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Commonly, eliciting is used to ask learners to come up with vocabulary and language forms and rules, and to brainstorm a topic at the start of a skills lesson. The definition of the term in the Dictionary of Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics, 'Techniques or procedures which a teacher uses to get learners to actively produce speech or writing', suggests that there may be wider applications.

Principles and advantages
Eliciting is based on several premises:

Collectively, students have a great deal of knowledge, both of the language and of the real world. This knowledge needs to be activated and used constructively

The teaching of new knowledge is often based on what the learners already know

Questioning assists in self-discovery, which makes information more memorable.

Eliciting helps to develop a learner-centred classroom and a stimulating environment, while making learning memorable by linking new and old information. Eliciting is not limited to language and global knowledge. The teacher can elicit ideas, feelings, meaning, situations, associations and memories. For the teacher, eliciting is a powerful diagnostic tool, providing key information about what the learners know or don't know, and therefore a starting point for lesson planning. Eliciting also encourages teachers to be flexible and to move on rather than dwell on information which is already known.

Tools for eliciting
Language and ideas cannot be elicited without some input from the teacher, and eliciting is certainly not an excuse for not presenting language in a clear context. Students also need prompts, associations and reminders in order to jog their memories.

Often, the teacher provides stimulus using visuals or the board. When working on the simple present for daily routines, for example, a picture or drawing of a house and a clock combined with mime can be used to elicit both the names of household items and common verbs:

T: Six o'clock. Where is she?
S: Bed
T: Yes, she's in bed, sleeping. Seven-thirty, every day?
S: Get up
T: Good, she gets up at seven-thirty. Eight o'clock, every day?
S: Eat. Breakfast
T: Well done. Listen: She has breakfast at eight o'clock

The teacher may also model new structures or lexis before it is introduced as the target language:

T: Do you like coffee?
S: Yes (I do).
T: Do you like tea?
S: Yes I do
T: Do you like milk?
S: No (I don't)
T: What's the question? Ask me.

A situational dialogue, example sentences or a listening/reading text may provide the context from which the target language is elicited. In this case, the teacher is asking the learners to notice how a particular function is expressed, and eliciting is combined with concept questions. In a text or dialogue about the future:

T: Is he talking about the past, present or future?
S: Future
T: Does he know / is he sure about the future?
S: No
T: Right. It's a prediction. What verb does he use?
S: Will
T: Good. Can you give me an example?

Eliciting ideas and background information also requires input. This may come from a teacher's anecdote or story, a text, pictures, or a video, and involves the sharing of knowledge between teacher and learners. Information is often elicited onto a mind-map on the board, but it is important that all the students have a record of collective knowledge, and may find one of the many kinds of graphic organiser useful. Reading lessons often begin with a photo or headline from the text which serves a dual purpose in providing a stimulus for eliciting and a prompt for predicting content. KWL charts are ideal records of what students already Know, what they Want to know, and what they have Learnt by the end of the lesson, and point to the conclusion that eliciting can take place at any stage of a lesson and often indicates what should happen next.

Cultural considerations
While eliciting clearly contributes to student involvement, it does not always produce the desired or expected results. Questions such as 'Who can tell me something about....?' may be greeted with stony silence. Students are wrongly labelled as lacking knowledge or being too shy when there are often cultural reasons for their reticence.

In many cultures, students are not encouraged to volunteer information or ask questions while in others the teacher is seen as the sole provider of knowledge. The problem is reinforced by the fact that many units in course materials begin with open elicitation questions which create the possibility of making grammatical or pronunciation errors and therefore losing face in front of classmates.

In cultures where the group is more important than the individual it is unacceptable to stand out either as a success or as a failure. Even with constant encouragement, it is difficult to break down entrenched attitudes and beliefs, and certain strategies may be required:

Nominate students rather than waiting for volunteers. The student is then not responsible for being made to stand out from the group.

Give learners time to prepare an answer. Spontaneity may be ideal, but students will be more confident if they are given a moment to think about or even to write down an answer.

Ensure that there is no right or wrong answer involved. General questions such as 'What's your favourite colour?' or 'What kind of music do you listen to?' are more likely to produce answers than those requiring specific knowledge.

Encourage rather than correct. When eliciting language, comments such as 'nearly right' and 'try again' are more constructive than 'no, does anyone else know the right answer?' Try not to correct when learners are volunteering background information about a topic - confidence-building, not accuracy is important here.

