:

 A virtual field trip: Use virtual reality apps to explore famous landmarks and natural phenomena. Take a trip to the Great Barrier
Reef to study ecosystems, or tour Barcelona as part of a Spanish class.
 Video mini-lessons: TeacherTube offers an education-only version of YouTube, with videos on a number of core subjects. This
makes the learning process more engaging, especially for visual learners.
 Podcasts: Give students relevant podcasts and engage auditory learners, or have older students create their own — they’ll develop
research and technology skills at the same time.

For more ideas on how to use technology in the classroom, read 25 Easy Ways to Use Technology in the Classroom [+ Downloadable List].

12. Math games

Similar to classroom gamification, math games can play an active role in getting students engaged in class and excited to learn. Offline or
online, they’re usually customizable and easy to incorporate into other teaching strategies.
Some examples of popular math games:

 Bouncing Sums: Label a beach ball with integers, decimals and fractions. Each student must read the number on his or her label,
adding or multiplying it by the sum from the previous student.
 101 and out: Divide your class in half and give each group a die. Have groups roll the die and either keep it at face value or
multiply it by 10. See which group can get closest to 101 without going over.
 Math goodies: Math goodies is a free resource that provides puzzles and word problems. Students can either use this resource on
their own or you can use it to create custom worksheets.

For more math games, read 20 Engaging, Skill-Building Math Games for Kids [1st to 8th Grade].

13. Math websites

There are thousands of math websites that can be used as part of a game-based learning approach or differentiation strategy. Online
resources get students excited about learning math and can often be scaled based on knowledge and grade level.

Popular resources include:

 TeacherVision: Looking for interdisciplinary activities? Look no further. TeacherVision gives teachers access to resources that
connect math with subjects like art, history and geography.
 SuperKids: SuperKids is a one-stop resource for building worksheets. Select a skill and number range, and generate a custom
assignment.
 Prodigy: Students go on adventures, collect pets and battle with friends, all while answering skill-building, targeted math questions
— for free.

14. Mental math

Is mental math really a teaching strategy? Of course!

Mental math is an important part of math fluency. When students have a quick recall for math facts and can do simple equations quickly,
they have the confidence to attempt more difficult problems.

The Manitoba Association of Mathematics Teachers defines mental math as:

“A combination of cognitive strategies that enhances flexible thinking and number sense. It is calculating mentally without the use of
external memory aids. It improves computational fluency by developing efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility.”

There’s lots of resources available to boost mental math skills, including:

 Mnemonic devices
 World problems
 Fact fluency games

For more ways to practice mental math skills, read 12 Practices to Improve Students’ Mental Math + Downloadable List.

15. Common Core math

Common Core math is a new framework that seeks to improve students’ conceptual understanding of math by encouraging problem-
solving, critical thinking, and discussion skills.

Since it’s so new, instructors have struggled to prepare materials that align with the standards. If that’s you, here are some techniques to get
you started:

 Use modular tools: Younger students can model their problems using number blocks, and older student can use everyday objects
to “act out” the concepts they’re learning.
 Encourage peer discussion: Common Core standards place a large focus on critical thinking and problem solving — two things
that students can learn by talking through problems with their peers.
 Math journals: Writing out the steps they took to solve a problem helps students to understand where they got stuck. Plus, it’s a
great tool for teachers looking to keep track of student comprehension.

For a detailed explanation of the eight standards and ways to teach them, read 8 Common Core Math Standards, Explained [+ Examples].

16. Solve math problems faster

Teaching students to solve math problems quickly and without help can improve confidence and math fluency.

Provided your students have a solid grasp on the concepts behind what they’ve already mastered, math “tricks” can give them more
confidence and get them excited about trying new problems.

There are tricks for just about every basic function, including:
  Two-step addition and subtraction
 Multiplying by powers of 2
 Squaring a two-digit number that ends with 1

For a full list of math tricks, read How to Solve Math Problems Faster: 15 Techniques to Show Students.

17. How to teach multiplication

Multiplication is a big and often daunting step for learners, who feel like they’ve just mastered addition and are suddenly being thrown
something new. Teachers also often struggle to communicate new concepts to student effectively.

What if we told you that multiplication could be one of the most rewarding lessons you ever taught?

