Instruction as a Systematic Process

Teaching is not simply standing in front of a class and talking. The best teachers contemplate the manner in which they will present a topic and have a wide variety of instructional models at their disposal. Models of Instruction What is an instructional model? Think of it as a broad, overarching descriptor that encompasses several different concepts. For example, when teaching astronomy, the solar system is a model with the sun at the center and all the planets orbiting around it. A few of the concepts associated with the solar model are gravity, orbits, heliocentricity, satellites, and eclipses.
You can use this model to picture the solar system in your mind’s eye.
What type of instructional models do teachers embrace?
First, there are learning psychology models. Concepts associated with the learning psychology model can be described as behaviorist, cognitive, constructivist, and developmental. We will amplify these models in Chapter 2.
Second, there are organizational models. Concepts included in these models are large groups, small groups, cooperative learning groups, learning communities, and individualized instruction. In Chapters 4 and 8, these models will be amplified and expanded.
The third category consists of classroom management models. There are at least two major ones: self-discipline and imposed discipline. Concepts included within the self-discipline model are Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, moral reasoning, character development, and reality therapy. The imposed
discipline model includes desist strategies, assertive discipline, and behavior modification. All of these concepts are discussed in Chapter 6.
Finally, if one is going to encourage “inquiry” and higher-level thinking, there are several additional models that we will examine in Chapter 9.
As you’ll see, we feature a wide spectrum of instructional models that will provide you with a set of instructional skills that are trustworthy, research based, and designed to help you bridge the gap between your pre-service education and your entry into real classroom experience.