Thematic Instruction
Students learn better from thematic, interdisciplinary instruction -- themes are a way of understanding new concepts and provide mental organizing schemes.

Identifying Similarities and Differences
Learning to classify and discern differences and similarities prepares students for employing metaphor, analogy, and higher-order thinking skills.

Summarizing and Note Taking
Effective summarizing requires analysis that leads to deeper understanding. Students benefit from taking notes in both linguistic and visual forms.

Reinforcing Effort
Student attitudes and beliefs have a significant effect on success in school. Achievement can increase when teachers show the connection between effort and success.

Homework and Practice
Homework can increase student understanding when assignments provide the opportunities needed to practice and apply new learning.

Nonlinguistic Representation
We store knowledge in two forms: linguistic and nonlinguistic. The more students use both systems, the better they are able to think about and recall knowledge.

Cooperative Grouping
Grouping can promote student learning and build interpersonal skills when done wisely and support structures are in place.

Setting Objectives
Teachers communicate learning goals to students every day. Focus students on meeting those goals and greatly improve their chances of success.

Providing Feedback
Criteria for success and specific, timely feedback can help increase students understanding and improve learning.

Generating and Testing Hypotheses
Generating hypotheses and applying knowledge when testing requires careful orchestration of experience. Technology tools add authenticity to the learning experience.

Cues, Questions, and Advance Organizers
Increase students' readiness for learning with cues and questions that connect new ideas to existing knowledge.

Simulations and Games
Simulation offer unique opportunities to enhance learning and allow students to test knowledge, gain experience, and practice skills.