What is an instructional strategy?

An instructional strategy refers to the various methods and techniques that instructors use to facilitate learning in their educational environments. It encompasses a range of approaches, from direct instruction to collaborative learning, tailored to meet the needs of diverse learners. By employing effective instructional strategies, educators are able to enhance student engagement, comprehension, and retention of information.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of what an instructional strategy is. While a strict set of guidelines for classroom management may support instructional strategies indirectly, it does not define how teaching is delivered. Similarly, a summary of the learning materials simply provides an overview of content rather than a method for teaching it. A list of topics to be covered in a course outlines the curriculum but does not specify the methodology for facilitating that learning. Thus, option A stands out as the definitive definition of an instructional strategy.