Straightforward reading and answering questions exercises do not challenge their thinking and ideas as much as activities where they have to apply the ideas to relevant situations. Unless you encourage them to talk about their ideas and listen to other people’s viewpoints they will not be able to extend their own understanding as much as they could. So, how can you use these strategies in your classroom, what things do you need to think about if you want to use them and what benefits will they bring?Īn important part of your role in helping your pupils learn has to be helping them to think about what they know and what they do not know or cannot do. This may depend on the size of your class and their ages.Īll of the three methods below have strengths that allow you to use them across a range of curriculum areas. You will need to think about whether you work with the whole class at once or with small groups. You will have to plan your lessons carefully and think how you introduce them to the techniques.
The three strategies in this key resource allow pupils to develop their thinking skills, work in contexts that allow them to talk about more sensitive issues and use their creativity and imagination to extend their knowledge and to resolve problems. By interaction with others and sharing their ideas, your pupils can build a broader and/or deeper understanding of the topic. Role play, dialogue and drama are very active ways to explore what your pupils already know. Pupils, and adults too, learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning experience.