30 examples of teaching strategies for any type of classroom (2023)

Are you looking for new ways to teach and learn in your classroom? This summary of sample teaching strategies includes methods that appeal to all students and work for all teachers.

What are teaching strategies?

In the simplest terms, instructional strategies are the methods that teachers use to achieve learning objectives. In other words, just about any learning activity you can think of is an example of a teaching strategy. They are also referred to as teaching strategies and learning strategies.

These strategies are sometimes divided into five types: direct, indirect, experiential, interactive, and independent. (Learn more about types of teaching strategies here.) But many examples of learning strategies fit into several categories. The more options teachers have in their toolkit, the easier it will be to help all students achieve their goals.

Don't be afraid to try new strategies from time to time - you might just find a new favorite! Here are some of the most common examples of teaching strategies.

1. Troubleshooting

Those ones:STEM activities for kids

In this indirect learning method, students solve a problem to find a solution. Along the way, they must develop the knowledge to understand the problem and use creative thinking to solve it.STEM challengesare great examples of problem-solving teaching strategies.

To know more:teach problem solving

2nd lecture

This method is often criticized these days for being "boring" or "old-fashioned". It's true that you don't want this to be your only teaching strategy, but short lectures are still very effective learning tools. This type of direct instruction is perfect for providing specific details or teaching a step-by-step process. And lectures don't have to be boring - just watch themted talk.

To know more:Advantages and disadvantages of lecture

3. Didactic questions

These are often combined with other direct teaching methods such as lectures. The teacher asks questions to determine the student's understanding of the material. There are often questions that begin with "who", "what", "where" and "when".

To know more:ask

4th demo

In this direct teaching method, students watch as the teacher demonstrates an action or skill. It could be a teacher solving a math problem step by step or watching them demonstrate correct handwriting on the whiteboard. This is usually followed by students doing practice exercises or activities in a similar fashion.

To know more:Prepare effective demonstrations for the classroom and lab (PDF)

5. Storytelling

We use storytelling as a teaching method since Aesop's Fables. Stories capture students' attention from the start and keep them engaged throughout the learning process. Real-life stories and fiction work equally well, depending on the situation.

To know more:storytelling in the classroom

6. Exercise and practice

If you've ever used flashcards to help kids practice math facts or had the whole class sing the spelling of a word out loud, you've used Drill & Practice. It is another example of traditional teaching strategies. When kids need to remember specific information or master a skill step by step, drills and practice really work.

To know more:drill and practice

7. Spaced repetition

Often paired with direct or independent instruction, spatial repetition is a method in which students are asked to recall specific information or skills at increasing intervals. For example, one day after class discusses the causes of the American Civil War, the teacher might return to the subject and ask students to make a list of causes. The following week the teacher asks her again and a few weeks after that. Spaced repetition helps retain knowledge and is particularly useful when students don't practice it every day but need to know it long-term (for example, for a final exam).

To know more:Spaced Repetition: A Guide to Technique

8. Project-Based Learning

When children engage in true project-based learning, they learn through indirect and experiential strategies. As they work to find solutions to a real-world problem, they develop critical thinking skills and learn through research, trial and error, collaboration, and other experiences.

To know more:What is project-based learning?

9. Attribution of concept

Those ones:Cornell University

Students use concept maps to break a topic down into its main points and make connections between those points.

To know more:Concept Mapping at Cornell University

10. Case Studies

When you think of case studies, the first thing that probably comes to mind is law school. But this method works at any age, for a variety of problems. This indirect learning method teaches students to use the material to draw conclusions, make connections, and expand on their existing knowledge.

To know more:This case method

11. Reading for meaning

This is different from learning to read. Instead, students use texts (print or digital) to learn about a topic. This traditional strategy works best when students already have strong reading comprehension. try ourfree reading comprehension packto enable students to get the most out of meaningful reading.

To know more:reading by meaning

12. Science experiments

Those ones:game rhythms

This is experiential learning at its finest. Through hands-on experiments, children learn to set expectations, develop sound methods, draw conclusions, and much more.

To know more:Hundreds of science experiment ideas for kids and teens

13. Excursions

Entering the real world gives children the opportunity to learn indirectly through experience. They can see concepts they already know put into practice or learn new information or skills from the world around them.

To know more:The Big List of PreK-12 Field Trip Ideas

14. Games

Teachers have long known that playing games is a fun (and sometimes sneaky) way to engage kids in learning. You can use educational games specially designed for each topic. Also, regular board games (like these classroom favorites) often involve a lot of indirect learning about math, reading, critical thinking, and more.

To know more:10 benefits of playing games in the classroom

15. Simulations

This strategy combines experiential, interactive, and indirect learning into one. The teacher simulates a real activity or experience. Students take on roles and participate in the exercise, using existing skills and knowledge or developing new ones. At the end, the class reflects separately and together on what happened and what they learned.

