“An instructional method is an organized arrangement of the techniques intended to achieve a discrete
learner outcome. Some examples of primary methods include formal lecture, interactive lecture,
demonstration, guided discussion, small group discussion, and guided inquiry. Methods are the backbone of
instruction because they are the most basic way students are taught. Teachers need to understand the
nature of methods and anticipate the impact on student learning. Using a variety of methods will help meet
students’ needs and interests. Teachers need to remember that different methods can be used to attain the
same learner outcome.

An instructional strategy is a sequential combination of methods designed to accomplish the learner
outcomes. Strategies can be classified as formal and informal.
Teachers design most strategies, but more formal strategies have evolved from the effective teaching
research when the emphasis is on higher student achievement.

According to Marzano et al. (2001) there are nine categories of strategies that have a strong effect on
student achievement. These are listed in order of the effect a strategy has on student achievement:
• identifying similarities and differences;
• summarizing and taking notes;
• reinforcing effort and providing recognition;
• homework and practice;
• nonlinguistic representations such as graphic organizers and physical models;
• cooperative learning;
• setting objectives and providing feedback;
• generating/testing hypotheses; and
• questions, cues, and advance organizers.”

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