1. Flipped Instruction Description

Theoretical Link
Cognitive Overload Theory: If students are given too much information, their mind becomes ‘overloaded’ and they are unable to process more information. We only have a limited amount of working memory space in our minds. See: John Sweller’s cognitive overload theory.
Examples

1. 
   Only teach two or three key points per lesson.
   
2. 
   Provide a lot of discussion and practice time before moving on to presenting new information.
   
3. 
   Consistently use formative assessment and reflection in action during the lesson to see when is the ideal time to move on.
   

71. Snowball Discussions
Definition
Snowball discussions are another twist on the think-pair-share method. For snowball discussions, students start in pairs and share their thoughts and ideas together. Then, the pairs join up with another pair to create a group of four. These four people share thoughts together, compare notes, debate ideas, and come up with an agreed list of points on a topic.
Then, groups join up again to make groups of eight. The groups of eight compare points and perspectives, then join up to create groups of 16, etc. until it ends up being a whole class discussion.
Benefits

• 
  An effective strategy for promoting discussion between students. It can be useful for getting students to compare how different groups of students approach points from different perspectives.
  

Challenges

• 
  The class group needs to be large (20+) for enough rounds of this strategy to happen.
  

Theoretical Link
Sociocultural theory: social interaction helps students see perspectives that are not their own and challenge their own views. This helps them pick holes in their own points and improve their misconceptions.


72. Homework: Knowledge Consolidation
Definition
Yes, homework is a teaching strategy! A traditional approach to homework sees it as an opportunity for students to consolidate information that was taught in class. Studying for upcoming exams is often also an important part of homework.
Other homework strategies like flipped classroom are possible – see the flipped classroom discussion earlier in this article.
Benefits

• 
  Help students to consolidate information learned in class.
  
• 
  Ensures students have an opportunity to keep information fresh in their minds and be reminded of information learned in previous months.
  

Challenges

• 
  Excessive homework can impede students’ rights to enjoyment, sports and extracurricular activities out of school.
  
• 
  Students often do not have support at home if they get stuck.