How to Determine Instructional Implications in the Classroom

In a classroom both the teacher and the student are engaged in the learning process. To teach a subject better, teachers need to involve the students in the process so that instructional goals can be better met. Every course has some key concepts that are important for achieving the final goals of the course. Determining instructional implication goals allows teachers to productively alter curriculum and instruction strategies to effectively teach these concepts.

Use the polling method to assess instructional implications. Polling can be used to receive immediate feedback about a narrow area of topic or of the ongoing instructional session. Ask the students to show by raising their hand if they have understood the topic of discussion. Polling can help determine the degree to which students understand the course content and their opinion on your delivery of that content.

Use diagnostic questioning to understand students' thinking about concepts and ideas in the particular subject. Examples of diagnostic questions are "What are your thoughts about chemistry?" "Do you find mathematics relevant to study?" By understanding the students' perceptions and attitudes towards a subject, for example biology or social science, an instructor can frame a subject’s content in ways that lead to better understanding of the subject. Consider that student attitudes are influenced by their personal reactions about their individual progress and how comfortable they are with a subject.

Carry out a formal evaluation. After a class session, divide the students into small groups. In these groups they will engage in discussion with a consultant who attended the session. Students will identify factors that are aiding and also interfering with their learning of a particular subject. The consultant and the group agree on key issues of concern that are then shared with the instructor.

Experiment with different instructional approaches and monitor the results. To monitor the instructional implications, use conventional tests and listen carefully to students' feedback about the effects of instructional approaches on their learning. Students may say that an instructional approach is boring, when what they mean is that it is difficult to understand. Ask specific probing questions to identify what they actually mean and use this feedback to simplify your approach or make it more exciting. This classroom experience will help you to continually analyze and enhance your theories of how students learn your subject.