Comprehension
activate background knowledge
Anchor instruction by linking to and activating relevant prior knowledge (e.g., using visual imagery, concept anchoring, or concept mastery routines)
Use advanced organizers (e.g., KWL methods, concept maps)
Pre-teach critical prerequisite concepts through demonstration or models
Bridge concepts with relevant analogies and metaphors
Make explicit cross-curricular connections (e.g., teaching literacy strategies in the social studies classroom)
Highlight patterns & big ideas
Highlight or emphasize key elements in text, graphics, diagrams, formulas
Use outlines, graphic organizers, unit organizer routines, concept organizer routines, and concept mastery routines to emphasize key ideas and relationships
Use multiple examples and non-examples to emphasize critical features
Use cues and prompts to draw attention to critical features
Highlight previously learned skills that can be used to solve unfamiliar problems
Guide information processing
Give explicit prompts for each step in a sequential process
Provide options for organizational methods and approaches (tables and algorithms for processing mathematical operations)
Provide interactive models that guide exploration and new understandings
Introduce graduated scaffolds that support information processing strategies
Provide multiple entry points to a lesson and optional pathways through content (e.g., exploring big ideas through dramatic works, arts, literature, film, and media)
“Chunk” information into smaller elements
Progressively release information (e.g., sequential highlighting)
Remove unnecessary distractions unless they are essential to the instructional goal
Maximize transfer & Generalization
Provide checklists, organizers, sticky notes, electronic reminders
Prompt the use of mnemonic strategies and devices (e.g., visual imagery, paraphrasing strategies, method of loci, etc.)
Incorporate explicit opportunities for review and practice
Provide templates, graphic organizers, concept maps to support note-taking
Provide scaffolds that connect new information to prior knowledge (e.g., word webs, half-full concept maps)
Embed new ideas in familiar ideas and contexts (e.g., use of analogy, metaphor, drama, music, film, etc.)
Provide explicit, supported opportunities to generalize learning to new situations (e.g., different types of problems that can be solved with linear equations, using physics principles to build a playground)
Offer opportunities over time to revisit key ideas and linkages between ideas