To know more:A simple approach to using simulation in any classroom

16. Service learning

This is another example of a teaching strategy that brings students into the real world. It often involves problem-solving skills and gives children the opportunity for meaningful socio-emotional learning.

To know more:Was that Service Learning?

17. Peer instruction

It is often said that the best way to learn something is to teach it to others. Studies on the so-called “protected effect” also seem to confirm this. To teach, you must first understand the information yourself. Then you have to find ways to share it with others - sometimes in more ways than one. This deepens your connection to the material and it stays with you for much longer. Try giving instructions to each other in your classroom and see the magic in action.

To know more:Do you want students to remember what they are learning? let them teach you

18. Debate

Those ones:Die New York Times

Some teachers avoid classroom debates because they fear they will become too controversial. But learning to debate and defend different points of view is an important life skill. Debate teaches students to research their topic, make informed decisions, and argue effectively using facts instead of emotion.

To know more:100 High School Debate Topics to Get Every Student Excited

19. Class or small group discussion

Class, small group, and pair discussions are excellent examples of interactive teaching strategies. When students discuss a topic, they clarify their own thinking and learn from the experiences and opinions of others. Of course, not only do they learn about the topic itself, but they also develop valuable active listening and collaboration skills.

To know more:13 strategies to improve classroom discussions

20. Aquarius

Take your classroom discussions one step further with the Fishbowl Method. A small group of students sit in the middle of the room. They discuss and debate a topic while their peers listen silently and take notes. Finally, the teacher opens the discussion to the whole class, who give feedback and present their own affirmations and challenges.

To know more:How I Use Fishbowl Discussions to Engage All Students

21. Brainstorming

Instead of a teacher providing examples to explain a topic or solve a problem, students do the work themselves. Remember the only rule of brainstorming: any idea is welcome. Make sure everyone has the opportunity to contribute and form diverse groups to generate lots of unique ideas.

To know more:Brainstorm in the classroom

22. Interpretation

RPGs are a kind of simulation, but less intense. It's perfect for practicing and focusing on soft skillssocioemotional learning. Alter this strategy by having students model good and bad interactions and then discuss the difference.

To know more:How to teach RPG - and how not to

23. Think-Pair-Share

This structured discussion technique is simple: First, students think about a question asked by the teacher. Bring students together and ask them to discuss their answers. Finally, open it up for class discussion. This helps children participate in discussions privately and gives them a chance to 'practice' before speaking in front of the whole class.

To know more:Think peer sharing and 10 fun alternatives

24. Learning Centers

Those ones:preschool bag

Encourage independent learning strategies with centers just for math, writing, reading, and more. Offer a variety of activities and let children choose how to spend their time. They usually learn best through activities they enjoy.

To know more:6 Key Benefits of Learning Centers in the Classroom

25. Computer-aided instruction

Once a rarity, now commonplace, computer-based instruction allows students to work independently. They can proceed at their own pace and repeat sections without feeling like they are slowing down the class. Teach students good computer skills from an early age so they feel confident they are focused on their work and doing it safely.

To know more:Computer-assisted teaching and reading

26. Tests

Writing an essay encourages children to clarify and organize their thinking. Written communication has become more important in recent years, so being able to write clearly and concisely is a skill every child needs. This independent teaching strategy has proven its worth, and for good reason.

To know more:The Big List of Writing Topics for High School

27. Research Projects

Here's another old but good one! When children work independently to research and present a topic, their learning is entirely up to them. You set the pace, choose a focus, and learn to plan and meet deadlines. This is often an opportunity for them to showcase their creativity and personality.

To know more:Tips and ideas for classroom research projects

28. Keep a journal

Personal journals give children the opportunity to reflect and think critically about problems. Whether they are responding to teacher instructions or simply recording their daily thoughts and experiences, this independent learning method strengthens writing and interpersonal skills.

To know more:The benefits of journaling in the classroom

29. Graphic organizers

Those ones:around the bonfire

Graphic organizers are a way to visually organize information to help students understand and remember it. A good organizer simplifies complex information and presents it in a way that makes it easy for the student to digest. Graphic organizers can include both text and images, helping students connect in meaningful ways.

To know more:Graphic Organizer 101: Why and How to Use Them

30. Puzzle

Jigsaw combines group learning with peer teaching. Students are assigned to "starter groups". Within this group, each student is given a specific topic to learn. You join other students on the same subject, research, discuss and become an expert. Eventually, students return to their home group and teach the other members about the subject they specialized in.

To know more:Why use a jigsaw?

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Also check the7 Things Teachers Say The Best Teaching Coaches Do.