Top 10 Evidence Based Teaching Strategies

Whether you're a new educator or a seasoned pro, grounding your classroom approach in research can dramatically improve student outcomes. Here are the top 10 teaching strategies that are consistently supported by evidence.

1. Explicit Instruction

What it is: Directly teaching concepts, skills, and strategies in a clear, structured way.
Why it works: Research shows students benefit from clear learning objectives, modeling, guided practice, and feedback.
Pro Tip: Use “I do, we do, you do” as a lesson framework.

2. Spaced Practice

What it is: Spreading learning over time instead of cramming.
Why it works: Spaced repetition improves long-term retention by reinforcing memory connections.
Pro Tip: Revisit key concepts weekly or biweekly in quick review sessions.

3. Retrieval Practice

What it is: Asking students to recall information without looking at notes.
Why it works: Actively retrieving info strengthens memory and makes learning stick.
Pro Tip: Use low-stakes quizzes or “brain dumps” at the start of class.

4. Feedback That Moves Learning Forward

What it is: Giving specific, timely, and actionable feedback.
Why it works: Good feedback helps learners understand their next steps and improves performance.
Pro Tip: Focus on what was done well, what needs improvement, and how to improve.

5. Metacognitive Strategies

What it is: Teaching students to think about their thinking.
Why it works: Encourages students to plan, monitor, and evaluate their learning process.
Pro Tip: Use self-assessment checklists and reflection journals.

6. Cooperative Learning

What it is: Structured group work where students work together to achieve learning goals.
Why it works: Promotes engagement, communication, and deeper learning.
Pro Tip: Assign roles within groups and use collaborative tools like think-pair-share.

7. Dual Coding

What it is: Combining words and visuals to enhance learning.
Why it works: Helps students better understand and remember information.
Pro Tip: Use diagrams, infographics, and mind maps alongside text explanations.

8. Scaffolding

What it is: Providing support that gradually fades as students gain independence.
Why it works: Helps learners tackle more complex tasks with confidence.
Pro Tip: Break tasks into steps and model each before students try it themselves.

9. Questioning Techniques

What it is: Using open-ended and higher-order questions to deepen thinking.
Why it works: Encourages students to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information.
Pro Tip: Use Bloom’s Taxonomy to guide your question creation.

9. Formative Assessment

What it is: Informal assessments to monitor student learning during the lesson.
Why it works: Allows teachers to adjust instruction and provide targeted support.
Pro Tip: Use exit tickets, quick polls, or thumbs-up/thumbs-down during class.

Final Thoughts

These strategies aren’t just trendy—they’re grounded in cognitive science and classroom research. Integrate a few at a time, observe the impact, and refine as you go. Teaching is both an art and a science, and with evidence-based methods, you can master both.

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