Teaching, Learning and Inclusion
The final chapter!
The last two principles to look at are Independent Practise and Weekly and Monthly Review.
Independent Practice
This is the ultimate goal for teaching…that students can complete a task independently. To keep it really simple we follow this method… “I Do, We Do, You Do” or the Gradual Release of Responsibility Model. During our lessons we use the terminology. It is also detailed on our lessons slides as to what type of practice is required. It helps teachers ensure we are doing enough of each type of practice so that when students work independently, they are confident and accurate. For some tasks we might do more of one type of practise depending on the students understanding.
Not quite as simple as that!
Weekly and Monthly Reviews
I learnt French for two years in the 1980’s. All I can remember is “Do you speak English?” in French. Why? Well for two reasons. Sadly, I have had no reason to go to France and my French teacher was unaware of Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction and was not an effective teacher in the first place.
Research shows that if we don’t use it, we lose it. Having to reach into your long-term memory takes some effort. Somewhat like looking for an old file in a filing cabinet, you have to search. The more often you must recall a times table for example the easier it is to remember quickly.
You may have been able to recite the periodic table as child or the alphabet backwards. If you haven’t done it for a while, it is harder. So, reviewing, dipping in and out of previously learnt knowledge, helps students to draw on that knowledge more easily.
Luckily, I do not work for the German Coast Guard. My German is only slightly better than my French.
I hope this series has helped develop your understanding of the way we teach at St John the Apostle. Rosenshine’s principles help students learn and retain information by reducing cognitive load. It helps teachers be effective by concentrating on strategies that we know support student learning.
Stephanie Stewart