Planning supports for Special Education learners

Skill: Begin a lesson with a short review of previous learning: Daily review can strengthen prior learning and can lead to a fluent recall

A review of last learning is vital for learners’ memory as it helps them recall what has been taught in previous subsequent lessons. This skill helps to ensure that a student connects previously learned concepts with new ones that are yet to be informed. It also provides that the students have a grasp of every idea, vocabularies, and formulas that might be essential in other lessons that might follow. A review of previous learning ensures that the teacher corrects the last homework as well as clarifies the skills and concepts that were part of the homework (Rosenshine, 2012). It also helps point out areas that were difficult to be understood and those that might need overlearning. Teachers must take note of what needs to be reviewed before that actual activity; they should make a plan before the review.

Before beginning a lesson, most teachers prefer asking students what was covered in the previous class. The teachers will always ask the students questions related to that lesson and ask them if they found any difficulties in understanding that lesson. The students then express their level of satisfaction regarding the teaching. From the students’ reflection, the teacher can judge the level of understanding by the students and make any clarification where necessary. He/she after that formulates strategies that will ensure that the students grasp a clear understanding. By doing this, the teacher is making use of the review of previous learning, it helps students to recall better what was taught, and this might be for long-term gains.

In applying this skill, I would ensure that before a class, I formulate questions from previous lessons touching on all-important aspects during that lesson. I would also draft vocabularies that were used in the lesson and formulas, if any. I would start the lesson by asking students the questions already developed and explanation of the vocabularies. I would thereafter ask them in which areas they found difficulty in understanding the lesson. I would give clarity and explain more in the areas that they identify and correct any errors that they might have made in the previous homework. This will have prepared the students to begin the new lesson without any issues from the previous one.

References

Rosenshine, B. (2012). Principles of Instruction: Research-Based Strategies That All Teachers Should Know. American educator, 36(1), 13.