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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Copyright 2004, Cisco Systems, Inc.

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Cisco Systems CCNA 2 manual What is meant by best practices?, Best Practices