Mini-lessons Information can be presented in a brief lecture, reading or other exercise. This allows you to convey important information without lecturing extensively. Mini-lessons work well with quick math concepts, grammar lessons, or presenting a chronology. You might use them in an introductory manner, to enhance a developing project, or to bring closure to your class. Discussions Speaking is important to the development of critical thinking skills.
Discussions help students build opinions and realize that there are many points of view.
They allow the teacher to take on the role of facilitator and to keep the class student-centered. Believe it or not, leading a discussion requires as much preparation as presenting a lecture. You must know the central questions you wish to ask and the ideas you want students to explore. Cooperative Learning Activities Activities in which students work together and learn from one another create a well-balanced classroom. In order for group activities to be successful, interpersonal skills must be made explicit.