Tips for eliciting

Eliciting is a basic technique and should be used regularly, not only at the beginning of a lesson but whenever it is necessary and appropriate.

Don't try to 'pull teeth'. Prolonged silence or incorrect answers suggest that input is required from the teacher.

Don't ask students to repeat incorrect answers, but ask a variety of students to repeat a good answer.

Acknowledge or give feedback to each answer with gestures or short comments.

Provide sufficient context or information. Eliciting differs from Socratic questioning in that it is designed to find out what the learners know rather than to lead them to a conclusion which only the teacher knows.

Learners can elicit from each other, particularly during brainstorming activities. This helps to build confidence and group cohesion as well as shifting the focus away from the teacher.

At lower levels, more guided questioning is needed. Open-ended questions should be avoided as the learners are unlikely to have the language to answer them to their own satisfaction.

The success of eliciting depends largely on the attitudes of teachers and learners to their respective roles. Ideally it promotes the notion of an exchange of information, helps to break down traditional teacher-centredness, and begins to establish a variety of interaction patterns in the classroom. It is also fundamental to the inductive approach to teaching language and to learning through tasks and self-discovery, and a simple and effective way of getting learners to produce language.
Steve Darn, Freelance Trainer, Izmir, Turkey
Funda Çetin, Izmir University of Economics

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Commonly, eliciting is used to ask learners to come up with vocabulary and language forms and rules, and to brainstorm a topic at the start of a skills lesson.

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This is an eliciting example inside of a classroom

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Eliciting animals to a group of Intermediate Czech students. Teach Abroad - The Language House http://www.thelanguagehouse.net

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ELICITATION TECHNIQUES

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Elicitation Techniques

Elicitation is a term that describes techniques which enable teachers to get learners to provide information that they already know by activating their prior experiences and knowledge gained from course reading and discussions, rather than telling them. When learners can link new knowledge to something they already know, they are more likely to remember it long term. Elicitation is at the heart of student-centred learning.

Using elicitation techniques can be an effective diagnostic tool for the teacher because it helps to expose what learners already do or do not know and helps teachers make decisions about what content areas need more or less focus. Learners have more agency in their learning and can self-identify the gaps between what they know and what they need to know. There are several elicitation techniques that teachers can incorporate effectively into classes to engage learners.

Using Pictures and Guided Questions

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Carefully chosen pictures that clearly target a concept are effective for ELLs because they are not language dependent. Learners can connect the picture to their prior experience so they do not have to struggle with decoding the language first to determine the underlying concepts. Pictures let ELLs quickly understand the concept and free up processing time to focus on how to express what they know about the subject.

Look at the pictures in this collage and determine what they could elicit from the students if presented in class as part of the lesson.

Using Actions and Guided Questions

Role plays, videos and demonstrations help students make connections to the course content.
List three activities that you could connect to the following demonstration to support mastery of course content.

Asking better questions Prompt questions

Source:
Best, Brin, and Will Thomas. The Creative Teaching and Learning Resource Book, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, 2008. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/senecac/detail.action?docID=601600.

Locate one video or describe one demonstration or roleplay that you could use to help students meet the learning outcomes of your course.

Using Charts and Graphic Organizers

KWL Charts can be used to elicit what students already know, what they want to know and what they have learned by the end of the lesson - it is a helpful tool to gauge student learning. Use of graphic organizers like VENN diagrams can be used to have students illustrate their understanding of one concept in relation to another.

Questioning Techniques

Our final comparison involves the role of teachers. In traditional classrooms, teachers generally behave in a didactic manner, disseminating information to learners. In constructivist classrooms, teachers generally behave in an interactive manner, mediating the environment for students. Constructivist instructors engage learners to participate actively using interesting questions, problems, and materials.

Traditional didactic teachers disseminate information to learners. If they do pose questions to students in class, it is generally to check basic understanding of course information. In constructivist classes, teachers use questioning techniques to help students build knowledge collaboratively. Skillful use of questions supports student-centred learning. Depending on the type of questions posed, learners can either become actively engaged or they can interact with the course learning activities at a superficial level. Through effective use of questions, teachers create a learning experience that invites authentic reflection and discussion.

