What is Independent Instruction?

Independent Practice is the part of the lesson cycle where students are given the opportunity to practice the concept presented during the Introduction to New Learning and is a time for students to work towards mastery of the knowledge/skills presented in the lesson before an assessment is given.

"Where should Independent Practice take place?

Many teachers operate on the model that Independent Practice can take the form of a homework assignment or worksheet, but it is also important to think of other ways for students to reinforce and practice the given skills. Get creative and try to capture the students' interest and capitalize on specific enthusiasms for the topic at hand. Find ways to work Independent Practice into the school day, field trips, and even offer ideas for it in fun activities they may do at home. Examples vary greatly by lesson, but teachers are often great at looking for creative ways to foster learning!

Once you receive the work or reports from Independent Practice, you should assess the results, see where learning may have failed, and use the information you gather to inform future teaching. Without this step, the whole lesson may be for naught. It's important to consider how you will assess the results, particularly if the assessment isn't a traditional worksheet or homework assignment.

Examples of Independent practice

This section of your lesson plan can also be considered the "homework" section or the section where students independently work on their own. This is the section that reinforces the lesson that was taught. For example, it may say "Students will complete the Venn Diagram worksheet, categorizing the six listed characteristics of plants and animals."

3 Tips to Remember

When assigning this section of the lesson plan remember students need to be able to perform this skill on their own with a limited number of errors. When assigning this piece of the lesson plan keep these three things in mind.

1. Make a clear connection between the lesson and the homework
2. Make sure to assign the homework directly after the lesson
3. Clearly explain the assignment and make sure to check for students understating before sending them off on their own.

Difference Between Guided and Independent Practice

What is the difference between guided and independent practice? Guided practice is where the instructor helps to guide the students and does the work together, while independent practice is where students must complete the work by themselves without any help. This is the section where students must be able to understand the concept that was taught and complete it on their own."

For more information and continue reading on this topic, follow this link: Writing a Lesson Plan: Independent Practice by ThoughtCo.