Here is a list of 12 teaching strategies that I plan to use regularly in my class.
- Mnemonics (Mastropieri & Scruggs, 1991)
This tool helps students in remembering items by using the first letter of each word to make a new word or sentence. For example: ROY G. BIV for the colors in a rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet). - Reading Frames (Armbruster, 1991; Royce & Wiley, 1996)
This strategy assists students in recognizing essential information while reading science textbooks, books, articles, or webpages. Provide students with a table with headings related to a selection of text and have them fill in the details. - Mind Map (Buzan, 1991)
Mind mapping is a visual tool that helps students remember and associate key words and concepts. - Jigsaw Method (Jigsaw.org)
The Jigsaw Classroom is a cooperative learning technique that reduces racial conflict among school children, promotes better learning, improves student motivation, and increases enjoyment of the learning experience. - Project Based Learning, PBL PBL is when students learn by doing. In a group or collaborative setting students are given opportunities to do a project that can translate to real life. Students work together in teams and while they work on the project they are able to be creative and learn. All while applying their knowledge to collaborate with others to come up with ideas they would like to execute.
- Graphic Organizers
Graphic organizers help students brainstorm and organize their thoughts. Think of this as their daily science log/journal and notebook. - Technology
web-based lessons, multimedia /video, animation, tablet/ iPad, computer - Inquiry-Based Instruction
Involves students in the learning process so they can learn through inquiry. Asking questions and think synergistically conceptually about what they are learning. Allow them to make their own connections to how this applies to them and biologically. - Cooperative learning
Encourage students of mixed abilities to work together by promoting small group or whole class activities. - Behaviour management
Behaviour management strategy is necessary to gain students respect which contributes to a successful learning environment for all. - Annotating and Paraphrasing Sources
This strategy requires students to underline or highlight key words, write notes, and summarize main ideas as they read. This helps for better understanding. - Graphic Notes Using this method student will create a graphic to represent a concept or a chapter in their text. This will help students remember and serve as a learning tool.
References
Armbruster, B. B. (1991). Framing: A technique form improving learning from science texts. In C. M. Santa & D. E. Alverman (Eds.), Science learning: Processes and applications (pp. 104-113). Newark, DE: International Reading Association.
Buzan, T. (1991). Use both sides of your brain. New York: Dutton.
Mastropieri, M. A., & Scruggs, T. E. (1991). Teaching students ways to remember: Strategies for learning mnemonically. Cambridge, MA: Brookline Books.
- Draw a triangle and divide it into three sections.
- Place the main idea in the top section.
- Write key facts in the middle section.
- Place supporting details in the bottom section.