Structured vs. Open-Ended Questions

Structured questions are close-ended questions designed by the instructor to elicit specific responses. Generally they require low cognitive load to respond to and may be easier to answer as they generally require regurgitation of factual information rather than personal opinion. Open-ended questions do not have an expected response and consequently have a higher cognitive load. Reponses are not predetermined and are based on learners' experiences, feelings and understanding.

Convergent vs. Divergent Questions

Questions can be convergent or divergent. Convergent questions are typically factual with one or limited acceptable answers. An example of a convergent question is "What is the capital of Canada?" There is only one correct answer and this question just requires recall. Leaners may be reluctant to respond because they fear making a mistake. Furthermore, the responses will end as soon as the "target" answer sought by the teacher is given. A convergent question, on the other hand, encourages a variety of responses that are not necessarily predetermined. There can be a number of 'correct' responses and convergent questions are likely to generate discussion. An example of a convergent question is "What is the difference between "all natural" and "organic"?

Lower Level vs Higher Level Cognitive Questions

Lower level questions draw on memorization, comprehension, or application. There is usually only one correct answer or a pre-determined narrow range of acceptable answers. Lower level questions generally require a few words or very brief responses. In contrast, higher level questions require more cognitive engagement. These questions that require analysis, synthesis, or evaluation, are more likely to generate extended discussions. Higher level questions encourage students to examine the question from multiple perspectives as there is no one right answer.

Divergent, higher order question types generate more meaningful interaction than convergent lower order question types. Questions should elicit and build on pre-existing understandings that students bring
with them and tie in directly to the key concepts the students are learning. Questions should be relevant and connected to the learning outcomes.

Watch the video to learn how other professors use questions to engage students in their learning.

Look at the chart with the types of questions on the continuum of Bloom's revised technology. Click on question types to see question prompts that will elicit specific types of responses. Select one lesson in your course and create a question from at least 3 categories that could be used in your course. The question prompts are from the Academy of Art University, Faculty Evaluation and Training Department.
Tips for eliciting engagement in learner centred classes

You do not need to elicit every detail from students; use elicitation techniques in meaningful contexts.

Be mindful that many of your ELLs may not be used to voicing their individual opinions or sharing knowledge. They may be more comfortable in classes where the professor provides all content information. Set ELLs up for success.

In collectivist cultures students do not want to stand out in the class either by a great performance or as a negative one.

Clearly articulate that type of behaviour and participation that you expect in the classroom.

Start by asking your ELLs questions you are confident they know the answer to which will help them develop confidence in sharing their ideas with others.

Higher-level thinking questions that require application, analysis, evaluation and creation, are cognitively more challenging and take time and effort to respond to coherently.

Critical thinking is valued in North American Education. Elicitation questions help ELLs discover their voice, and be acknowledged for having a point of view.

Wait time is important. All students benefit from time to process a posed question and to formulate a coherent response. Students do not want to lose face in front of their peers so they may be hesitant to risk an incorrect or incomplete response. For ELLs, more wait time is required. They are often translating the question into their native language, formulating a response in their native language based on their prior and current knowledge, and then translating that response into English. Finding the right words to express their thoughts can be challenging, in particular if they are put on the spot in front of the entire class.

Gauge when wait time becomes excessive or students start answering mostly incorrectly - this is a good indication that they have shared their current level of understanding and are not able to make further connections.

Consider the time you have available for the open questions.

As you plan active learning activities such as debates, discussions, minute papers, and think-pair-share activities, strategize how you will insert key questions.

prepare your questions in advance - keep in mind the key learning outcomes of your lesson and of the course - script the questions you will pose

consider the purpose of your question - are you concept checking, trying to determine what they know already, trying to get them to make higher order connections?

decide in advance if the question will be posed to one person, pairs, groups or the whole class

carefully choose the level of difficulty of the question depending on the level of your students

consider the wording of your questions - use vocabulary that is familiar to the students

Key Takeaways

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Elicitation is a term that describes techniques which enable teachers to get learners to provide information that they already know by activating their prior experiences and knowledge gained from course reading and discussions, rather than telling them. When learners can link new knowledge to something they already know, they are more likely to remember it long term.

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INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES

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Instructional strategies refer to the techniques instructors use to deliver their lessons. Effective instructional strategies-also known as teaching strategies-help students become actively involved in the learning process. When done right, instructional strategies also support students in reaching their learning objectives.

By reading the guide below ( our downloading this free list of instructional strategies), you'll gain a solid understanding of the various types of teaching strategies, why they're important and how they can be applied to the learning process to benefit both professors and students.