Our six-step guide to teaching multiplication  is designed to engage students in the learning processes with a clear and logical
progression of ideas. There are lot of fun ways to teach multiplication and reduce student anxiety, including:

 Classroom math games

 Fun math books
 Math websites

Multiplication doesn’t have to be stressful — start with basic concepts and work your way up, and your students will be multiplication
masters in no time at all!

18. Multiplication games

Multiplication is a difficult concept for many students to grasp. Memorizing and understanding core multiplication facts is a key element of
math fluency, and provides an essential foundation for further study.

Game-based learning can be a successful way to help students develop this understanding and can engage students on stressful topic.
Some multiplication games include:

 True or false?: Write a multiplication sentence on the board that’s either true or false. In teams, the class has a minute to discuss
and respond with “true” or “false” cards.
 Beach ball toss: Write multiplication questions on a beach ball and throw it. Have students answer the question that is closest to
their pinky finger.
 Jeopardy!: It’s a classic for a reason — find an interactive template and fill it with questions. The team with the most points at the
end of the game, wins!

For more fun multiplication games, read 15 Multiplication Games to Make Math Lessons Fun.

19. Multiplying fractions

So your unit on fractions is finished, and it’s time to move on — to multiplying fractions.

For some students, this leap is even more daunting than the switch from addition to multiplication. But not to worry! There are teaching
strategies that will have your students multiplying fractions in no time at all.

Some best practices for teaching your class about multiplying fractions:

 Make sure your students understand the foundation and relationship between improper fractions and mixed numbers, as well as
how to convert them
 Use modular tools and visual aids
 Have students bring in a favorite recipe and multiply it so that it can feed the whole class

For a comprehensive overview on how to teach multiplying fractions, read How to Multiply Fractions (+ 7 Engaging Activities).

20. How to divide fractions

The only thing scarier for students than multiplying fractions? Dividing them.

Lucky for them, we did the research. There are three simple steps to dividing a fraction:

 Flip the divisor into a reciprocal

 Change the division sign into a multiplication sign and multiply
 Simplify if possible
 The best way to make sure that students understand how to solve a problem is to make sure that they understand what, exactly, is
happening. Instead of just teaching the answer, teach students what the answer means.
 For more details on dividing fractions, read How to Divide Fractions in 3 Easy Steps.
  21. Math puzzles

 Math puzzles have been around almost as long as math has — for a reason. One study found that math puzzles “develop logical
thinking, combinatorial abilities, strengthen the capacity of abstract thinking and operating with spatial images, instill critical
thinking and develop mathematical memory.”

Math puzzles build foundational skills and increase math fluency, while also connecting to existing curricula and promoting problem-solving
skills. Some popular math puzzles include:

 Sudoku
 Magic Square
 Tower of Hanoi
 KenKen

Make sure the puzzles are the right level for your students and that they’re being used appropriately. For more ideas on how to use math
puzzles in the classroom, read 20 Math Puzzles to Engage Your Students.

Student-focused teaching strategies

22. Gamification

Classroom gamification is an effective way to take a child’s love for play and turn it into a love of learning. The benefits are huge:
gamification can help students focus and build essential skills. A 2011 study from South Korea also found that gamification kept students
motivated and engaged in the classroom.

In order to effectively use gamification techniques in your classroom, start with your students: What do they like? Where are their learning
needs? Are there any notable behaviour issues? Other tips include:

 Structure problems effectively: Gamification works best when surrounded by clear rules and expectations.
 Make sure progress is visible: If students can’t see how far they’ve come, they might get frustrated.
 Create a manual: Make a resource for students that explains the games, rules, and scoring system.

If you want more examples and techniques for gamifying your classroom, read How to Gamify your Classroom in 5 Easy Steps.

23. Convergent and divergent thinking

Convergent and divergent thinking are two terms coined by American psychologist JP Guilford in the 1950s.

Convergent thinking means understanding how separate pieces of information can be used to reach one solution. It’s usually reserved for
first or second depth of knowledge (DOK) levels, and can be used to answer questions that require a limited range of skills and knowledge
(like multiple choice questions).

Divergent thinking requires students to start with one prompt, then think critically about it to diverge towards to distinct answers (think
essay-writing, brainstorming and creative analyzing). This takes place at the third or fourth DOK level.

