This symposium was designed to promote the formation of an instructional system that would incorporate the best instructional methodologies. Four papers were presented, each dealing with an acknowledged approach to teaching. The first paper emphasizes the importance of effective curriculum design, a facet of direct instruction that assists teachers, through the use of explicit frameworks and specific instructional examples, in making connections for students. The second paper presents aspects of 4MAT, a system that assists educators in designing instruction that focuses on all four learning styles. Brain dominance differences are discussed. In the third paper, a model for invitational education is presented, emphasizing the collaborative and cooperative processes in developing a school climate in which learning can be enhanced. The fourth paper explores connections between the need to develop the thinking skills of all students and each of the four instructional approaches, including cooperative learning, direct instruction, invitational education, and learning styles. Graphic notes, "mind maps", accompany the papers to facilitate an organizing schema. Results of evaluations of the symposium follow the presenters' papers, along with an epilogue written by a participant. The symposium agenda and biographical information on the presenters is appended. (JD)