In this guide, you'll:

Learn what instructional strategies are, and the various strategies educators can use to teach more effectively

Gain a deeper understanding of how instructional strategies for teachers-including formal and informal assessments, case studies, debates, flipped classrooms and more-play into the overall student learning experience

Get equipped to implement instructional strategies that are appropriate for your course in order to become more effective at teaching and engaging students

Get access to a free instructional strategies list, packed with 25 easy-to-implement exercises for your next course

With this collection of teaching strategies, you'll be ready to guide students towards success in any classroom setting. Plus, putting a few of these techniques into practice will ensure students come to class prepared to engage with the material, with their peers and with you.

1. What are instructional strategies?

Instructional strategies encompass any type of learning technique a teacher uses to help students learn or gain a better understanding of the course material. They allow teachers to make the learning experience more fun and practical and can also encourage students to take more of an active role in their education. The objective of using instructional strategies beyond subject comprehension is to create students who are independent, strategic learners. The hope is, with time and practice, students will be able to select the right strategies on their own and use them effectively to complete tasks.

There are various instructional strategy examples that can be used effectively at all levels and subject areas, with a wide range of learning styles. These learning strategies motivate students by improving their engagement, capturing their attention and encouraging them to focus on not only remembering course material, but truly understanding it.

Educators who use instructional strategies allow students to make meaningful connections between concepts learned in class and real-life situations. They offer an opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge and course correct on their own when needed. Teachers also benefit from using instructional strategies because they're able to better monitor and assess student performance through different methods of evaluation.

2. What's the difference between instructional strategies, teaching strategies, teaching techniques and teaching practices?

In the dynamic landscape of higher education, understanding the nuances between instructional strategies, teaching strategies, teaching techniques, and teaching practices is crucial for educators aiming to enhance their pedagogical approach. Instructional strategies encompass a broader framework, outlining the overarching plans and methods employed to facilitate learning. These strategies guide the selection of teaching methods and techniques, serving as the foundation for effective educational practices. On the other hand, teaching strategies delve into the specific approaches instructors use to convey information and engage students. These strategies act as the vehicles through which instructional goals are achieved, embracing diverse methodologies such as collaborative learning, active participation, and technology integration.

Zooming in further, teaching techniques are the tactical tools and methods employed within a specific teaching strategy. These are the hands-on practices educators implement to deliver content, foster understanding, and promote critical thinking. Examples include case studies, role-playing, and interactive discussions. Finally, teaching practices encompass the comprehensive application of instructional, teaching, and technical strategies in the classroom. It reflects the amalgamation of various methods tailored to the unique needs of learners and the subject matter. By dissecting these components, higher education professors can refine their pedagogical repertoire, fostering a rich and dynamic learning environment for their students.

3. Types of instructional or teaching strategies

There are far too many types of instructional or teaching strategies to catalog in one place. And there's no single, specific way to group them together. While the categories below are by no means exhaustive, instructional strategies often fall under general groupings. These include: active learning, assessment-based, group-based, advanced strategies, organizational (or classroom management) and tiered.

4. Active learning instructional strategies and teaching strategy examples

4.1. Exit tickets

Before students leave your learning environment, ask them to answer a question related to a key concept discussed in the lesson that day. They can write it down on a piece of paper or index card. Questions can be simple, like asking students what they found most interesting about the lesson. Or, they can be more complex, such as having them draw a sketch that demonstrates what they learned, or asking them to connect the key concept they learned to a real-life situation. Have students hand the 'tickets' to you as they exit (or have them submit a response to your discussion board), then review the responses.

The feedback can help educators determine which students need additional teaching in specific areas. Using this approach, teachers gain a quick understanding of how the whole class is grasping and reacting to the material.

Use the information from the exit tickets to form groups in the class that follows. Place students at similar levels of understanding, or who have similar views on a topic, together. Conversely, group students with opposing views together in order to foster debate and conversation. Learn more about the types of exit tickets you can use in your next course-download an exit ticket template here.

4.2. Flipped classrooms

Regardless of where you teach, flipping your classroom is one of the most popular forms of active learning and among the most well-known instructional strategies. Instead of using classroom time for lecturing, educators provide students with a pre-recorded lecture to watch prior to class. They're often concise, posted to sites like YouTube, or presented in the form of a podcast that students can listen to at home or during their commute. Educators can then use classroom time to engage students in learning activities related to the lecture they've already seen or heard.