While convergent thinking is an important part of building math fluency, divergent thinking allows students to understand the base concepts
underlying their work. Convergent and divergent thinking are essential skills in any subject. When you understand the difference,
you’re better equipped to incorporate both into your classroom.

For more examples of each and how to teach them, read How to Teach Convergent and Divergent Thinking: Definitions, Examples,
Templates and More.

24. Project-based learning

Students have to take an active role in their own learning, but are often disengaged from the learning process. Project-based
learning allows students to be fully immersed in an authentic and nuanced problem that has real-life implications.

Project-based learning is open-ended, and allows students working in groups to find their own way to the solution. It doesn’t look the same
in every classroom — class size, student ability and learning styles play a large role in shaping the process.

While proponents point to increased engagement, knowledge retention and improved critical thinking, there are also significant criticisms:
Project-based learning can be too focused on product creation instead of learning, and assessment is often subjective.

To learn how to effectively incorporate project-based learning techniques into your classroom, read The Definitive Guide to Project-Based
Learning: Definition, Debates, Ideas and Examples.

25. Experiential learning

Every classroom has a wide range of levels and learning styles, which can be difficult for any teacher to effectively address. Use  experiential
learningactivities to counter student disengagement and get them involved in the learning process.

Traditional learning activities Experiential learning activities

 Teacher-centered/focused Student-centered/focused

Fixed rubric or scoring system Flexible and open learning outcomes

Explain knowledge or skills by transferring information Develop knowledge and skills through experience

Fixed structure, high degree of facilitation Flexible structure, minimum facilitation

Provide students with new ways of learning to help them stay focused, learn dynamically and learn faster.

Engage students in the process of inquiry and reflection! Ask them to create three to five questions (with answers) on a recent lesson. In
pairs, have students quiz their partners on the questions they wrote, and watch to see which concepts students consider to be the most
important from their lesson.

For more experiential learning activities, read 7 Experiential Learning Activities to Engage Students.

26. Peer teaching

Proponents have been pointing to the advantages of peer teaching since the 18th century. It’s one of many teaching strategies that helps
develop reasoning and critical thinking skills, and a pioneering 1988 study found it improved self-esteem and interpersonal skills.

It can be difficult, however, to bring it to the classroom — students might have different proficiency levels or be hesitant about teaching their
peers, and it can lead to confidentiality issues about which students are struggling.

Some best practices for peer teaching include:

 Explaining to students how to give feedback

 Providing written prompts to guide discussion
 Running classwide peer editing sessions

For more ideas on how to successfully bring peer teaching to your classroom, read 15 Easy Peer Teaching Strategies to Help Students.

27. Inquiry-based learning

Inquiry-based learning has been around since the 1960s, but it still remains a misunderstood teaching strategy. In the inquiry-based
learning classroom, teachers are responsible for guiding students through their questions — past curiosity and into critical thinking and
understanding.

There are 4 main types of inquiry-based learning:

 Confirmation inquiry: Students are given a question along with a way to answer it
 Structured inquiry: Students are given an open question and investigation method
 Guided inquiry: Students work from an open question to design investigation methods
 Open inquiry: Students develop original questions that they answer through their own methods

A study from the Association for Psychological Science found that students who use inquiry-based learning are more likely to retain
information from the activity and curriculum content in general.

For more benefits and examples of inquiry-based learning, as well as how to effectively use it in your classroom, read  All About Inquiry-
Based Learning: Definition, Benefits and Strategies.

28. Problem-based learning

Problem-based learning is a student-centred pedagogy that puts students in groups to solve open-ended problems together. This teaching
strategy has its advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages Disadvantages

Develop long-term knowledge retention Potentially poor test results

 Use diverse instruction types Student unpreparedness

Students are continuously engaged Teacher unpreparedness

Develop transferable skills Assessment is time-consuming

Improve teamwork skills Might not be relevant/applicable

Even taking into account the different opinions on problem-based learning, there is an undeniable value in giving students a degree of
control over their own education.

For more ideas about problem-based learning and tips for designing projects, read 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Problem-Based
Learning [+ Activity Design Steps].

