Learning Loops
Teaching IS NOT going through every page of the workbook.
Learning IS NOT a linear progression for most students.
The reality is that learning is often a zig zagged loop of chaos more than the straight diagonal arrow upward that we usually imagine. Therefore, a textbook is not always the answer for students. A workbook may focus too much on what your student does well and not enough on what they need more practice with. When that happens, what do you do?
Before I answer that for you, let me take a moment to share with you what schools do. Mastery learning schools implement learning loops which teachers use to track progress and adjust their teaching. Here’s an example of a learning loop:
Diagnostic Test (what do they already know that I can skip)
Teaching Segment 1 (focus on 1 or 2 skills)
Formative (assessment over those skills)
Reteaching based on Formative
Teaching Segment 2 (focus on previous skills plus 1 or 2 more)
Formative (assessment over those skills)
Reteaching based on Formative
Summative
In short form, teachers teach a skill or two with modeling, guided practice, and independent practice that can last a few weeks. After that session, students are tested on the skill to show what they know and what they need more practice with. The great teachers will then create some reteaching stations to help EACH student get support where he/she needs. These stations will teach the skills in a NEW way since the first way didn’t seem to work for that student. However, if a student demonstrated that they knew all the skills, then the teachers build in enrichment activities to further challenge the student.
This process continues until the student demonstrates mastery. Or, in the public school setting, until the pacing guide says that the group have to move along - even if they didn’t learn it.
It’s this exact reason that I have become such a huge advocate for home schooling. If my son doesn’t understand step 1, there’s a very real chance he will not understand step 4 when the class moves on. I want him to learn and be confident in his path without the comparison to others. Home schooling offers a path that truly meets each student where they are at - if the parents know how to do it.
So, here’s how you can use what schools do… but even better… at home!
Use these learning loops!
Take a small section of your curriculum.
Model it with direct instruction.
Let them practice it.
Then test them on it.
Reteach or Enrich
Skip parts of the curriculum or add to parts of the curriculum based on what your student is showing you. True learning and growth are more important than “covering the material.” This may mean you have to get creative and teach the same skill in different ways until your child gets it, but they will! You just need to keep at it.
One of my biggest gripes against teachers in schools is when they say: “I don’t know why that don’t know it. I taught it!” Clearly, they didn’t teach it well. You have the luxury of going at the speed of your student. Lean into that. Embrace that.
To help you figure out the difference between “teaching” or “learning,” just use these learning loops!
If you want help in setting these up (or even help creating a unique curriculum with these built in loops for you!), that’s exactly what we do at Home School Consultants! We can give you monthly support at the level you need it to coach you how to build these loops into your every day practice, or we can create a unit for you with all of these loops in place. Whatever your need, we can support you.
We are here for you when you need it.
-Kristin
