Thrive in Action Blog Series: Rigorous Thinking, GPS 5 - "Practice, Practice, Practice"
The Thrive In Action blog series highlights practical applications for Great Pedagogy Strategies (GPS) within the EdConnective Thrive Framework, summarized here. The EdConnective Thrive Framework is unique in that it can be applied to teaching actions seamlessly whether learning is in-person or remote. This week we get more familiar with:
Rigorous Thinking, GPS 5 - “Practice, Practice, Practice”: For at least 50% of the lesson, students should be engaged in opportunities to practice the objective. This includes guided practice with other students and the teacher, as well as small group, partner, and independent practice. The practice opportunities should be scaffolded and include multiple opportunities to practice the same skills. Meaningful practice opportunities are also provided outside of class time.
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I know we all have heard the old saying “Practice Makes Perfect”, but a more realistic saying is “Practice Makes Progress.” Maybe you realized this when learning a new hobby, or learning to drive, or played a sport. I remember when I learned to twirl the baton. I took that baton with me everywhere I went. Whenever I had a little spare time, I would practice the twirling skills. It was like the baton was an extension of me. That constant practice was evident in my progress, but even more importantly in my twirling confidence.
Practice is so important for students, too. They need time to think, make mistakes, refine and improve. Students should be engaged in opportunities to practice the objective. When students are in the building for learning this includes guided practice with other students, practicing in small groups, partner work, and independent practice.
In the virtual setting practice is even more important. We can provide opportunities for practice in whole group lessons, breakout rooms and independent practice. Even asynchronous lessons should include opportunities to practice. For example, when sharing a taped lesson say, “Pause here to try this.” Some engaging ways to allow students to practice are to use some collaborative online tools, such as Pear Deck and NearPod. These platforms allow students to practice, on the same slides teachers are sharing with the class. Other platforms such as Padlet and Jamboard give space for students to share ideas and practice, too. Don’t forget that you can use the standard methods of oral response, paper and pencil and whiteboards effectively for practice. Just remember when you plan for at least 50% of the instruction to be practice, your students will be making progress and becoming more confident learners.
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Download a summary of the EdConnective Thrive Framework here. EdConnective provides 1:1, personalized non-evaluative coaching to teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators, as well as small group coaching and large group training.