The structure and delivery method of a course significantly impact which instructional strategies will be most effective. For example, in a live workshop, learners benefit from real-time interaction and feedback, so active participation techniques may be prioritised. In contrast, video-based or asynchronous courses need strategies that maintain engagement and allow for self-directed learning, often using multimedia and reflection exercises.

Selecting the right instructional strategy can increase learner engagement and improve outcomes across diverse learning environments.

How do course formats shape instructional strategies?

Here are some examples.

1. Blended Learning Programs (Hybrid)

• Characteristics: Combines in-person instruction with online learning, allowing flexibility in pacing and content delivery.
• Strategies: Blended learning leverages both face-to-face and self-guided learning. In-person sessions can include interactive discussions, case studies, and hands-on activities, while online modules feature quizzes, readings, and pre-recorded lectures. Hybrid courses often employ flipped classroom strategies, where pre-recorded lectures or readings are completed online, and classroom time is reserved for interactive activities and problem-solving.
• Example for a Language Learning Course: In a language course, in-person sessions focus on conversational skills through role-playing, while online modules cover vocabulary drills and grammar exercises. Online discussion boards facilitate ongoing language practice.
• Example for a History Course: Students watch recorded lectures on historical events online, then discuss primary sources and debates in class. Online quizzes review key facts, while in-person sessions encourage critical discussion.

2. Flipped Classroom (Hybrid)

• Characteristics: A teaching model where students engage with instructional content (like video lectures or readings) on their own time before class, allowing in-person or synchronous sessions to focus on interactive, application-based learning.
• Strategies: The flipped classroom uses pre-class assignments, interactive group activities, and problem-solving exercises. Pre-recorded content provides foundational knowledge, freeing up class time for discussion, analysis, and hands-on activities.
• Example for a Biology Course: In a flipped biology course, students watch videos on cell structure and function at home, taking short quizzes to confirm understanding. During in-person or live online sessions, they apply what they’ve learned by examining cell models, engaging in group discussions, and working through case studies on cell biology in real-world contexts. This approach enhances comprehension and encourages active participation.

3. Lab-Based Learning (In-Person)

• Characteristics: Hands-on and interactive, focusing on technical or scientific skills with specialised equipment.
• Strategies: Lab learning emphasises demonstration, simulation, and collaborative problem-solving. Instructors demonstrate tasks, then supervise student practice with real-time feedback.
• Example for a Chemistry Course: In a chemistry lab, students first watch a reaction demonstration, then perform the experiment themselves. Pre-lab quizzes assess readiness, and post-lab reflection questions reinforce understanding of results.

4. Asynchronous Online Discussion Forums (Online)

• Characteristics: Ongoing, text-based, and learner-paced, supporting reflective and analytical thinking.
• Strategies: Suitable for peer instruction, reciprocal teaching, and debate, where learners engage in guided discussions on complex topics.
• Example for a Philosophy Course: In a philosophy forum, learners discuss ethical dilemmas, citing course materials and external sources to support their viewpoints. Peer feedback prompts further exploration of different perspectives

5. Intensive Bootcamps (In-Person)

• Characteristics: Fast-paced, immersive, and skill-focused with an emphasis on hands-on learning.
• Strategies: Bootcamps utilise hands-on practice, live demonstrations, and peer collaboration to help students quickly build specific skills.
• Example for a Coding Bootcamp: A coding bootcamp might include daily challenges, group projects, and peer code reviews. Each day begins with a lecture on new concepts, followed by coding practice and team-based project work.

6. Video-Based Courses (Online)

• Characteristics: Self-paced, visual, often asynchronous, self-paced with diverse multimedia resources.
• Strategies: Video courses require engaging visual content and clear, concise explanations to keep learners attentive. Instructional strategies such as storytelling, microlearning (short, digestible lessons), and scenario-based learning work well here. Benefit from quizzes or assignments to reinforce content.
• Example for a Yoga Teacher Course: A yoga teacher training course might use instructional videos that break down complex poses into smaller segments. You could incorporate visual aids, such as slow-motion playback, to demonstrate proper technique. Each video could end with reflection questions to reinforce learning
• Data Science MOOC Course: A data science MOOC uses video lectures for theory, coding assignments for practical skills, and discussion forums for peer support. Weekly quizzes test comprehension, while coding projects demonstrate applied knowledge.

7. Field-Based Learning (In-Person)

• Characteristics: Conducted on-site, experiential, often hands-on and observational. Traditionally, field-based learning (FBL) has been deeply rooted in physical, on-site experiences. However, with the rise of online and blended learning, there’s a growing need to adapt FBL for the digital environment.
• Strategies: Field-based learning uses experiential strategies like observations, group discussions, and reflective journaling. Online field trips can turn to using Virtual Field Trips, Simulations and Games, Remote Data Collection and Analysis, Virtual Collaboration and Communication, Multimedia Learning Resources.
• Example for an Ecology Course: Students go on-site to observe ecosystems, document findings, and discuss observations in small groups. They complete a field journal with guided reflection questions to reinforce learning.
• Example for an Online Ecology Course: Instead of a physical field trip, students could participate in a virtual tour of a rainforest ecosystem, using 360° video and interactive elements to explore the environment. They could then engage in online discussions to analyze the biodiversity of the ecosystem, conduct research on specific species using online databases, and collaborate on a virtual presentation to share their findings.

