Effective teachers do not rely upon one or two strategies/models of teaching, but instead (1) analyze educational objectives and goals, and then (2) carefully make decisions about structuring specific and global learning events while drawing upon a rich repertoire of fundamental models of teaching and learning. Form follows function -- the objective provides the function, the strategy provides the form.

 

The stated goals and objectives in a typical curriculum guide refer to a wide range of knowledge, skill, and affective outcomes. Clearly, no one instructional strategy or model will effectively help students succeed in all situations. 

 

Project-Based Learning

 

·         The Project Approach in Early Childhood and Elementary Education

·         Project-Based Science from the University of Michigan

·         ERIC Clearinghouse Materials on Project Learning for early childhood and elementary school.

·         Project Approach resources from the University of Alberta.

·         PROJECTS-L is a discussion list for anybody interested in the use of the project approach in early childhood, elementary, and middle level education

·         Project Based Learning with Multimedia

·         The Project Based Learning Web Ring connecting several sites dedicated to PBL

·         A Bibliography for Project-Based Learning

The WEB Project a non-profit organization devoted to innovative, project-based learning in the arts, humanities, and social sciences by people of all ages. Collaboration, community engagement, and technology form our most powerful tools.

·         An Introduction to Project Based Learning  from the Buck Institute for Education

·         Project Based Learning Projects The Virtual Schoolhouse

·         Project Based Learning with Technology by Diane McGrath at KSU

 

Problem-Based Learning

 

·         Problem-Based Learning (PBL): a definition and example

·         Exploring the Environment (ETE) curriculum project, NASA

·         Future Problem Solvers

·         Environmental Problem Solving Support Site

·         PBL and Teacher Training

·         Center for Problem-Based Learning

·         Problem Based Learning at the College Level University of Newcastle

·         PBL Net

·         PBL - University of Delaware

·         Problem Based Social Studies from the Buck Institute for Education

·         Problems as possibilities:  Problem-Based Learning for K-12 Education by Linda Torp and Sara Sage

 

Guided Research

(Using WebQuests)

 

·         WebQuests Homepage

·         Building Blocks of a WebQuest

·         Archive of Examples of WebQuests

·         The WebQuest News

 

Learning by Design

 

·         Georgia Tech University's EduTech Project

·         Learning by Design by the Boston Society of Architects

·         Constructionism, Learning by Design, and Project Based Learning

·         Students as Designers

·         Learning by Design in Science  Georgia Tech

 

Inquiry or Guided Inquiry

 

·         Institute for Inquiry

·         Guided Inquiry in Biology

·         Using the Internet to Promote Inquiry Learning

·         Suchman Inquiry Training

·         Inquiry/Investigation/Experimentation

 

Modeling, Simulation and Role-Playing

 

·         Computer-based Simulation in Science

·         Telecommunicated Space Simulations

·         Building Models for Understanding

·         Role-playing in Educational Environments

·         MAKING LIVES MEANINGFUL:  EXTENDING PERSPECTIVES THROUGH ROLE PLAY

·         Role Playing/Simulation

·         The Mars Project:  An Educational Space Simulation of a Journey to Mars

 

Socratic Questioning and Interaction

 

·         The Socratic Method: Teaching by Asking Instead of by Telling

·         Socratic Teaching

·         Socratic Method in Ethics and Moral Decision Making

 

Graphic Organizers

 

·         Schema Activation, Construction, and Application

·         The Concept Mapping Homepage

·         The Unfolding Vee-Map

·         A Library of Graphic Organizers

 

Collaborative / Cooperative Learning

 

·         The Collaborative Classroom

·         The Cooperative Learning Center (University of Minnesota)

·         Active and Cooperative Learning:  Links to documents

·         The Cooperative Learning Network

Synectics, Analogy, and Metaphor

 

·         Using Analogy and Metaphor in Science Education

·         Prescription for Learning, Athens State University

·         Synectics Graphic Organizers

 

Service-based Learning

 

·         Guide to Service Learning (FAQ's)

·         National Service Learning Clearinghouse

·         The International Partnership for Service Learning

·         Learning in Deed: Making a Difference through Service Learning

 

Reciprocal Teaching

 

·         A definition from NCREL

·         Reciprocal Teaching:  a Reading Strategy

·         Steps in Reciprocal Teaching

 

Research-based Instruction  See Marzano, et. al’s Classroom Instruction that Works:  Research-based Strategies for Increasing Student Achievement.