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Gwinnett County Public Schools

Modeling and Practice

SEL Competencies: Self-Awareness, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills

Frequent Use Strategy

Modeling and Practicing explicitly teaches “how” through intentional modeling. This strategy is part of a multi-step approach to skill acquisition that includes modeling, direct practice, guided practice, and independent practice to gradually release responsibility to the learner. When using Modeling and Practice, the teacher will clearly describe the concept, model the skill and/or desired outcome, provide examples and non-examples, and monitor closely for student understanding. Under close teacher facilitation, students will actively engage in observation, teacher and peer demonstration, and multiple opportunities for practice. Students will discuss their conceptual understandings, progress, and ideas. When using Modeling and Practice, the teacher will clearly describe the concept, model the skill and/or desired outcome, provide examples and non-examples, and monitor closely for student understanding.

Under close teacher facilitation, students will actively engage in observation, teacher and peer demonstration, and multiple opportunities for practice. Students will discuss their conceptual understandings, progress, and ideas.

Modeling and Practice is not simply lecture or demonstration followed by written practice. It is imperative for “showing students how” through explicit instruction.

Look Fors

Teacher Behaviors for Promoting SEL Competencies

  • Establish a positive, consistent, and predictable environment.
  • Explicitly teach expectations and routines.
  • Offer balanced instruction, where students have opportunities to directly learn about content as well as engage with the material. Allow students to interact with the content and material in multiple ways.
  • Use language that encourages students to monitor and regulate their own behavior, not just tell students how to behave (or approach a problem).
  • Throughout the lessons, model pro-social behavior and coach students on how to use their pro-social skills.

Student Behaviors for Developing SEL Competencies

  • Use appropriate tone of voice.
  • Follow structured routines and procedure (may be active in creating routines, procedures, and norms).
  • Engage in self-reflection

References

Model Lessons

Addition: Pass the Problem

Pass the problem provides and opportunity for student to collaborate in activating their own ideas and examining other students' thinking.

 

Videos

Math MS 1195-1

In this video, the teacher models how to analyze a pattern to extend. The teacher provides the opportunity to share their thinking on patterns.

Math ES 1196-2

In this video, the teacher explicitly models the math concept through a think aloud using manipulatives. The students are then provided time in the teacher-led small group to apply their skills. Additionally, the teacher embeds an opportunity for students to assess their learning.

Math MS 1200-3

In this video, the teacher leads a small group to help students identify and correct misconceptions through intentional questioning skills.

 

All QPTS Tools

For any questions with this guide or its content, please call Instructional Support at (678) 301-6804.