Comparative Analysis of Three Instructional Methods for Supporting Secondary Instruction

What is an instructional method?

A strategy or component of a strategy used as a means for accomplishing a learning objective.

Gamification

is the application of game elements and principles into a non-game; in the educational context gamification acts as a means to facilitate learning through increased engagement in the activity and ideally makes the activity fun for students.

ex. jeopardy

Experiential Learning

is the process of learning through experience, wherein the student has the opportunity to directly interact with the material. Experiential learning creates an environment of real world experiences for the student.

ex. extended practicum

Debate

as an instructional method is a process of picking a topic and having two learners, or teams of learners defend opposite sides of the issue. Students are naturally competitive and are likely to give much more thought to the topic as a product of them trying competing with the opposing side.

ex. academic debate

These are three of many instructional methods. Instructional methods can be used to tick the unique learning styles of students. It is important to observe how the class and individuals reacts to different instructional methods, then adapt/modify the methods or incorporate different ones. Another important factor to consider is time management, some strategies such as debate require more time than simply lecturing does. However, in the case of debate picking a topic that requires learning in several objective areas to be proficient in the debate allows for broader learning.