1

Instructional Methods

Learning Perspectives Review

70’s 80’s 90’s

Behavioral

Cognitive

Constructivist

�a change in the �a change in the

probability of a probability of a

behavior occurringbehavior occurring

�a change in the �a change in the

probability of a probability of a

behavior occurringbehavior occurring

�a change in �a change in

knowledge stored knowledge stored

in memoryin memory

�a change in �a change in

knowledge stored knowledge stored

in memoryin memory

...learning ...learning

constructed from constructed from

experienceexperience

...learning ...learning

constructed from constructed from

experienceexperience

Guide for Using Theories

LOW HIGH

HIGH

Learner’s

Task

Knowledge

Level of Cognitive Processing Required

ConstructConstruct

BehavioralBehavioral

CognitiveCognitive

Question

How do we improve

learning?

Question

How will you teach a

preschooler about

colors?

Instructional Methods

The procedures selected to help

learners achieve instructional

objectives

Methods to teach

2

Question

What are the

instructional methods

that you are familiar

with?

Instructional Methods

Cooperative

Learning

Discovery

Problem Solving

Games

Simulation

Discussion

Drill and Practice

Tutorial

Demonstration

Presentation

Cooperative Learning

Involves small groups of students

working together

Collaborative & social skills

Common academic goal

Divided tasks

Cooperative Learning

Promotes positive interactions &

interdependences among group of

students

Active Learning

Examples

Group Thesis

Group Work

Discovery

Students find “answers” for

themselves

Learning by doing

Discovery

Teacher sets an environment where

“discovery” can occur

Inductive or Inquiry Approach

• Deeper understanding of content through

active involvement with it

Trial and Error

3

Discovery

Higher level of thinking

Analysis and Synthesis of information

rather than memorize facts

Intrinsic Motivation

Participation is rewarding

Example

Lab Experiments

Field Trips

Problem Solving

Students use past experience & prior

content and skills

Based on Scientific Method of

inquiry

Define problem

Formulate Hypothesis

Collect & Analyze data

Derive Conclusions or Solutions

Verify Conclusions or Solutions

Problem Solving

Work with everyday problems

Example

Word Problems

Case Studies

Games

A competitive activity that involves

certain skills & played under a set of

rules

Teaches competition

strategies, cooperation &

teamwork, and conflict resolution

Games

Encourages social interaction and

increases student motivation

Requires learners to use

Problem solving

Demonstrate mastery of

content

Examples

Jeopardy

Trivia games and contests

Simulation

Students confront real life approximations of real life situations

Allows practice without the risk

Promotes decision making

Provides practice and experimentation with skills

ExamplesSim City

Monopoly

Vehicle Simulations

4

Drill and Practice

Provides repetitive practice in basic

skills to enhance learning, build

competency & attain mastery

Examples

Flash cards

Repetition

Tutorial

Tutor – form of a

person, computer, or special print

material

Most often one to one

Highest degree of student participation

Tutorial

Types

Instructor – Student (interactive dialogue)

Student – Student (tutoring)

Computer – Student (CAI software)

Can be used to introduce new

content or material in a

sequenced or interactive way

Demonstration

Shows students how to

do a task, skill or

procedure

May be used to set

performance standards

How to properly

perform, criteria to be met

Imitate physical

performance

Demonstration

Utilizes several senses

Hear, see or experience an event

Example

Cooking class

Sports (swinging a tennis racket or golf

club)

Presentation

Disseminate information to learners

Good for large content

Makes use of verbal or visual symbols

Students see and hear the same information

5

Presentation

One way communication method controlled by the source

Limited interaction from the audience