Examples of Instructional Strategies Used
Response JournalJournaling is a reflection by the student on what they learned, what they thought about it, and how it made them feel. It can be used as a sort of formative assessment that is constantly updating itself; it is also a nice exit card activity. This strategy involves preparatory steps be taken so that the student understands exactly what you are looking, and a rubric should be available. Click HERE to see a more in-depth explanation of what is expected in a response journal.
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Cooperative LearningCooperative learning allows students to think and brainstorm collaboratively with their peers. It gives students the opportunity to interact with someone face-to-face and openly discuss any topic. This could involve answering a set of questions, coming up with a group response, or making a presentation. Cooperative learning is an interdisciplinary instructional strategy which encourages an open communication and flow of ideas.
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Think-Pair-ShareThink-Pair-Share is an opportunity for students to follow a process which allows them to attain a strong understanding of a certain subject or question. Each student will first formulate their own opinion and thoughts, then they will share their ideas with a partner or within a group of three. This is another collaborative activity which encourages students to work together to formulate the best correct response. Click HERE for more information on Think-Pair-Share.
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Two Column Note TakingThis note taking strategy demands that students actively pay attention during a lecture or film and then write a response to it. Students draw two columns on a blank sheet of paper. The left column is where students wrote down key ideas from the lecture, and the right column is for them to reflect and share their thoughts.
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Role PlayRole Play activities engage students in active learning and applying their knowledge of a given subject. Role playing allows each child to make an impact on the lesson. research also shows that students retain much more from a lesson when one or more of their peers is actively participating in the lesson.
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"Author Says", "I Say"This is a great activity to engage students in after they read a passage from a book, journal or primary source. They will first be asked to repeat what the author is saying, then to put what the author is saying in their own words. Finally they must reflect on what they think about the passage. This can be done orally, as an exit card or written in a response journal. Click HERE for a sample "Auhtor Says", "I Say" response sheet.
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FoldablesThe use of Foldables is a very popular method used to engage students in a particular unit or lesson plan. Each student makes their own foldable which they will use in subsequent class-time. When each student participates in making their own note-taking device, they are more engaged in the lesson. Click HERE for a detailed look at multiple different foldables.
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Four CornersThis activity groups students into groups based on their answers o different questions. Each student will divide a piece of paper into four equal squares. There will be a different question asked by the teacher for each square. Students will respond to each question and then be placed in a corner of the room with people who answered similarly to them. This allows students with similar views to discuss why think what they do. Once the next question is brought up, the teacher will again tell students who answered similarly to group in each of the corners in the room.
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Question-Answer Relationship (QAR)QAR is an activity used after reading to be done either individually, in a group or as a whole class. The teacher will offer predetermined questions, and then the students will be asked to answer the questions as well as categorize them into one of four different categories: Right There, Think and Search, Author and You, and On My Own questions. Click HERE for an explanation of each type of question, as well as ways to incorporate the strategy into your classroom.
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Gradual ReleaseThe Gradual Release Model is a set of guidelines that allow for students to mature in a classroom while being more active as well. Gradual Release is know for its approach: "I do it", "We do it", "You do it". It is widely considered to be an effective form of instruction and, if it can be mastered, shows a great depth of knowledge by the student. Click HERE for more information of the Gradual Release Model.
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Text Rendering StrategyText Rendering Strategies give students the opportunity to read a text independently, and then come together in a group or as the whole class and collaborate. While the students are reading they will underlines quotes or statement which stand out to them. When they come together with a group they will read something they underlined, explain why they felt it was important, then listen to the next person.
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MultimediaThe ability to use Multimedia is a great resource that teachers must take advantage of. The ability to offer students a multimedia experience is a great asset in order to reach as many students as possible. Some students are more stimulated by a video, song, slide show, or other forms of media. Allowing students to create their own multimedia projects is an opportunity for them do something that interests them. Students can make videos, record interviews, or make a multimedia powerpoint. For ideas of how to use multimedia click HERE to jump to my web resources.
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Back-to-back WhiteboardThis is an interactive active which allows for students to formulate thoughts on their own and then share with a partner and discuss. Each student will have a whiteboard and dry erase marker, sit back to back, and answer a question asked by the teacher. Each student will write their own response on their board, then when the teacher says, will turn and show their answer to their partner. The teacher allows the students to discuss why they wrote what they did, and then reveals the answer. This activity is meant to evoke collaboration between pupils and encourage substantive conversation.
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Literacy CirclesLiteracy circles are great for classrooms involved in reading chapter books, textbooks, or trade books. First a reading assignment is given, either to be done in class or at home. These are great activities to do first thing before a lesson is given. Students will get together in groups and discuss what they had last read. Questions can be given by the teacher and each group will need to come up with a response which can be presented to the class or handed in separately. Literacy circles can serve as motivation for students to not only complete the assigned reading, but to be sure that they understand it. For more information and ideas on how to use literacy circles click HERE.
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