Teaching Strategies

*The strategies are organized by student population, but the strategies can be used in any and all classrooms.

General Education Strategies

 

Special Education (Severe Setting) Strategies

  

  • Use a variety of methods, such as discussion, hands-on, and drill and practice in each lesson.
  • Try graphic organizers to display information. 
  • Utilize Socrative to give quizzes that students take using iPads or other wireless devices in the classroom.  This is a great way to utilize technology and can be an interactive assessment method.
  • Reference teaching strategies for specific learning tasks from National Center on Educational Outcomes.
  • Use Think-Pair-Share strategy in which students have time to think about a topic, are given the opportunity to partner with another student in class, and then share thoughts with one another.  This allows students who may be intimidated sharing in front of a whole class to share their ideas (Source: Instructional Strategies Online)
 
  •  Allow students to experience lessons using all of their senses. For example, let them hear sound effects, touch fabric, see pictures, and taste food (if possible).
  • Utilize switches for students to operate electronic equipment, such as lights and cd players, and adaptive items such as All-Turn-It spinners.
  • Ask a question once and give students extra time to respond before rephrasing or asking again (allow time for delayed cognitive processing).
  • Promote social interaction and teach social skills.
  • Utilize picture schedules and follow a routine, particularly for students with Autism.
  • Use multiple means of assessment (Source: School Board of Broward County, Florida).
  • Provide instruction in small group and one-on-one settings.
  • Partner with paraprofessionals to plan activities/instruction.