Flipped classrooms are an effective teaching technique because they allow students to review and learn concepts on their own time. Students are then free to complete more interactive and collaborative work in class, including discussions and tasks with their peers and teacher. They can also collaborate and discuss material online, via forum discussions with peers and subject matter experts. In class, students can actively apply concepts via peer learning, group work, and presentations.

Flipped learning helps keep students continuously engaged in class instead of just passively listening. And it makes good use of downtime by allowing students to combine a workout or commute time with further learning, when it's most convenient for them. Built to enable this strategy, Top Hat makes it simple to adopt a flipped classroom -simply run quizzes prior to your lecture and create interactive discussions for students to collaborate during class time.
Looking for more? Get 25 additional instructional strategies in this free guide.
4.3. Journals and learning logs

This instructional strategy lets students record their thoughts, feelings and reflections on a variety of topics. Journal entries could refer to something discussed in your lecture, or they can allow students to reflect on a relevant newspaper article or piece of media they came across. Journals can also be used for getting students to think critically about the course material and how it can be applied to the real world. This activity lets students make predictions, brainstorm ideas, connect ideas and even identify solutions to problems presented in class.

You might consider using the following prompts in advance of a journaling assignment to promote higher-level thinking. At the start of a lesson, you might ask, "What questions do you have from yesterday?" During the middle of a lesson, ask, "What do you want to know more about?" At the end of your lesson, ask, "How could you use these findings outside of class?" Encourage students to note any thoughts that come to mind at these three points. At the end of the semester, their journal can form the foundation of a more comprehensive study guide.

4.4. Minute papers

Pose a question about the day's teaching, and give students a moment to reflect before writing down their answer on their own or in pairs. The responses can provide valuable insight into student comprehension of the material.

Minute papers can be presented in a number of ways, but the easiest is a "ticket out," whereby educators wrap up class a few minutes early. (We saw this earlier in our instructional strategies list, under 'exit ticket'). They then ask students to answer what the most important thing they learned today was and what questions they still have. The first question requires students to think quickly, recall class material, decide on the main points, and put it into their own words. For the second, they must think further about what they've understood thus far.

Teachers can use the responses to determine how well students understand the material. Minute papers can also help students understand where their own learning gaps are. Once this is realized, both students and teachers can identify and address weaknesses.

4.5. Muddiest point

The 'muddiest point' is another active learning instructional strategy. This activity asks students to use index cards (or an app), to anonymously submit what part(s) of the course material they're having the most difficulty with. Educators can then use the responses to determine where extra instruction is needed and adjust lessons accordingly.

Alternatively, these topics can be addressed during student review sessions. Ask students to identify topics they feel they need clarification on and consolidate these into a list. Then get each student to select a term from the list they feel they can explain to the rest of the class.

Cross it off the list, and move on to the next. By the end, it will be easy to see which concepts students are having the most issues with by process of elimination. And if terms haven't been selected, they are being avoided for a reason. Naturally, students will pick the terms they are most comfortable with.

Use that information to devise more instructor-led sessions on the concepts that most students are confused about, or that require more clarification, to eventually complete the entire list.

4.6. Reflection

Hand out blank index cards or a pre-designed worksheet at the end of a class session and ask students to use them to submit a response to a question about the day's lesson. Alternatively, ask students to submit a discussion board response. The reflection prompt could be simple, like asking what they learned, or what they found the most interesting. Or, you can make your prompt more application-based, like asking them to connect what they learned to a real-life situation, or telling them to explain why what they learned is important.

The purpose of reflection is to encourage students to consider what they have learned. Like a number of other instructional strategies in this list, it also gives the teacher an idea of where students stand on a topic or issue so they can use this information to help better prepare for the next lesson. The added benefit is that having students express these thoughts on paper can result in better memory retention.

To drive this strategy in higher education, Top Hat's interactive discussions make it easy for students to reflect on what was covered in class. Allow students to discuss concepts with their peers, with the ability to grade discussions as desired.

4.7. Think-pair-share

This active learning technique is another of the best-known instructional strategies. After presenting a lesson, pause the lecture for a moment to ask students to pair up with a partner. Have them discuss the material they just learned. Prepare questions, and, once they've had some time to discuss with their partner(s), get students to take turns presenting their observations to the rest of the class.

