Applying "The New Classroom Instruction That Works" in the Classroom

Teachers often look for instructional methods that raise student achievement without adding complicated systems to their classroom.

The New Classroom Instruction That Works (2022) builds on decades of research to identify teaching strategies that consistently support deeper learning. The book presents 14 research-based strategies designed to help students build knowledge, practice skills, and apply what they learn.

These strategies focus on how students learn best.

Students need chances to:

  • think actively

  • explain ideas

  • practice retrieving knowledge

  • revise their understanding

Classroom tools that support quick writing, visual thinking, and collaboration make these strategies easier to use.

Reusable dry erase tools like Wipebook Flipcharts, or Wipebook Workbooks give students space to think, erase, adjust, and share ideas without wasting paper.

Below are several strategies from the 2022 framework and simple ways teachers can apply them in class.

1. Cognitive Interest Cues

Learning starts when students become curious.

Teachers spark curiosity by:

  • posing intriguing questions

  • presenting surprising facts

  • showing unfamiliar images

  • introducing a short problem to solve

These cues encourage students to focus their attention and begin thinking about the topic.

Using Wipebook flipcharts

After presenting a question, ask students to write a quick prediction on their Wipebook flipchart.

Examples:

  • What do you think will happen in this science experiment?

  • Why did this historical event occur?

  • What might the solution to this math problem be?

Students write their ideas and hold up their boards.

You immediately see how students are thinking before the lesson begins.

2. Student Goal Setting and Monitoring

Students learn more when they track their own progress.

The 2022 framework encourages students to:

  • set learning goals

  • monitor their progress

  • reflect on improvement

This builds ownership of learning.

Using Wipebook flipcharts

Start class by asking students to write one learning goal for the lesson.

Examples:

  • understand how fractions divide

  • explain a key vocabulary term

  • solve two practice problems correctly

At the end of the lesson, students erase their board and write:

  • what they learned

  • what still feels confusing

This simple routine builds reflection habits.

3. Visualizations and Concrete Examples

Students understand concepts better when they create visual representations.

Examples include:

  • diagrams

  • timelines

  • models

  • labeled drawings

Visual thinking helps students organize information and remember it later.

Using Wipebook flipcharts

Ask students to draw a quick model of the concept.

Examples:

  • a diagram of the water cycle

  • a timeline of a historical event

  • a visual model of a math problem

Students can erase and revise their diagram as they refine their understanding.

This reduces fear of making mistakes.

4. High-Level Questions and Student Explanations

Learning improves when students explain their thinking.

Teachers encourage this by asking questions such as:

  • Why does this work?

  • How do you know this is correct?

  • What evidence supports your answer?

Students deepen their understanding when they articulate their reasoning.

Using Wipebook flipcharts

Give students a challenging question.

Ask them to:

  • write their answer

  • explain their reasoning on the Wipebook flipchart

Students then hold up their responses.

You quickly identify misunderstandings and invite students to explain their thinking to the class.

5. Retrieval Practice

One of the strongest learning strategies is retrieval practice.

Instead of rereading notes, students strengthen memory by recalling information from memory.

Examples include:

  • quick quizzes

  • short recall questions

  • explaining a concept without notes

Research shows that retrieving knowledge helps store it more permanently.

Using Wipebook flipcharts

Try a quick retrieval activity:

  • Ask students to write everything they remember about yesterday’s lesson

  • Give them two minutes

  • Have them share their responses

Students erase their boards and try again after discussion.

The process strengthens memory.

6. Peer-Assisted Consolidation of Learning

Students learn a great deal by discussing ideas with classmates.

Peer discussion helps students:

  • clarify confusion

  • hear different explanations

  • practice explaining concepts

The strategy encourages structured collaboration rather than unstructured group work.

Using Wipebook flipcharts

Assign a short problem or discussion prompt.

In pairs or small groups:

  • students solve the problem together

  • record their solution on a Wipebook flipchart

  • present their thinking to the class

The board becomes a shared workspace for discussion.

A Tool That Supports Active Thinking

The strategies in The New Classroom Instruction That Works focus on one central idea.

Students learn best when they actively process information.

They need opportunities to:

  • test ideas

  • explain reasoning

  • revise their thinking

  • collaborate with peers

Reusable dry erase tools support this process.

Wipebook flipcharts create space for:

  • quick brainstorming

  • visual models

  • retrieval practice

  • collaborative problem solving

  • immediate feedback

Teachers spend less time preparing materials.

Students spend more time thinking.

A Simple Lesson Idea

Choose one concept from your next lesson.

Try this activity:

  1. Ask a high-level question about the topic.

  2. Students write their answer and reasoning on a Wipebook workbook.

  3. Students hold up their responses.

  4. Invite a few students to explain their thinking.

The activity takes five minutes.

You gain instant insight into student understanding.

Students practice explaining their ideas.

The New Classroom Instruction That Works shows that effective teaching relies on a small set of proven strategies grounded in research on how students learn.

With the right classroom routines and tools, those strategies become easy to apply every day.

Learn More

This article is inspired by the research presented in The New Classroom Instruction That Works by Bryan Goodwin, Elizabeth Ross Hubbell, and Robert J. Marzano.

The book explores 14 research-based strategies that help teachers improve student learning through proven instructional practices.

If you want to explore the research and classroom examples in more detail, you can find the book here:

https://www.amazon.ca/Classroom-Instruction-That-Works-Research-Based/dp/1416631615