Just like no two students learn the exact same way, no two educators will teach the same way. Educators have many learning and teaching strategies at their disposal, and the ones they use will be based on their own methods and preferences. However, there are some key learning strategies that all educators should know about and make use of in their classrooms. This article will discuss a number of different learning strategies for educators, the benefits of each, and how educators can learn more by getting a higher education teaching certificate.
Key Learning Strategies for Educators
Here are some key strategies that all educators should know about and consider making use of in their classrooms:
Active learning
Active learning is a type of learning where students are actively engaged in the material they are trying to learn rather than passively listening or watching. This can be done in a number of ways, such as through discussion, questioning, problem-solving, and hands-on activities. Active learning can help students better process and retain information.
Cooperative learning
Cooperative learning is an instructional strategy where students work together in small groups to complete a task or project. This strategy has several benefits, such as promoting social skills, encouraging academic achievement, and fostering positive attitudes. Cooperative learning is also beneficial for educators, as it allows them better assess each student’s understanding of the material.
Problem-based learning
This approach involves students learning by collaborating to solve a real-world problem. This type of learning has been shown to promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills and increase motivation and engagement. For example, a problem-based learning activity could have students working together to develop a plan to reduce pollution in their community.
Discovery learning
Discovery learning is an instructional approach where students learn by exploring and manipulating materials rather than being taught directly by the educator. This type of learning allows students to be more engaged and hands-on with the material, which can lead to deeper understanding. Discovery learning is often used in science classrooms, as it allows students to observe and experiment with different concepts.
Inquiry-based learning
In this case, students learn by conducting their own research and investigations. This type of learning allows students to be more engaged and motivated, as they are able to direct their own learning. It also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Differentiated instruction
Differentiated instruction is an instructional approach where students learn in different ways based on their individual needs. This type of instruction can be adapted to fit the needs of all learners, including those with special needs, English language learners, and gifted students. Differentiated instruction has been shown to promote engagement, motivation, and academic achievement.
Technology-Enhanced Learning
Finally, this instructional approach involves the use of technology to support and enhance learning. This can be done in a number of ways, such as using computers or mobile devices for research, providing online resources, or using multimedia to present information.
Best Practices for Different Learning Strategies
Regardless of their learning strategy, here are some general best practices for educators to create an effective learning environment.
Creating a safe and positive environment
One of the most important things for educators to do is to create a positive learning environment in their classroom. This means ensuring students feel comfortable and safe and can focus on their studies. There are a number of ways to create a positive learning environment, but some ideas include establishing rules and expectations from the start, maintaining open communication with students, and providing positive reinforcement.
Effective instruction
In addition to creating a positive learning environment, it is also crucial for educators to use instructional strategies effective for teaching the material. Some common instructional strategies include using lectures, discussions, and small group work. It is also useful for educators to create opportunities for students to put into practice what they learn.
Regular assessment
Another key strategy for educators is to assess student learning on a regular basis. This assessment can take many different forms, but some common methods include tests, quizzes, and papers. By evaluating student learning regularly, educators can determine instructional strategies that work well and ones that need to be tweaked or changed. This assessment process also allows educators to identify areas where students are struggling so that they can provide additional support.
How to Determine Which Learning Strategy is Right For You
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing the right learning strategy. The best approach is to try out a few different strategies and see which ones work best for you. If you find that one particular strategy is not working, don’t be afraid to adapt it or try something new. Finding a learning strategy that works for your classroom and helps you meet goals as a higher education teacher is important.
Here are some questions to ask yourself when trying to determine which learning strategy is right for your students:
What is the nature of the material you are trying to teach?
Some materials are better suited for certain learning strategies than others. For example, rote memorization may be more effective than problem-based learning if you are trying to teach a new language. However, problem-based learning may be more effective if you are trying to teach a new concept in mathematics.
What are your goals?
Your goals for teaching specific material will also play a role in determining which strategy is right for your classroom. For example, if you want to teach the material so your students can apply it to real-world situations, then a practical approach such as problem-based learning may be more effective. If you want them to learn the material so that they can pass a test on it, then rote memorization may be more effective.
What is your timeline?
The amount of time your students have to learn the material will influence your decision about which strategy to use. If you have a lot of time, then you may be able to experiment with different strategies until you find one that suits your students best. On the other hand, if you only have a limited amount of time, then you may need to use a more straightforward approach.
Final Thoughts
There are many different learning strategies that educators can use in their classrooms. The most important thing is to find the ones that work best for their students and their particular subject matter. Educators can create a positive learning environment and promote student success by using effective learning strategies.
To learn more about different learning strategies for educators, consider getting a higher education teaching certificate where you can study pedagogical approaches to higher education learning and much more.