12 Effective Teaching Strategies That Are Proven to Work

The importance of effective teaching strategies

One of the most important things to note when considering which effective teaching strategies work best for each student is that all children are different. All of the teaching strategies we'll run through are more engaging than the standard approach where the teacher does most of the talking. That’s not to say many students can’t and don’t learn in that manner, especially in high school. 

When it comes to elementary school kids, keeping them entertained and present in a lesson can be hard work. What’s more, teachers have to be more creative and recognize each of their student’s learning styles and strengths. With the advent of technology, classes have naturally changed over the course of time and continue to do so. 💻

There's been a lot of discussion in recent years about changing from teacher-centered learning to student-centered. Many schools have already started to implement new ways of teaching and learning, and some even have their entire ethos based on a particular method. 

Let’s look at some examples that have been introduced and then focus on specific teaching strategies that are highly effective and use technology and/or a new approach to teaching.

Advancements in teaching and learning strategies

Teaching and learning strategies have developed a lot in recent years, and creative new learning methods are being used in more and more classrooms across the US. 

Some schools now encourage teachers to move away from the previously-assumed role of knowledge disseminator and traditional style of teaching to the role of facilitator.  

Students should also become more active participants in their learning journey. 

These are typically the guiding principles for the most effective teaching strategies. The guide goes on to provide active learning and teaching methods. Many of these great examples you can use in your online tutoring sessions, although there are lots that are designed for use in a classroom setting to promote group work. 

What are some teacher strategies?

As we mentioned earlier, kids learn in different ways and that’s why teachers in a classroom setting have to use varied teaching strategies to support the individual ways they learn and keep them motivated and engaged. 

All of the teaching and learning strategies we'll run through are effective, although each student will find some more interesting than others. Don't forget that every kid is individual and some of them will benefit from the following teaching strategies over the more conventional approach.

The following list provides examples of the effective teaching strategies you need to know about:

1. Progressive education
2. Flipped learning
3. Visualization
4. Cooperative learning
5. Learning with VR
6. Learning with AI
7. Inquiry-based instruction
8. Differentiation
9. Golden time
10. Modelling and scaffolding
11. Experiential learning
12. Metacognition

1. Progressive education

Progressive education is learning by doing and understanding. It bypasses the notion of just rote learning information and looks to make students learn through experiences. It provides an engaging and supportive environment where kids want to learn and it sparks their curious minds. The teacher is not the sole focus and is only there to provide information but rather to act as a facilitator. 

2. Flipped learning

The flipped learning approach involves learning new topics or concepts at home before attending a class. This is another one of the effective teaching strategies that removes the focus from the teacher standing at the front of the class. Instead, activities often involve experiments, watching videos, or working on tasks either individually or in small groups.

3. Visualization

Visualization is a useful method of spicing up a topic. This has never been more true than in the digital age we live in. Kids respond well to interactive whiteboards, videos, or even excursions so they can see a concept in action e.g. at a museum. 

4. Cooperative learning

Cooperative learning is all about kids working together. This method is very effective for most kids because they learn from one another and can fill in each others’ knowledge gaps to complete a task. Not only does it help them learn a particular topic or problem but it improves their communication and critical thinking skills. 

5. Learning with VR

Learning with virtual reality (VR) provides a unique opportunity to deliver content in an immersive way. Virtual reality makes spaces feel real so kids retain information better and it has the power to explain complex subjects in a clearer manner. Students can go on virtual field trips to faraway lands or planets, for example, or explore inside the human body. 

6. Learning with AI

Learning with artificial intelligence (AI) offers a number of learning advantages because it can be tailored to individuals. 🤗 One way is through intelligent tutoring systems which provide one-on-one tutoring that can track a student’s progress and offer targeted feedback and interaction. Artificial intelligence can also offer realistic social interactions with virtual characters. 

7. Inquiry-based instruction

Inquiry-based instruction involves a teacher introducing a new topic and having students explore it through research and activities. Students then make hypotheses for questions they have and aim to come up with answers through research providing evidence to support the conclusion. They can then analyze whether their hypotheses were right or not and present their results and discuss them with the class or other students. 

Inquiry-guided instruction is a type of inquiry-based instruction whereby the teacher gives students a goal and the process. This method is great when starting students out on inquiry-based instruction as it provides some groundwork to follow.

8. Differentiation

Differentiation is when activities are targeted to students’ learning needs and capabilities. This can be done in any number of ways such as by setting up different workstations and assigning students accordingly or handing out worksheets to match varying academic levels across a classroom. 

Differentiation requires a lot of effort on behalf of a teacher but the benefit is students having the right level of support if they need it or are challenged if they find topics too easy. 

9. Golden time

Golden time (also known as rainbow time or reward time) is a positive behavior management strategy that is often used in elementary schools. The method promotes good behavior by promising a reward (e.g. choice of fun activities or spare time) if kids are well-behaved, achieve a goal, or are trying hard. ✔️

10. Modeling and scaffolding

Modeling is the process where a teacher shows students how to perform a new task. They will describe the process or what is required and demonstrate it visually too. 

The foundation of this strategy is that the teacher supports students in completing the task. They should only offer assistance when a student or group of students can't do something or if it’s beyond their capability. 

11. Experiential learning

Experiential learning lets kids practice concepts or principles by participating in stimulating activities. These experiences can include experiments and games, which help engage students at a more meaningful level. 

12. Metacognition

Metacognition is a collection of teaching strategies that help kids understand how they learn and become aware of how they think. It helps children to reflect on who they are, what they know, what they want to know, and how to get there. Self-assessment and self-correction are just two of the methods used in this approach and lead to students becoming self-regulated. 

Which are the best teaching strategies?

The best teaching strategies are those that engage kids and entice them to learn. In a perfect world, rote-learning would be a thing of the past and educational facilities are progressing and making the most of these new teaching strategies. 

By trying out some of these teaching strategies in your online sessions, your student is going to be more willing to learn and get practical experience that helps them retain the information. ✨

At GoStudent, we like to encourage our tutors to make the most of these teaching strategies and use a blend of technology and student-centered learning approaches. We want to help you make your classes fun and interactive so your students will never get bored. Register to become a GoStudent tutor now and start having fun while teaching.