Seven Ways of Learning - Instructional Toolkit

Students

Designing effective instruction starts with clarity about what you want students to learn and choosing the right methods to help them get there. The Seven Ways of Learning framework provides a research-based approach to aligning learning goals with teaching strategies that support deep, lasting understanding.

Whether you're developing a new course or refining an existing one, this model can help you make intentional choices about how to engage learners. Use the chart below to:

  1. Clarify your learning goals – What should students know, do, or value by the end of the course?
  2. Identify the most appropriate way of learning – Which type of learning best supports your goals?
  3. Select aligned teaching methods – Choose evidence-based strategies that help students reach those goals.

This framework invites you to move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and design learning experiences that are both purposeful and adaptable to your students' needs.


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The chart below presents seven distinct ways of learning, connecting intended learning outcomes with their theoretical foundations and commonly used teaching methods. Use this visual guide to explore how your teaching goals can align with evidence-based instructional strategies.

Seven Ways of Learning

See our Active Learning Strategies resources page for guides and examples of teaching tools, once you have selected your learning approach.Â