8 Teaching Strategies
In an educational setting, effective teaching strategies are paramount in shaping engaging and meaningful learning experiences for students. At the University of Saskatchewan, a commitment to excellence in teaching is underscored by the adoption of innovative and research-driven pedagogical approaches. This chapter serves as an exploration of the overarching teaching strategies embraced by USask and aims to provide educators with valuable insights into their implementation. Through an examination of these strategies, educators can gain a deeper understanding of how to create inclusive, student-centered, and engaging learning environments that promote academic success and foster holistic development.
Selecting Appropriate Teaching Strategies
Once you have identified your learning outcomes using backwards design and strategies from the previous section, it is important to match appropriate teaching strategies to these outcomes. This alignment ensures that instructional methods effectively address the intended goals of the course, enhancing the likelihood of student success and achievement.
By incorporating USask teaching strategies instructors can ensure they emphasize the principles and procedures for effective teaching, which contribute to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment for students. When strategies are carefully selected to complement the desired learning outcomes, students are provided with clear guidance and direction, facilitating a more focused and purposeful learning experience. Understanding the diverse backgrounds, learning styles, and abilities of students allows instructors to tailor their teaching approaches accordingly, thereby creating a more inclusive and accessible learning environment.
Why should I integrate the USask priority strategies into my course?
The strategies were created to guide the entire USask community to be a more inclusive space for teaching and learning and to prepare learners to address challenges that our communities and the world face, such as climate change, polarization, inequality, and the constant changes that technology brings. In the How section of the Course Design pages, you will find instructions, ideas, and examples of integrating the strategies into your course.
USask Priority Strategies
Exploring USask Teaching Strategies
Active Learning
Examples of Active Learning
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Think-Pair-Share |
Students individually think about a question or concept, then discuss it with a partner before sharing their thoughts with the class. |
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Students analyze real-world scenarios or cases to apply theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills. |
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Peer Teaching |
Students take turns teaching each other concepts or skills, reinforcing their understanding through teaching. |
Collaborative Learning
Examples of Collaborative Learning
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Group Projects |
Students work together in small groups to complete projects or assignments, fostering teamwork and cooperation. |
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Jigsaw Technique |
Each member of a group becomes an expert on a specific topic, then shares their knowledge with the group to assemble a complete understanding. |
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Students engage in collaborative discussions on course materials, sharing perspectives and insights asynchronously. |
Experiential Learning
Examples of Experiential Learning
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Field Trips/ Field Work |
Students visit external sites related to course content, gaining firsthand experience and practical knowledge. |
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Laboratory Experiments |
Students conduct experiments in laboratory settings, applying theoretical concepts and developing practical skills. |
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Students work on long-term projects or investigations that require them to apply knowledge and skills to real-world problems or scenarios. |
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Research Opportunities |
Students engage in research projects under the guidance of faculty mentors, conducting experiments, collecting data, and contributing to scholarly inquiry within their discipline. |
Overcoming Challenges and Barriers
Challenges and Solutions for Implementing Teaching Strategies
Evaluation and Reflection
Assessing the effectiveness of USask teaching strategies is integral to ensuring high-quality instruction and student engagement. Through systematic evaluation and feedback mechanisms, educators can gauge the impact of teaching strategies on student learning outcomes, retention, and overall satisfaction.
Assessment methods may include quantitative measures such as student performance on assessments, course evaluations, and retention rates, as well as qualitative feedback obtained through student SLEQ surveys, focus groups, and reflective journals. Formative assessment techniques, such as classroom observations and peer reviews, allow educators to gather real-time feedback on teaching practices and make timely adjustments to enhance effectiveness. By continuously assessing the impact of teaching strategies, USask educators can identify strengths, areas for improvement, and best practices that contribute to positive student learning experiences.
By engaging in reflective practice, educators can critically evaluate their teaching methods, instructional materials, and interactions with students to identify strengths and areas for growth. Reflection may involve self-assessment, peer feedback, and analysis of student learning outcomes to gain insights into the effectiveness of teaching practices.
Based on reflective insights, educators can make intentional adjustments to their teaching approaches, such as modifying instructional strategies, adapting learning materials, or incorporating student feedback into course design. Continuous reflection and adjustment enable educators to refine their teaching practices, address emerging challenges, and meet the evolving needs of their students effectively. By embracing a culture of reflection and adaptation, educators can cultivate a dynamic and responsive learning environment that fosters student success and engagement.
Building Support Networks
Building support networks and accessing resources are vital components of successfully implementing teaching strategies at the University of Saskatchewan. These networks play a valuable role in providing educators with guidance, collaboration opportunities, access to tools and materials, professional development opportunities, and institutional support.
By engaging with instructional design teams, faculty development programs, and professional learning communities, educators can receive valuable guidance, advice, and mentorship as they explore innovative teaching approaches. You can connect with the Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching and Learning to connect with an instructional designer and are encouraged to connect with your faculty to support you with development and access to PLCs.
Collaborating with colleagues and peers within these networks facilitates the sharing of ideas, experiences, and best practices, enhancing educators’ professional growth and efficacy in the classroom.
Access to resources such as instructional materials, technology tools, and training modules enables educators to create engaging learning experiences and address diverse student needs effectively. Technology tools and training can be accessed through the USask LTE Toolkit.
Professional development opportunities offered through these networks allow educators to stay informed about current trends and research in education and acquire new instructional techniques that enhance their effectiveness in teaching. You can access the Universities Courses and Workshops for further professional development.
As you implement USask teaching strategies, it is imperative that you embrace a mindset of continuous professional development, lifelong learning and growth. Embracing this commitment ensures that you remain agile and responsive to the evolving needs of your students and the dynamic landscape of higher education. To achieve this, I you are encouraged to actively seek out opportunities for professional development, whether through workshops, seminars, conferences, or collaborative learning communities.
It is valuable to engage in reflective practices, share your successes and challenges, and learn from your peers as you strive for excellence in teaching and learning. By prioritizing your own growth and development, you not only enhance your effectiveness as an educator but also enrich the learning experiences of your students.