Simplifying Instructional Methodology Through Meta-Practices

摘要

Choosing appropriate instructional methodologies when designing a course ischallenging. The variety of options available magnify this difficulty. For good reasons,educators may be reluctant to implement new instructional methodologies, evenwhen they are interested in doing so. We propose a potential solution based onthe findings of a recent research study that identified instructional meta-practices(i.e., fundamental course activities shared by many different instructional methods)and their effects on a variety of student outcomes. We summarize the researchfindings and build on them to suggest how meta-practices may simplify the challengeof choosing an instructional methodology. Our suggestions include specific examplesfor a variety of teaching situations and a summary of one educator’s experience.