8. Cohort-Based Learning (Online or In-Person)

• Characteristics: Learners progress through courses together, emphasising community and collaboration.
• Strategies: Cohort-based learning uses group projects, peer feedback, and collaborative discussions to foster community.
• Example of a Leadership Development Program: Cohort members collaborate on case studies, work on group assignments, and provide peer feedback. Weekly meetings reinforce learning, while small-group exercises allow for shared insights.

9. Workplace Simulations (Online or In-Person)

• Characteristics: Replicates real-world scenarios in a controlled setting to practice professional skills.
• Strategies: Simulations employ role-playing, problem-based learning, and feedback mechanisms to simulate workplace situations.
• Example for a Customer Service Training: Employees engage in role-play scenarios to handle difficult customer interactions, followed by feedback sessions. Simulated calls or chats allow participants to apply learned communication techniques.

10. Game-Based Learning (In-Person or Online)

• Characteristics: Uses interactive and gamified elements to teach concepts in an engaging way.
• Strategies: Incorporates competitive elements like quizzes, leaderboards, and points to motivate learners.
• Example for a Finance Course: Students participate in a simulated stock market game, where they make investment decisions and compete based on portfolio performance. Weekly feedback and debrief sessions help students analyse their strategies.

11. Interactive Webinars

• Characteristics: Live, virtual, and interactive with opportunities for small-group work.
• Strategies: Uses breakout groups, live polling, and Q&A to keep learners engaged.
• Example for Health and Safety Training: After a presentation on safety protocols, participants join breakout rooms to discuss case studies and share experiences. Real-time polls gauge understanding, and an open Q&A ensures clarity on key points.

12. Culturally Responsive Classroom Discussions (In-Person or Online)

• Characteristics: Classroom environment that incorporates diverse cultural perspectives and open discussion.
• Strategies: Uses culturally responsive teaching techniques, open discussions, and student-led presentations to embrace diverse viewpoints.
• Example for a Literature Course: In a literature course focusing on multicultural texts, students lead discussions on cultural themes, sharing personal insights and connecting the material to real-world experiences.

13. Workshops (In-Person or Virtual)

• Characteristics: Interactive, collaborative, hands-on.
• Strategies: In a workshop, experiential learning and active participation take centre stage. You can incorporate problem-based learning, role-playing, group discussions, and real-time feedback.
• Example for a Gardening Course: If you’re teaching a gardening workshop, you might use live demonstrations followed by hands-on practice, where learners try out techniques like plant propagation or soil testing in real-time. Peer-to-peer learning can be encouraged through group discussions where learners share their progress.

14. Adaptive Learning and AI-Based Personalised Learning

By harnessing AI and adaptive learning, courses can provide a more tailored experience, boosting engagement and supporting learners in reaching their full potential.

• Characteristics: Adaptive learning uses AI and data analytics to tailor content, pacing, and feedback based on individual learners’ needs, making it a powerful tool for personalising education. By assessing learners’ progress and performance, these systems adjust the difficulty of content and recommend resources in real time.
• Strategies: Adaptive learning leverages quizzes, assessments, and data-driven feedback to personalise the learning experience. AI-driven tools can dynamically adjust lessons based on a learner’s strengths and areas for improvement.
• Example for a Mathematics Course: In an AI-powered adaptive learning platform for mathematics, each learner starts with a diagnostic quiz that gauges their current knowledge level. Based on their responses, the system customises lesson plans, presenting more challenging problems to advanced learners and providing additional support and resources to those needing extra help. Real-time data analytics allow instructors to monitor progress, making it easier to identify and assist learners who may be struggling.

There is one more very important element of implementing your instructional strategy – the accessibility of your course design. whether you are planning to teach online or in person, you need to ensure that you create an inclusive learning experience for your learners. What does it mean?

Ensuring Accessibility in Course Design

To create inclusive learning experiences, courses should be designed with accessibility in mind, meeting standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Accessibility ensures that all learners, including those with disabilities, can engage meaningfully with content.

• Strategies for Accessibility:
  • Provide Text Alternatives: Use alt text for images, captions for videos, and text descriptions for audio content.
  • Ensure Keyboard Accessibility: Ensure all course content and interactive elements (e.g., quizzes, menus) are accessible via keyboard navigation.
  • Use High Contrast and Simple Fonts: Use readable fonts and sufficient colour contrast for text to improve readability for learners with visual impairments.
  • Include Transcripts and Captions: Provide transcripts for audio and captions for video content to accommodate learners with hearing impairments.
  • Example: In a marketing course, each video is captioned, interactive elements are keyboard-navigable, and all images are tagged with descriptive alt text. These practices ensure all learners, regardless of ability, can fully participate in the course.

Adhering to WCAG standards not only broadens your course’s reach but also supports equitable learning by accommodating diverse needs.

Choosing the right instructional strategies and tools can help you create a course that is engaging and effective – clicks with your learners. By aligning your strategies with the course format and objectives, you ensure that your learners not only absorb the material but can apply it in real-world scenarios.