Use varied instructional methods

"With a deaf student, I tried to limit my use of vague terms and pronouns, such as 'this' and 'that.' The deaf student needed to use an Sign Language Interpreter. When I pointed to something and said 'this,' I was usually pointing to something else or nothing at all by the time the deaf student understood the interpretation. By being more specific, the student had a better understanding of my references, and I'm sure the specificity was beneficial to the rest of the class."

— Faculty member

Providing students with different ways to access material creates an accessible environment for all students. Some students thrive in lectures; others obtain information effectively from text, while still others learn best through visual media such as diagrams, illustrations, charts, or video.

What range of instructional strategies or methods are available to you? (Remember that what is possible is determined by such factors as class size, available technology, your course's place in a sequence of courses, etc.) Here are some proven instructional strategies you might consider:

case study
lecture
PowerPoint presentation of key ideas
active lab in combination with demonstration or virtual lab
Web supports such as archived lecture notes
discussion (face-to-face and technology mediated)
collaborative strategies
group editing
group problem-solving

Sample scenarios

Test your ability to think broadly about instructional strategies by considering these scenarios:

Art History Scenario

You teach an art history class and have always used slides to show art from the different periods. Who in your class might you be excluding from participation? What can be done to make the material more inclusive?

Possible answer to Art History Scenario

Science Lab Scenario

You teach a soils science laboratory. To what extent must each student manipulate all measurement devices to satisfy course requirements? Are there alternatives to individual manual manipulation that are consistent with course goals?

Possible answer to Science Lab Scenario

Additional resources on varying instructional methods

Active Learning Resources from the U's Center for Teaching and Learning Services

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching