The Importance of Using a Variety of Instructional Strategies in the 21st Century Classroom

   
     Not all students learn in the same way, therefore it is vital that we use a variety of different instructional strategies when teaching daily lessons.  It is the only way to meet the needs of all students.  Some strategies, such as demonstration, presentation, and drill-and-practice are teacher-centered.  Others, like cooperative learning and project-based learning, are student-centered.  However, all need to be in our teaching arsenal ready for use at any given time.  We, as educators, are fortunate that there are also multiple technology options to help us engage the 21st Century learners we have before us, when implementing these instructional strategies.  Because students no longer learn in the same way as children of the past, we need to be well prepared.

3 Technology Enhanced Instructional Strategies

     Let's look a bit more closely at a few of the most common strategies. 




Presentation

 

       One such technology enhanced instructional strategy is the presentation.  Presentations can be created as slide shows via PowerPoint, Prezi, or Google Slides. They can include video clips, live broadcasts via the internet, interactive whiteboard lessons, etc. (Smaldino, Lowther, Mims, & Russell, 2015).  Presentations have always been a good way of getting information to our students, and now there are countless ways to present that information that will keep those students engaged and actively involved. 



Drill-and-Practice

     Drill and Practice is another strategy that can be enhanced by technology.  In the past, drill-and-practice involved a lot of pencil and paper computation or the use of flash cards to help students memorize math facts, spelling words, or vocabulary definitions. Now, there are a number of drill-and-practice software options that can be purchased or downloaded for free, such as First In Math or any number of flash card apps. These packages are used to reinforce skills that students are expected to know at their grade level.  The programs are often set up like games that motivate students to beat levels or earn rewards.  They provide instant feedback letting students know whether or not their answer is correct or incorrect and often track a student's progress, becoming more difficult as needed (Smaldino et al., 2015).

Cooperative Learning

     The cooperative learning strategy can encompass a number of other popular instructional strategies.  It can involve formal or informal groupings of students working together toward a common goal (Smaldino et al., 2015). These groups might complete internet-based research or a presentation that they will share with classmates.  Groups might work cooperatively on a STEM activity or in a problem-based learning situation.  The possibilities for technology integration into cooperative learning situations are endless.

How Does Understanding the Various Instructional Strategies Effect My Teaching?

 

     As an educator, it is my job to know the various learning styles of my students and the instructional strategies that will best suit their needs.  No one strategy fits the needs of all students, so it is important to use many different strategies when teaching.  After deciding on the appropriate strategy that will be used, I then need to meaningfully implement technology into my lessons to ensure that my students are on their way to becoming 21st Century learners.

Smaldino, S. E., Lowther, D. L., Russell, J. D., & Mims, C. (2015). Instructional Technology and Media for Learning (11th ed.). Boston, MA:  Pearson Education, Inc.

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