Make the question challenging, such that it could spark debate between the grouped or paired students. Give them just a few minutes to talk amongst themselves and come to a collective conclusion.

Think-pair-share can work especially well for the first few lessons of a class, keeping students on their toes and interested in the material that is to come. But it can also help recapture student enthusiasm near the middle of a term, reminding students that they aren't alone in their learning and that others share their views or concerns, and that there are different perspectives to support an issue that are worth considering beyond their own.

5. Assessment-based instructional strategies

5.1. Assessment

One of the most used instructional strategies, assessments are considered any graded test, quiz, project, or exam. Informal checks of student progress throughout the year, such as discussions or presentations, can be included too. There are many different assessment-based instructional strategies (and a few follow in this group).

In general, there are various ways to run assessments and different ways to adapt them to class time. These include: asking certain groups of students to only complete specific parts of a test, allowing students to respond orally versus in writing, or asking students to demonstrate what they've learned in a more hands-on way, like building something or drawing a diagram.

The most critical thing to remember with assessments is to try and stay focused on evaluating the concept that's most important for the student to grasp. This might mean your assessments have to be more practical. Asking a student to put the learning to work and actually do something can be a far better indicator of what they know than simple written or oral answers.

One tip is to include test or quiz questions that vary in complexity, and focus on different aspects of a concept. You could include one question mandatory for responding, but allow students to choose which ones they want to answer among the remaining ones.
→ Download Now: 25 Free Instructional Strategies
5.2. Cubing

"Cubing" is a version of the above. It involves writing a command or question on each of the six sides of a cube, then having students roll the cube like a die and respond to the question or command accordingly.

The questions can relate to describing, comparing, contrasting, applying, predicting or imagining concepts. Get students even more involved in this cooperative learning activity by having them come up with their own questions that they then exchange with classmates, taking turns to answer.

Take it to another level by creating multiple cubes with questions of varying levels of complexity. Assign students to work in groups-have each group of students write or dictate their answers to the questions on their cube. Use the data to determine which students should work on which concepts come assignment time.

5.3. Grade as you go

This instructional strategy is ideal for subjects that involve repetitive practices and rote memorization, such as mathematics and language. Have students work on assignments either alone or in pairs, checking and marking their work.

This teaching technique is motivational because students instantly know if they're on the right track, allowing them to gauge their achievement level. But it also helps students immediately correct something they're doing wrong. Once they identify the mistakes, they can translate that learning to subsequent questions, instead of completing the entire assignment incorrectly.

Instructional strategies such as 'Grade As You Go' also help educators pinpoint students who have a superior grasp of the material, allowing them to move on to a more challenging assignment.

By the time the assignment is completed, it's far more likely that the entire class will be ready to move on to the next concept or skill. And since grades have already been given, it reduces after-class grading time for teachers. Put this strategy into practice this fall by relying on the Top Hat Gradebook. This comprehensive tool lets you view attendance, participation and completion data in one place and makes it easy to retroactively adjust grade weights as needed.

5.4. Homework practice

The purpose of homework, as one of the numerous assessment-based instructional strategies, is to extend learning beyond the classroom setting. Homework gives students extra time to master concepts studied in class and further refine their learning. To use this effectively, assign homework based on the student's skill level, ensuring it aligns with the areas they need more practice in.

The amount and complexity of homework varies depending on subject and level. Students should be able to complete homework independently, with minimal involvement from tutors or peers. If they can't, it should serve as a red flag to both the student and educator.

Built to enable this strategy, Top Hat makes it easy to create, personalize and assign interactive homework assignments. Choose from a variety of question types including fill-in-the-blank or multiple choice and embed discussion questions throughout your assessments.

5.5. Questions and quizzes

Question-asking is among the simplest of the instructional strategies, but it can still be strategically complex. The simplest way to gauge student understanding of course material is to ask them questions about it. During group discussions, pose several questions of varying complexity so that everyone has a chance to respond, including both those who are experiencing difficulties with the class, as well as those who are mastering the concepts. Strategically adjust the questions you ask based on who you plan to call upon. This helps build student confidence and ensures the class runs smoothly.

Timing is important, too. When the class starts, or there's a pause between concepts or topics, you can administer a quick quiz or poll to get an understanding of how far along students are in their learning. In order to effectively assess comprehension, it's best to not attach a grade to this activity. Students will inevitably worry if the quiz is going to impact their overall grade for the class. Platforms like can be used to facilitate informal games or trivia sessions at the start of class, setting the stage for what's to follow in your lecture.

