Teaching Method Ideas

Learning Activities Aligned with Significant Learning Outcomes

Below are some ideas for teaching/learning methods that align well with each category or significant learning

Taxonomy of Significant LearningPossible, Appropriate Teaching Method Ideas
 Foundational Knowledge

Understanding and remembering Information, ideas, perspectives
Presentations
Explanations
Just-in-time teaching
Readings/multimedia resources combined with quizzes, student reflections, summaries or focusing questions
Entry and exit tickets
Guest speakers
Application  

Critical, creative & practical thinking, skill development, complex projects  
Class Discussions
Question-driven Inquiries
Written critiques or analysis
Creativity exercises
Working problem sets
Case studies
Projects
Labs
Practice and Feedback
Role Play
Simulations
Integration  

Connections within the course, beyond the course  
Discussions
Question-driven Inquiries
Connect-the-concepts exercises
Essays
Projects
Concept mapping
Debates
Real world experiences
Human Dimension  

Learn about self, learn about interacting with others
Working in groups and teams
Collaborative projects
Perspective-taking activities
Self-awareness activities
Structured reflection
Analysis of inventories/surveys
Journals
Caring  

Changes in interests, values, feelings  
Structured reflection
Reflecting on experience
Surveys of changes in interest
Guest speakers
Real world experiences
Discussions
Situational observations
Learning How to Learn  

Learn about learning, engaging in inquiry, becoming self-directed  
Learning plans
Self-assessment
Exam/assignment wrappers
Teach-backs
Creation of resource list/bibliographies
Learning portfolios

Rich Learning Experiences

Many teaching methods have the potential to span multiple outcome areas. For example

Rich Learning ExperienceConnections to Significant Learning Outcomes
Team-based learningFoundational knowledge (entry quizzes based on readings)
Application (in-class group problems)
Integration (in-class group problems)
Human dimension (group discussions and projects)
Learning to learn (periodic reflections on learning process)  
Community Engagement or
Service Learning Projects
Foundational knowledge (gained before/during community work)
Application (putting concepts to practice in real world setting)
Integration (adapting course material to situation)
Human dimension (working with others, developing skills)
Caring (empathy/value of community partner needs)
Learning to learn (self-assessing current and future skills)  
Student “teach back” or
“teach-a-concept” sessions
Foundational knowledge (necessary to teach concepts)
Application (developing activities to appropriately teach concepts)
Integration (situating lesson in context of the course)
Human dimension (self-assess facilitation skills, group dynamics)
Caring (empathy for audience needs)
Learning to learn (summative reflection on strengths/challenges)  

Taxonomy of Significant Learning based on: Fink, L. D. (2013). Creating significant learning experiences: An integrated approach to designing college courses. John Wiley & Sons.