ABSTRACT
Instructional strategies are the very heart of an instructional design and serve to “foster student learning including pre-instructional activities, presentation of content, learner participation, assessment, and follow-through activities”. Teaching and learning strategies are also referred to as activities, exercises, learning experiences, methods, techniques, plans of action, or teaching models. The selection of strategies is influenced by all other elements in the design, but most notably by learner characteristics, interests, and needs. Strategies shape the learning experience and should appeal to and meet the needs of the learner to ensure learner satisfaction. An important element to consider when selecting teaching/learning strategies is transfer of learning. Transfer of learning refers to the ability to use and apply knowledge and skills learned in one context to another situation or environment. Contextual design elements can also enhance learning by adding to the realism of the learning experience or by enhancing the development of a community of practice or a community of learning.
