Instructional Approaches

Practice
Problems
Cases
Inquiry
Design

Practice Patterns

Deliberate Practice
Distributed Practice
Interleaved Practice
Kata Practice
Retrieval Practice
Transfer Practice

Problem Patterns

Algorithmic Problems
Design Problems
Dilemma Problems
Rule-using Problems
Story Problems
Strategic Performance Problems

Case Patterns

Case studies analyzes a single context or situation, using an analytical framework to understand how complex factors and their interactions contribute to a particular outcome.

Pattern Ingredients
  • A class (or type) of complex phenomena or experiences
  • A detailed description of one or more instances of the class
  • A framework or theory for making sense of the phenomena
When To Use
  • A learner needs to analyze a complex phenomenon, such as situations, events, activities, processes, or individuals, using an established framework or theory.
Are Case Studies the Right Approach?
  1. Does the course content involve complex, real-world scenarios or problems that can be analyzed using a specific analytical framework or theory?
  2. Are the learning objectives focused on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in the context of specific situations or cases?
  3. Can multiple perspectives, solutions, or approaches be applied to the scenarios or problems presented within the course, allowing for in-depth discussion and analysis?
  4. Is it possible to create or identify authentic case examples that effectively illustrate the key concepts or principles of the course, and challenge learners to apply the analytical framework?
  5. Will incorporating case-based learning patterns contribute to learners’ ability to transfer their knowledge and skills to real-world situations or professional contexts, beyond the scope of the course?
Decision Case
Evaluation Case
Problem/Diagnosis Case

Inquiry and Analysis patterns emphasize the process of asking and carefully investigating questions.

Pattern Ingredients
  • Degree of openness: Structured, Guided, Open-Ended,
  • Constraints or rules
When To Use
  • A learner needs to conduct research, investigation, or critical examination of a topic or issue to develop deeper insights, understanding, or solutions.
Is Inquiry the Right Approach?
  1. Does the course content lend itself to open-ended exploration, investigation, and research, rather than providing straightforward answers or solutions?
  2. Are the learning objectives focused on developing students’ ability to ask questions, gather information, analyze data, and draw conclusions through their own investigations?
  3. Can the topics or subjects within the course be approached from different angles or perspectives, allowing students to explore diverse viewpoints and form their own interpretations?
  4. Is it possible to incorporate hands-on activities, experiments, or fieldwork that encourage students to actively engage with the subject matter and develop their own hypotheses?
  5. Will inquiry-based learning foster students’ curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, enabling them to apply their knowledge in real-life contexts or address complex issues beyond the scope of the course?

Inquiry Patterns

Scientific Method
Socratic Questioning

Design Patterns

Design generates valuable new ideas that are desirable, feasible, and viable.

Pattern Ingredients
  • A problem to solve or space to innovate
When To Use
  • A learner needs to create an artifact to demonstrate competency.
Is Design the Right Approach?
  1. Does the learner’s objective involve the application of acquired knowledge and skills to real-world situations or problems?
  2. Will the learners be able to work collaboratively, either in person or online, to share ideas, resources, and feedback throughout the learning process?
  3. Does the learning content lend itself to the development of a tangible output or artifact that demonstrates the learner’s mastery of the subject matter?
  4. Are there adequate resources, time, and support available for learners to engage in the planning, execution, and evaluation of a project?
  5. Will the evaluation and assessment methods used effectively measure learner performance through the analysis of their project output or artifact?
Design Thinking

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