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Take Two Steps Back before Introducing Complex Topics

Tags

^21st Century Skills All Ages Strategy

Skills

Verbal Reasoning Abstract Reasoning

Take Two Steps Back before Introducing Complex Topics

If your student struggles with making connections, inferencing, or retention

How To Apply It!

  1. Before delving into a new or challenging topic, take two steps back to review foundational information so you know students haven't forgotten the basics and they can confidently build on prior learning to understand the new information.
  2. Students undoubtedly learn best when they are confident they can do the work. Reviewing material will help build confidence and lessen apprehension about the new topic.
  3. Use pre-tests or other formative assessments to identify the most advanced skill a child has confidence in.
  4. Review the skill in #2 and build from there. For example, if a child is struggling with long division, begin by reviewing division facts. Rebuild confidence that they know their facts and have all the skills to do long division. Once they again feel good about their knowledge of the facts, only then begin to tackle the more challenging task of long division.

Why It Works (the Science Of Learning)!

It is clear that if a student does not know the foundational material upon which a new topic relies, they are going to have difficulty. Even if you believe a child knows the foundational material, it can never hurt to review it. Sometimes students know the foundational material and lack confidence. Confidence is essential for effective and efficient learning and developing a student's self-awareness which can give them the confidence to tackle a new, challenging topic.