Domain

Explanation & Modelling

New ideas fail in the gap between the expert's head and the novice's. These techniques shrink the gap: small steps, concrete before abstract, the expert's invisible thinking made visible.

The problems

“They’re lost five minutes into my explanation”5 techniques
“They can do it with me but not without me”6 techniques
“Abstract concepts just don’t land”3 techniques
“They copy the board without thinking”2 techniques
“Multi-step tasks fall apart at step two”5 techniques

The techniques

Dual Code ItPromising researchDraw a simple visual while you explain, so students hear the idea and see it too.Example FirstPromising researchShow an example before the definition, so the new idea has something to stick to.I–We–YouPromising researchModel it, practise together, then let them try alone, stepping back in when they struggle.Model the NotesTeacher craftMake the notes on the board with the class, because nobody has taught them how.Name the StepsTeacher craftTurn a method into a short recipe students can say back and use alone.Non-ExamplesPromising researchShow cases that almost fit alongside cases that do, so students learn the boundary.Small StepsStrong researchTeach one small piece at a time, and check it before you add the next.Think AloudPromising researchNarrate your thinking as you model, so students hear the decisions they cannot see.Worked ExamplesStrong researchShow a complete solution and study it together before students try their own.