Strategies can be as simple as re-reading something when it doesn't make sense or be more complex like a strategy that requires a number of steps, such as learning the components needed to write an essay.

Types of strategies and related functions

Strategies can be divided into two types:

• Cognitive - Help learners process and manipulate information (i.e. filling out a chart, taking notes).
• Meta-cognitive - Help learners to plan, monitor and self-evaluate. Learners need to be aware that learning is a process. Examples would include monitoring comprehension, re-reading a passage when something doesn't seem right, or using steps to develop a composition.⁸

Strategies can be categorized by the different functions they serve for the learner.

• Acquisition and restore strategies: Used to gain new information or skills, or take advantage of strengths while working on performance skills that are weak and keeping learners from achieving desired outcomes (i.e. a new way to solve a math problem).
• Storage strategies: Help learners manipulate or transform information so that it can be effectively placed in memory (i.e. mnemonics).
• Demonstration strategies: Help learners recall or demonstrate what they have learned (i.e. reading comprehension strategy such as PASS).⁹