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BASIC TEACHING TECHNIQUE
- how to teach virtually anything to anyone -

The basic teaching technique sets students up to win. It teaches them that they can succeed academically. Academic success, success with the skills of reading, writing, listening, speaking, information organization and math, has too often been limited to the top 20%. The principles found here drive the percentage up close to 100%, and allow teachers to create classrooms where students really win.

THE BASIC TECHNIQUE

When teaching, it is important to teach to either proficiency or mastery. Otherwise, why teach (or test on) the material? If it's worth teaching, it's worth teaching to either proficiency or mastery.

The following techniques apply, whether teaching kindergarten or a corporate training session:

1. Teachers must make clear, specific and measurable decisions about what they really want their students to learn. They must decide how learning is gong to be tested.
2. There can be no instruction without cooperation. The only behavior you present to a disorderly class is: Show you are ready: "Voices off, eyes on me.". Reward those who are silent and attentive.
3. Break down what you want students to learn into its component parts and teach the parts to mastery.
4. Provide the answer before you ask the question. "Here is the answer. Now I'm going to ask the question. On signal, tell me the answer."
5. Practice active group response at all times. Do not allow coasting or skating on other students' responses.
6. Repeat Repeat Repeat. Restate Restate Restate. Retell Retell Retell.
7. Have students answer verbally on your signal, and then on paper.
8. Ask for full responses on tests: avoiding multiple choice and fill in the blank.
9. Use examples and non-examples.
10. Insist on correct spelling, neatness and consistent formatting.
11. If it's worth teaching, teach to mastery.
12. Firm and repeat answers until all students can actively answer without hesitation.
13. Catch students doing the right thing and reward immediately. Always maintain a minimum 3:1 ratio of positive reinforcement to correction and punishment.
14. Move quickly (slowing down does not help).
15. Signal for answers clearly and consistently.
16. Provide a specific time for questions. Do not allow "helpful questions" to take everyone else off task.
17. Emphasize study skills, such as assignment calendars and writing down all assignments.
18. To get more, or less, of what you want, count, graph and report your findings.
19. Test understanding by asking specific questions of students you identify. "What year did Columbus discover America, Jack?" Don't ask generalized questions such as, "Do you understand?" or "Does everyone understand?"

EXAMPLE

1. All: Teacher and students touch the answer to be learned.
2. Teacher: "The answer to this question is, 1492."
3. Teacher: "When I signal I want you to answer, 1492."
4. Teacher: "The answer is 1492."
5. Teacher: "What year did Columbus discover America?"
6. Teacher: "Get ready." Watch the students to make sure all participate.
7. Teacher: Signal by pointing or snapping fingers.
8. All: "1492."
9. Teacher: "That's right, Columbus discovered America in 1492."
10. Teacher: Reward. "Good job saying 1492." Make eye contact with individuals. Smile.
11. Teacher: Next answer, or repeat until everyone is participating and firm.

If any student is unable to participate or answer correctly, start at the top of the sequence again.

The purpose of this type of rigid scripting is to provide the student with a very clear framework for success. With this tool in their hip pocket, teachers are able to do what teachers really want to do: help children learn.

Commonly, teachers new to this technique worry that this type of scripting eliminates creativity. "Creativity" is not limited by scripts, but actually enhanced. When you want people to learn there are some basic considerations:

1. Know what you want them to learn.
2. Break down the task or data or skill into its component parts.
3. Tell them what you want them to learn.
4. Have them tell you.
5. Drill the parts to proficiency.
6. Test.
7. Reward

Your time on task and learning skyrocket.

See "Student Orientation, Supervision and Classroom Management" for additional assistance.

HOW TO BEGIN

Order the appropriate Curriculum Solutions from SRA/McGraw-Hill. Read, practice and learn how to deliver this basic program. Once mastered, the skills learned here can be transferred to teaching all other subjects and programs, no matter what the subject or grade level being taught.

For more on the effectiveness of Direct Instruction see DIRECT INSTRUCTION, An Introduction.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE: BASIC TEACHING TECHNIQUE © April 2001 by Rory Donaldson. All rights reserved. In order to help reverse the tide of academic failure and optimize success, individuals may copy brainsarefun solutions for non-commercial use at no charge. Contents may not be sold or repackaged in any manner without the written permission of Rory Donaldson. Since all material is copyrighted, please ensure that this entire copyright notice and contact information continues to be attached to each article you download. Mr. Donaldson appreciates the feedback. Additional solutions may be viewed and downloaded at no charge by logging on to brainsarefun.com. New titles are being released regularly.

Suggestions and comments encouraged, email: roryd@brainsarefun.com.

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