Use technology like clickers to administer things like multiple choice quizzes that can be tabulated immediately for large classes, with questions that challenge or check an assumption before a lecture begins. Then, administer the same or a similar quiz at the end of class, and compare the results.

Educators can determine how effective the lesson was and see if they need to revisit the subject matter again, or can confidently move on to the next topic.

6. Group teaching techniques

6.1. Case studies

Case studies, as instructional strategies or teaching techniques, are more spontaneous than structured group projects. But this is a good thing. It helps prepare students for when they enter the workforce, where problem solving on the fly is an essential skill. In a practical work environment, students can't just do what they're told and expect to succeed. Case studies can help prepare them for life after college or university.

To use case studies, put students into groups and task them with finding a way to apply the knowledge they've acquired from reading course materials and listening to lectures into real-world scenarios that match your assigned content area(s).

In a classroom setting, working on case studies encourages students to think critically about what they've learned, not just recite points back to the class.

6.2. Debates

Instructional strategies like these work as a structured form of argumentation. Debates require students to research concepts and think critically in order to present their positions in a convincing and justifiable way.

Most fitting for concepts with opposing points of view, debates help students develop listening and presentation skills. Once presented in class, having a debate can also introduce new perspectives on topics, and convince students to conduct further research in order to build stronger arguments, or intelligently counter those of the opposing side.

6.3. Peer instruction

With the teacher's guidance, students can prepare and present course material in class, encouraging interaction with peers. Try to do this without the use of slides as an aid, so students have to communicate more with classmates and discover more creative ways to present the material.

It's best to do these kinds of student-led instructional strategies at the beginning of a class, so students can teach one another about what they know, sharing their knowledge and experiences that relate to course material.

6.4. Role play

The use of simulations and games in your instructional toolkit can give you a deeper look at the impact of learning, as well as demonstrate how students can invent and experiment with learned concepts. Role playing also offers students a chance to practice their interpersonal skills in an environment in which they are comfortable and familiar.

Having the opportunity to visualize, model or role play in dynamic situations promotes curiosity, exploration and problem solving. It can aid students in working towards a greater understanding of the material. The more ways that students have of representing the knowledge they've acquired beyond writing and oral explanation, the better their comprehension and recall of the information will be.

In math and science fields, for example, students can experiment with simulated projects that would otherwise be difficult or cost-prohibitive to do in real settings. Examples include: designing a model of a roller coaster to understand slopes, angles and speed; using a hard-boiled egg to demonstrate Newton's Law of Motion; or building a model volcano to understand what makes them erupt.

7. Teaching strategies examples for advanced students

7.1. Curriculum compacting

These instructional strategies encourage educators to identify students who already have advanced knowledge of a subject, skill or concept so they can spend less time on these areas. Curriculum compacting frees students up to focus more on the areas where they need to develop a greater understanding, versus concepts with which they're already proficient. It's ideal when working with individual students or small groups.

7.2. Independent study project

If students appear to be ahead of the class, assign them independent study projects. These projects should allow them to focus on a single concept around material discussed in class. They can also work on a separate but related topic for which they've expressed an interest or passion, making this an inquiry-based learning exercise.

Once the project is completed, the student can share what he or she learned with the class, demonstrating their mastery of the concept, and further educating the rest of the class on a specific area or example.

Independent study projects usually run anywhere from three to four weeks.

8. Organizational instructional strategies

8.1. Agendas

An agenda sets out a comprehensive list of the assignments, activities, projects and tests students are responsible for working on and completing throughout the year, along with a timeline for each. Students can decide how they want to complete the work and in what order. Do they want to focus on one area of learning for an entire week? Do they want to tackle the subject matter they're most comfortable with first, or start with more difficult concepts? In addition to encouraging students to come up with a structure they can follow, agendas help them practice time management skills.

To get going, provide each student with a blank calendar to fill in with their own schedule, ensuring they've organized work in order to meet assignment and project due dates. If different students are working on the same part of an assignment at the same time, consider allowing them to work together during class. Take on the role of a facilitator here, helping students set reasonable deadlines according to their needs.

