Appendix B: Instructional Best Practices - Cisco CCNA 2 Instructor Manual

Appendix B: Instructional Best Practices

B.1 Definition of Best Practices
B.1.1 What is meant by best practices?
Figure 1: Best Practices
Since the early 1980s, schools have explored the use of technology as an effective tool for
teaching and learning in the classroom. Current research supports certain practices and
strategies that help teachers maximize student learning. Instructional concepts such as
student centered learning and brain compatible learning have emerged as powerful
contributors to advanced student achievement. These types of techniques are referred to as
best practices.
The Academy teaching community consists of over 20,000 instructors. Each instructor brings
unique experiences and talents to the program. This section presents options that have been
successful for certain audiences and certain topics. This section does not imply that all of
these techniques apply equally well to all students in all curricula. These techniques, or best
practices, form the foundation for effective teaching and learning environments across the
Academy curriculum. The Academy program includes CCNA, CCNP, Fundamentals of UNIX,
Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling, Fundamentals of Java, Fundamentals of Web
Design, and IT Essentials.
The ideas presented in this module are taken from international sources such as kindergarten
through high school, community colleges, universities, instructional design and training
models, and the IT teaching community.
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