Summary of Teaching Strategies

A quick comparison of the major teaching strategies commonly encountered in LET Professional Education.


Quick Revision Guide


LET Professional Education

Why Learn Different Teaching Strategies?

Effective teachers do not rely on a single teaching method. Different learning goals, student needs, classroom contexts, and subject areas require different instructional approaches.

Understanding the strengths of each strategy helps teachers select the most appropriate approach for maximizing student learning and engagement.

Teaching Strategies at a Glance

1. Cooperative Learning
Focus: Teamwork and collaboration
Teacher Role: Facilitator
Example: Group science project with assigned roles
Best For: Communication, teamwork, and social skills
2. Direct Instruction
Focus: Clear delivery of knowledge and skills
Teacher Role: Instructor / Expert
Example: Teacher demonstrates math procedures step-by-step
Best For: Foundational knowledge and basic skills
3. Experiential Learning
Focus: Learning through real-life experience
Teacher Role: Guide / Coach
Example: Workplace simulations and fieldwork
Best For: Applied learning and vocational education
4. Inquiry-Based Learning
Focus: Curiosity, investigation, and discovery
Teacher Role: Facilitator
Example: Students investigate causes of historical events
Best For: Critical thinking and research skills
5. Differentiated Instruction
Focus: Meeting diverse learner needs
Teacher Role: Designer and Supporter
Example: Different reading materials for varying ability levels
Best For: Inclusive classrooms and personalized learning
6. Project-Based Learning (PBL)
Focus: Solving real-world problems
Teacher Role: Coach and Guide
Example: School recycling program project
Best For: Problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity
7. Blended Learning
Focus: Combining online and face-to-face learning
Teacher Role: Instructor and Technology Guide
Example: Classroom lesson followed by an online quiz
Best For: Flexible, digital, and self-paced learning
8. Reflective Teaching
Focus: Continuous improvement and self-awareness
Teacher Role: Reflective Practitioner
Example: Learning journals and lesson reflections
Best For: Professional growth and metacognition
9. Gamified Learning
Focus: Motivation through fun and play
Teacher Role: Game Master / Facilitator
Example: Kahoot quiz competition
Best For: Engagement, participation, and review activities

Quick Comparison

  • Need teamwork? → Cooperative Learning
  • Need clear instruction? → Direct Instruction
  • Need real-world experience? → Experiential Learning
  • Need research and discovery? → Inquiry-Based Learning
  • Need to address diverse learners? → Differentiated Instruction
  • Need authentic projects? → Project-Based Learning
  • Need technology integration? → Blended Learning
  • Need continuous improvement? → Reflective Teaching
  • Need motivation and engagement? → Gamified Learning

Quick LET Review Tip

LET questions often describe a classroom situation and ask which teaching strategy is being used. Focus on identifying:

  • The teacher’s role.
  • The student’s role.
  • The learning activity being described.
  • The primary learning goal.

Understanding the distinctive features of each strategy makes these questions much easier to answer.

Key Takeaway

Great teachers are flexible. The most effective educators understand multiple teaching strategies and choose the approach that best supports their students, learning goals, and classroom context.