8.2. Anchor activities

Also referred to as 'sponge' activities, anchor activities are assignments that students must work on immediately in order to maximize instruction time. They can complete these activities at the beginning of every class or right after, but the idea is to keep the learning and educational process going.

Anchor activities might include the student revisiting a question posed in the previous day's class and composing a response to it, or presenting and discussing an answer out loud to a partner. Another option could be drawing a picture to represent a concept they just learned, or writing down an opinion about a key issue. This instructional strategy for teachers can also be used to provide students with notes as a reference when they're studying for exams.

Be mindful of anchor activities that are simply 'busy work' to pass the time. Just as a sponge soaks up water, the goal of anchor activities is to help students soak up a better understanding of a concept or skill.

8.3. Knowledge charts

Before delving into a new topic or concept, have students submit what they already know, what they want to know and what they've learned already. Then, assess their prior knowledge on the subject, and get a feel for how interested they are in a topic.

Knowledge charts, as instructional tools, can also be used at various times to see how students are progressing, and if their interest in the topic is waning or growing. In filling out these graphic organizers, teachers can get an idea of where students are at academically. Students themselves can gauge their own progress and see where more work is needed.

8.4. Learning contracts

Another one of the several instructional strategies aimed at more advanced students is the learning contract. Use it to help students who need to be challenged by providing a specific assignment and list of directives that they must complete within a set period of time. Work with the student to set out the requirements of the contract, and provide a blank calendar they can use to devise a doable timeline, determining what dates and times they need in order to complete different parts of the assignment.

This is an effective instructional strategy to help students set their own learning goals and practice time management skills-both of which are useful in the working world. Once the contract and timeline are set, encourage students who are working on the same parts of the assignment at the same time to work together.

8.5. Portfolio development

Portfolios allow students to gather, organize and illustrate examples of their learning and academic achievements. Portfolio development is the process of creating, collecting, reflecting on and selecting work samples that best showcase students' understanding of a given concept. Once students select their top pieces that best represent their learning outcomes, they can then use a binder or scrapbook to organize their work.

Work samples kept in a portfolio might include notes from an interview, a diagram, storyboards, essays, infographics and more. Portfolio development is a necessary and effective process for most humanities and STEM majors. Art students can use a portfolio to curate their top pieces-whether paintings, drawings or photographs-at the end of the semester. Alternatively, students in architecture or engineering courses can use a portfolio to house mockups and wireframes of a new building or the parts of an engine. No two students' portfolios will include the same work since these differ based on discipline and course.

9. Tiered instructional strategies

9.1. Tiered activities

Set up three or four activities of varying complexity for students to participate in. Each should have the same common goal of helping students understand a specific element of the subject material. For example, it might be different experiments that all explain the basic concept of physics.

Start with a mid-level activity that would apply to most students in the class, then include one that's a step-up in difficulty to challenge students with a better understanding of the material. Alternatively, offer a simplified version for students who are still working to gain a full understanding of the concept.

Place students in groups based on their perceived level, or give a brief description of each of the assignments and let them choose which level they feel most comfortable working in. Once completed, discuss and compare the results.

By the end of this collaborative exercise, each group will have a greater understanding of the material. If students are able to choose which group they join, the teacher will also get a feel for the comfort level of each student.

9.2. Tiered rubrics

Present a couple of rubrics (scoring guides) to students, based on their current level, so they have the skills needed in order to better focus and be successful in class.

The rubrics should all contain the same basic categories, but the point value or required elements should be adjusted based on the student's readiness. For students equipped to take on greater challenges, add more categories or requirements. Conversely, remove some requirements and/or categories for students who need more assistance, or haven't quite grasped the material just yet.

10. Conclusion

In exploring various types of instructional strategies, you'll find that there's something to suit every type of student level, subject and lecture format. When applied effectively, instructional strategies for teaching can help students gain a deeper understanding of course material and encourage critical thinking, beyond basic retention and surface understanding. Educators, too, can benefit by using different teaching methods throughout the semester to determine the efficacy of lesson plans, and how every student is progressing through each concept.

instructional strategies guide , filled with 25 effective activities and best practices to use in any college course.

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Instructional Strategies: The Ultimate Guide for Professors

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Engage, assess and motivate students with these 25 easy-to-use teaching strategies for any discipline. Get started today!

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Quizzes are one of the most famous instructional classification in teaching a second language

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Present simple exercise 1 - an interactive online exercise about making the present simple positive