Approaches to Instruction

Key Messages

1. Teachers use a variety of instructional methods in Wellness 10, as in all subject areas, to meet the needs of all students.

2. By adapting their instruction, teachers can help all students achieve the Wellness 10 objectives.

3. Choices about instructional methods are based on curriculum objectives and student needs.

4. Learning objectives, instructional methods, and student assessment techniques must be aligned.

Teaching and Learning

Knowledge of what constitutes effective teaching and learning has increased significantly. Likewise, knowledge of teaching and learning styles has led to an appreciation of what constitutes the best practice in meeting individual student needs. Learning is an interactive process. Students need to be actively involved in tasks that are achievable, useful, relevant, and challenging if they are to respond successfully to the curriculum challenges posed for them (Instructional Approaches: A Framework for Professional Practice, 1991, page 2).

In any Wellness 10 class, there will naturally be a variety of students who bring with them a variety of preferred learning styles. Students’ learning styles are the unique ways in which they prefer to learn. Teachers also have unique learning styles. Teachers “tend to teach in harmony with their own learning styles” (Instructional Approaches: A Framework for Professional Practice, 1991, page 8). If a teacher consistently teaches using a preferred learning style, there may be numerous students whose learning styles do not match that of the teacher and, therefore, students’ needs will not be met. To meet the needs of the variety of students in a Wellness 10 class, it is important that teachers utilize a variety of instructional approaches throughout each unit.

Note: Sample lessons are included in this curriculum guide. They are designed in considerable detail and include varied instructional strategies and related methods. Sample lessons are designed in this way for two reasons:
1. Teachers have an opportunity to enhance their repertoires by practising teaching methods that might not normally be incorporated in current lesson planning.
2. All Wellness 10 students will be exposed to learning through a variety of strategies and methods.