Deliberate Practice

What is DELIBERATE practice?

One of the most valuable things a teacher can do to prepare for excellence is practice.

Deliberate Practice — a focus on the concrete and specific teaching skills necessary to maximize impact in the classroom — is a cornerstone of the Resident training experience. At Relay, we believe that practice helps Residents by creating muscle memory in concrete teaching techniques and building clarity and confidence in lesson delivery.

Residents participate in one-two, 2-3-hour practice sessions per month to develop and perfect their teaching skills. These practice sessions compliment and support Relay’s coursework and follow the progression of Gateways.

For example, during Gateway #2 Classroom Culture, in conjunction with Relay classroom-management courses, Residents practice responding to common classroom management scenarios by applying techniques and strategies during Deliberate Practice. Residents review instructional video, participate in short bursts of practice to isolate particular teaching techniques, and deliver portions of upcoming lessons. Throughout the practice session, Deliberate Practice Coaches provide ample individual feedback to Residents, asking them to apply that feedback and “do it again” to increase effectiveness over time.