STRATEGY

After choosing a method, which is associated with the adopted approach, effective teachers choose appropriate strategies. “A strategy is a collection of philosophically grounded and functionally related techniques that serves as an implementation component of an instructional method” (Herrera, S., and Murry, K., 2011, p. 192) Thus, strategies are located under the umbrella of a specific method, as shown in Figure 2. 

Figure 2 Strategies based on the Total Physical Response

Created by Mauricio Matabay

Scaffolding

“Scaffolding involves extensive instructional and contextual support in the early stages of learning, followed by a gradual withdrawal of such support as the student’s performance suggests independence. Scaffolding can also be used to deepen the meaning of literacy activities” (Herrera, S., and Murry, K., 2011, p. 74) Thus, scaffolding can be understood as the use of activities or resources which enable students to perform tasks that are very complex for their abilities.

Figure 3 Scaffolding

Created by Mauricio Matabay

The idea is to provide students a lot of aids at the beginning of the learning process which encourages students to act and react, with the help of the teacher, little by little up to do it for their own without the help of the teacher. 

Cooperative learning

It involves students to work collaboratively in heterogeneous groups that target individual and/or group learning groups.

There are some benefits of its application such as the reduction of language barriers and classroom pressures, content comprehension, the development of critical thinking skills, the help as an assessment tool, the use of more capable peers.

Figure 4 Cooperative Learning

Created by Mauricio Matabay

Guarded Vocabulary

This strategy involves controlling teacher’s language in the classroom. In other words, teacher has to use simplified vocabulary, shorter sentences with simpler syntax, slower rate of speech, cognates, and he or she has to avoid using idioms.

There are some benefits of its application such as clear and comprehensible instructions for students, vocabulary building, the development of listening skills, etc.

Figure 5 Guarded Vocabulary

Created by Mauricio Matabay

Hands-On activities

This strategy involves using application activities, interactive activities, and manipulatives or realia in order to guarantee students comprehension by providing the bridge with which students can link new terms.

There are some benefits of its application such as interaction among students, content and social skills building, learning support system, and multiple learning styles encouragement, active participation, etc.

Figure 6 Hands-on activity. Interactive activity

Created by Mauricio Matabay