EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES FOR TEACHERS

Teaching is that profession, in which you get a chance to learn new things every day. With the changes in practices and ideologies, the educators also have to improve and update their instruction strategies. 

Technology has also affected and changed the mindset of the people. Here are some ways through which the instructional strategies can be enhanced to ensure a good learning experience for the students:-

1) MONITOR YOUR PROGRESS

Assessments are a great way of keeping track of a student’s progress. Traditional assessment methods are not always impactful and delivering. They lack in several aspects, and many students are not complacent with the conventional practices of assessments. Today, alternative or authentic assessments are becoming popular gradually. Alternative assessments help the teacher in analyzing a student’s potential based on varied capabilities. They help in providing a larger picture. Here are a few other effective strategies that can be used to monitor the progress of the students:-

1. Alternative assessments
2. Anchor activities
3. Homework options
4. Varied products 
5. Collaboration
6. Inquiry-based learning

These are a few activities that can help the students, as well as the teachers, to monitor the potential and capabilities of the students.

2) FORM GROUPS

Group activities can prove to be very beneficial for students. They tend to learn better through discussions and debates. Through group activities, students also learn about leadership and teamwork. Students cooperate with other students to complete particular tasks. Here are some instructional strategies that help in establishing collaboration:-

1. Jigsaw Puzzles
2. Projects
3. Making Models
4. Frou sides
5. Mini Whiteboards
6. Charity and volunteer work
7. Spreading awareness
8. Role-play 

These are a few activities that can help in forming groups and providing the students with a collaborative environment to study.

3) GET MOVING

Practical based learning is more effective for students. When the students get the hands-on experience of the concepts, they learn and understand better. The ideas also retain in their mind for a longer duration of time. Therefore, get the students to participate in practical activities. Take them outside the classroom and help them to gain real-life experience. Here are some instructional strategies that promote practicality:-

1. Literature Circles
2. Laboratory work
3. Educational trips
4. Volunteer work

4) COMPARE AND CONTRAST IDEAS

Research work is crucial in every sector. When a teacher works as a researcher, they can establish more. Compare the ideas and provide contrast. Work on redesigning and remodeling the curriculum. Students can also be engaged in this activity. Form groups or conduct debates and discussions on the classroom level. Ask the students to counter the opinions of others and provide their perspective on the topic. Through this, you can also establish a more interactive environment. Here are some activities that can help in this stride:-

1. Think-pair -share
2. Sticky note graphs
3. Cubing

5) ADAPT CONTENT

Make your content more inclusive. Analyze the different learning styles and requirements of the students. Adapt your content as per the potential of every student. Content is essential for students and teachers. If the content is not good, the teachers and students face difficulties in learning. Here are a few strategies through which good content can be ensured:-

1. Alternative Assessments
2. Orbitals
3. Question Choices
4. Learning Contracts
5. Literature circles
6. Jigsaw
7. Varied products
8. Varies texts 

6) TAKE NOTES

If you observe something unusual or new in the classroom, then make sure that you take the relevant notes. Work out the solution and come up with a better plan. Anchor activities as per the class performance. Observe the new trends that are prominent in the education sector and work on implementing those in your classroom. 

7) SHARE IDEAS AND OPINIONS

Feedback is essential for every teacher organization in the world. It helps us in analyzing our current situation and making the changes to become better. Input in the form of constructive criticism is very beneficial for the students as well as the teachers. Therefore, encourage your students to share opinions and ideas. Suggestions can also be made to improve the prevalent practices.