Once teachers better understand their student’s individual needs then it’s time to find the right mix of in-person and online learning for them. To do this, teachers will need to look at each lesson to determine which instructional approach (in-person versus online), as well as which instructional type (independent versus collaborative) makes the most sense.
It’s important to note, many blended learning instructional strategies may work for students, so teachers do not need to pick just one. In fact, we recommend using a variety of strategies to create the greatest impact with lesson plans.
1. Online Approach with Independent Type
If teachers want a lesson that allows students to go at their own pace, this blended learning instructional strategy is the way to go! Students will learn lessons via virtual class time or independent study, engaging with concepts independently with activities such as assigned reading, interactive videos, comprehension checks, and quizzes or exams. This strategy can help students who may need more time understanding a concept, as well as students who already understand and are ready to move to the next module.
2. Online Approach with Collaborative Type
This strategy allows students and teachers to interact online through synchronous activities such as live lessons, discussion boards, peer assessments, and more – leveraging the technology students know and love, while still enabling them to connect with each other.
3. In-Person Approach with Independent Type
Think about assessments, analyzing, problem-solving, and case studies for this instructional strategy, since it combines an in-person lesson with time after for the student to complete assignments via their own device – allowing them to go deeper in their learning. One reason we love this approach, is that even though students will be working asynchronously, if they have questions, they can raise their hand and a teacher can quickly assist.
4. In-Person Approach with Collaborative Type
With this instructional strategy, students learn concepts in-person while collaborating with other students to develop deeper connections to the concept. This mix creates a great environment for active learning, class discussions, debates, and projects.
The most important thing to remember when implementing new blended learning instructional strategies is that there is no universal way to do it. Whether you’re a school or district leader, an instructional staff member, or part of the support team, we hope that our experience and best practices can help you engage your students and focus on your most important goal: supporting your students to reach their full potential.
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