Knowledge of teaching methods is also a critical determinant of successful teaching. Good instruction not only exposes students to new information but also helps them to restructure their previous concepts so they can use the new information. Presenting information to students without giving them the opportunity to apply the information and to understand it is usually dysfunctional. Effective teachers know how children learn and apply this knowledge to the designing of the classroom instruction. Effective teachers relate content instruction to the cognitive and affective development of their students.
Effective teachers increase students' time on task by good classroom management techniques.
Effective teachers diagnose learning problems, evaluate pupil progress and give feedback to pupils frequently. Effective teachers utilize teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning needs of the particular groups of children. Effective teachers plan for instruction to include both the content of the subject matter areas and the strategies which develop independent learners. Effective teachers understand and implement inquiry techniques when teaching content area subject matter. Effective teachers have high expectations for all students.