29. Cooperative learning

Cooperative learning is one of the most universal teaching strategies. It empowers students to work together and gives teachers a chance
to deliver targeted, small-group learning.

A popular article from Theory into Practice details five essential aspects of cooperative learning:

 Positive interdependence: Each group member is valuable

 Promotive interaction: Students must empower each other
 Accountability: Students accept responsibility for their roles
 Soft skills instruction: Lessons and activities about teamwork
 Group processing: Group should use strategies on how to meet their goals

For more information on formal and informal cooperative learning, as well as cooperative base group strategies, read The Guide to
Cooperative Learning: Principles and Strategies for Each Type.

30. Reciprocal teaching

Reading isn’t every student’s favorite subject. With reciprocal teachingtechniques, you can turn even the most reluctant reader into a
bookworm.

Reciprocal teaching involves students in reading and gets them excited to learn. Learners are asked to predict what a text is about, ask
questions about what they don’t understand, re-read for clarification, and summarize what the text is saying — instead of just absorbing
material as quickly as possible.
And the technique can even be adapted for math class: one study found that reciprocal teaching in math can improve understanding of
word-based problems, and can help students understand questions better.

For more ideas about reciprocal teaching, read 4 Reciprocal Teaching Strategies to Use.

31. Blended learning

Blended learning combines online learning with traditional classroom instruction. It’s a valuable tool to use in differentiation teaching
strategies, and can help students learn tailored content at their own pace.

There are a number of different ways to bring blended learning to your classroom, but some common methods include implementing
learning stations and putting certain lessons online in part or entirely.

For more information on the six blended learning models and how to use them with your students, read How to Put the Six Blended
Learning Models into Action [+ Examples & Download].

32. Culturally responsive teaching

Diverse classrooms are an amazing opportunity for teachers, but it can also be difficult to reach students with dramatically different
backgrounds or learning styles. Culturally responsive teaching aims to link content with students’ contemporary and ancestral cultures.

Start by getting to know your students — where do they come from? What do their parents do? What’s their favourite after-school activity?

Then, take that information and connect it to your lessons. Explain how a topic relates to different cultures, and make sure the classroom is
a place where all students feel empowered. Encourage students to ask questions and share unique answers.

Other options for culturally responsive teaching include:

 Creating relevant word problems

 Promoting positive media portrayals
 Involving parents

For the full list, read 15 Culturally-Responsive Teaching Strategies and Examples + Downloadable List.

33. Interdisciplinary teaching

Use interdisciplinary teaching strategies to encourage students to develop creative and critical thinking skills — and draw information
from a number of different academic disciplines — as they solve real-world problems.

In your classroom, interdisciplinary teaching could involve collaboration with other teachers, or asking your students to make connections
between different subjects. Try these activities to get your class started:

 News analysis: Play a news clip or hand out an article that discusses a local, national or international topic. Ask students to solve a
related question using skills they’ve learned in other classes.
 All About Weather: Look at the impact of weather and climate on the labour, agriculture and customs of other societies. This
gives students a chance to learn about different cultures from a scientific and social standpoint.
 Historical Pen Pals: Combine creative writing and history by having students take on the role of a historical figure and write to
classmates about challenges her or she faced. Give students a variety of sources to improve their research skills at the same time.

For more interdisciplinary teaching activities and tips on how to get started, read 10 Interdisciplinary Teaching Activities and Examples [+
Unit Design Steps].

34. Service learning

According to the National Youth Leadership Council, service learning is “a philosophy, pedagogy and model for community development
that is used as an instructional strategy to meet learning goals and/or content standards.”

Service learning brings the classroom into the larger community and teaches students about the value of being an active citizen. Students
get hands-on experience in interdisciplinary study, and often improve their academic outcomes and reduce behavioural problems.

Service learning contains five steps:

Students are saturated with an endless number of different media influences, from TV to social media to comic books. Students need to be
educated on how to interpret and understand what they’re consuming.

Media literacy allows students to recognize bias and develop critical thinking skills within the context of their existing interests. Some
activities you can try in your classroom include:

 Logo dissection: Have students bring in a few different logos of popular brands, and ask them to interpret what they think it
means. What type of customer is the company looking for? What do they value? Why did they choose that color or shape?
 Build a cereal brand: This activity challenges students to use their math, art and media literacy skills. Provide a sheet of questions
to guide students and improve learning outcomes
  Deconstruct advertising language: Explore and critique advertising claims that companies make. Pass out magazines and online
ads for students to examine and analyze.

