10 Evidence-Based Teaching Strategies to Enhance Classroom Instruction

Every teacher needs a set of reliable teaching strategies, but with so many options it can be hard to know which ones work. This guide explains ten evidence-based teaching strategies that have been found to improve student learning. For each one, you will find what it is, how it works in class, and what it helps learners develop.

On this page 6 sections

The ten strategies at a glance

Strategy	Core idea	What it helps develop
Active learning	Students do, discuss, and create instead of only listening	Learning outcomes, motivation, retention
Collaborative learning	Students work in groups on a task or problem	Critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, teamwork
Flipped classroom	Lectures and readings at home, activities in class	Autonomy, individualized instruction, motivation
Mastery learning	Master one topic before moving to the next	Long-term retention and mastery
Direct instruction	The teacher presents information directly	Foundational knowledge
Differentiated instruction	Activities matched to each learner’s needs	Personalized learning for all learners
Inquiry-based learning	Students investigate; the teacher facilitates	Critical thinking, problem-solving, independent learning
Project-based learning	Students apply knowledge to a project or design task	Collaboration, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving
Feedback	Timely, specific information on progress	Performance and motivation
Metacognition	Students think about their own learning	Self-regulation and personal accountability

Strategies that get students working together

Active learning

Active learning puts students at the center of their own learning. Instead of only listening to a lecture, students take part in activities that ask them to reflect, think critically, discuss, and create. Research has shown that active learning can improve learning outcomes, raise student motivation, and help students remember the material.

Examples of active learning include:

• Group projects
• Problem-based learning
• Case studies
• Simulations
• Classroom discussion

Collaborative learning

In collaborative learning, students work together in groups to complete a task or solve a problem. It builds critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork, skills that are essential in the 21st-century workforce.

Project-based learning

Project-based learning has students work on a project or design task that requires them to apply what they have learned. Like collaborative learning, it builds collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Strategies that change how class time is used

Flipped classroom

The flipped classroom reverses the usual order of lecture and homework. Students watch pre-recorded lectures or do readings at home before class. Class time is then spent on collaborative projects, discussions, or problem-solving activities. This model gives students more control over their learning, allows the teacher to give individualized instruction, and can increase motivation.

Direct instruction

In direct instruction, the teacher delivers information directly to students, often as a lecture. It is especially useful when introducing new material and when students need foundational knowledge before going further. It has been found to improve learning outcomes, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Inquiry-based learning

Inquiry-based learning is student-directed. The teacher acts as a facilitator rather than a lecturer, while students ask questions, do research, put information together, and solve problems through experimentation and discovery. It promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning.

Strategies that respond to each learner

Mastery learning

In mastery learning, students work at their own pace and must master a subject or skill before moving on to the next topic. The focus is on making sure students have truly understood the material before they progress. It has been found to support long-term retention and mastery.

Differentiated instruction

Differentiated instruction recognizes that students have different learning needs, styles, and abilities. The teacher provides a variety of learning activities suited to individual needs, giving a more personalized experience that serves all learners.

Feedback

Feedback helps students see how they are progressing, shows where they need to improve, and keeps them motivated. Feedback works best when it is timely and specific: it makes it easier for students to identify what to improve and understand how to get better results.

Metacognition

Metacognition means thinking about one’s own learning. Teaching it helps students set goals, evaluate their own work, manage their time, and monitor their progress. It has been found to improve learning outcomes by strengthening self-regulation and personal accountability.

Choosing the right strategies for your class

These ten strategies are only a starting point; many other teaching strategies are available. The best approach is to examine, try out, and evaluate different strategies to find what works for your own classroom and your students’ needs. Used regularly, evidence-based strategies can improve learning outcomes, raise motivation, and help students retain what they learn.

Frequently asked questions