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Session 1 – Review of previous learning

Rosenshine (2012) identifies ‘review of previous learning’ as an important part of instruction because it does two things that aid pupil learning: strengthens knowledge and builds fluency.

Approximate session length: 15 minutes

As you explored in module two, by recalling facts and information, pupils strengthen the connections of the material in their brain, making it easier for them to recall the information at subsequent times. Once this knowledge is effortlessly recalled, pupils have become fluent. This supports learners as it frees up working memory, preventing working memory overload and leaving more capacity for learning new material. This enables pupils to be more successful in their learning which is a key factor in developing intrinsic motivation.

In the classroom, a review can occur in many forms such as checking homework, going over work where there were errors, or practising retrieving knowledge so that it becomes automatic. The latter is more commonly known as retrieval practice – a strategy you explored in module two.

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Activity

Listen to Claire Stoneman share her knowledge of retrieval practice and what this might look like in the classroom. Consider the following questions and record your response in your notebook:

What are the two key functions of review?
Why is it useful for pupils to actively recall information?
What are two ways that you could incorporate retrieval practice into your lessons?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sk2F9lgS_s&feature=emb_title

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Reflection

Think about a topic where you recently incorporated a review of learning and consider the following questions. Record your response in your notepad.

What was the purpose of the review?
How did you incorporate it into your practice?
What did it tell you about pupils’ learning?
How did it inform your teaching?

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Begin to familiarise yourself with;

https://www.aft.org/sites/default/files/periodicals/Rosenshine.pdf