Even though it sounds more like a corporate buzzword, the philosophy of growth mindset has infiltrated the classroom. It focuses on
helping students see the value of effort, persistence and risk in their learning environment, and pushes them to try new things and learn
new concepts.

Since growth mindset is a relatively new teaching strategy, some teachers might struggle to use it effectively. Here are some best practices:

 Give positive feedback: Instead of rewarding intellect, praise students when they try new methods and make plans.
 Promote a diverse classroom: When diversity is modelled for students, they’re more likely to embrace different perspectives in
their future learning goals.
 Encourage goal-based journaling: Ask students set goals and reflect on their progress. Have goals follow the SMART method
(Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-Based) for maximum effect.

For more ways to encourage a growth mindset in your classroom, read 10 Ways Teachers can Instill a Growth Mindset in Students. Your
students will benefit for the rest of their lives.

Resources for effectively using teaching strategies

Google

Books, scholarly articles, maps, news coverage — if there’s something you need to do, there’s probably a Google application for it. Use
Google Forms to collect student feedback on new teaching strategies, Google Drive to store and coordinate student papers, and Google Arts
& Culture to visit the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam — without ever leaving the classroom.

Prodigy

The applications are endless: use Assignments  and Plans  to differentiate learning, track student growth through comprehensive reporting
tools, engage students through game-based learning, or use it as part of a blended learning approach.

In order to know which teaching strategies will be the most effective, ask your students to provide you with some feedback: What do they
like? How do they think they learn best? What do they want to learn more about? Students are more likely to be engaged in the learning
process when they have a voice.

There are a couple of ways to gather feedback:

 Start-stop-continue — Hand out blank sheets of paper, and ask students to respond with 1) something they would like you to
start doing in the classroom, 2) something they would like to not see in the classroom anymore, and 3) a suggestion for an activity
or process that they think would make the classroom better.
 Google Forms: Send a form to your students via email, and have them fill it out (you can choose if you want the responses to be
anonymous). Give them specific questions to help guide their feedback and make your teaching strategies more effective.
 Mid-lesson feedback: Cut out circles of red, green and yellow paper, and hand one of each out to students. During the lesson, ask
how well the class understands — green means good, yellow means they might need help soon, and red means they need help
right away.
 In order to be an effective teacher, you need to have access to resources that allow you to continuously grow your skills. According
to a study with teachers from eight different countries, teachers who had access to professional development were more likely to
effectively use different teaching strategies in their classrooms:
 “This suggests that the exchanging of ideas and experience about teaching with other teachers in the school, observing each
other’s classrooms and providing mutual support increases the likelihood of implementing good teaching strategies.”
 Professional development doesn’t alway have to be big — start by chatting with a colleague or mentor over a cup of coffee, or
reading a blog post about new teaching techniques.

 Teacher journal

 After gathering all this amazing information from student feedback and professional development efforts, you’re going to need
somewhere to keep track of it all.
 Consider keeping a teaching journal to track student progress, new insights, areas you think your class might need extra help in
and successes you’ve had. Build it up as a reference for that year’s class, and keep it as a reminder of everything you’ve
accomplished. Bonus: you’ll have a ready-made resource for writing stellar report card comments.

 Parents

 Parent involvement in student learning is a key indicator of student success and performance. Keep parents informed with a quick
paper or email newsletter every month, and let them know about new things happening in the classroom. Communicate individual
issues quickly and effectively to avoid any report card surprises, but don’t just mention the problems — make time to give praise or
share news of an achievement.
 Final thoughts on teaching strategies

 There are so many different types of teaching strategies available for your classroom that the options can be overwhelming.
 But that’s good news! Your teaching style, students and classroom are all unique — why shouldn’t your teaching strategies be too?
 Start small, and work your way up. Don’t be afraid to try new strategies and see what works best in your classroom. Not
everything’s going to be a good fit, and that’s OK — keep engaging with your students and you’ll build up lifelong learners with a
passion for knowledge.