Practice and Feedback

Practice matters. Duh.

Avoid generative instructional methods that overload cognitive processes (for example, replace drawing‐from‐scratch assignments with supported drawing)

This drawing game from MarcoPolo World School starts with a selection of templates, instead of asking pre-school users to draw from scratch.

Insert questions next to worked steps to promote self‐explanations

This lesson from Brilliant.org on probability explains the problem-solving step and provides a generative question that requires the learner to draw connections.

Mix practice types throughout lessons rather than grouping similar types together when discrimination of problem types is a goal

Lingokids session journeys mix and match a huge variety of content and activity types designed around the lesson’s learning objective.

Provide explanatory feedback in text for correct and incorrect answers

Mosa Mack quizzes provide explanatory feedback to incorrect choices.

Assign job‐relevant practice questions interspersed throughout and among the lessons

MIT Teaching Systems Lab provides simulations for teacher trainees to practice classroom skills.

For more critical skills and knowledge, include more practice activities

DataCamp prompts learners to frequently review and practice key skills.

Write feedback that gives explanations relevant to the task, the task process, or task self‐monitoring

Quizlet solutions feedback provides step-by-step guidance on the task process.

LinkedIn’s interview preparation training provides feedback with problem solving strategies and approaches.

Include peer teach‐back assignments

The “Explain That to an Alien” worksheet, created by Walter Mickhead and available on TES.org, is a version of teach-back with children.

Increase engagement in receptive learning environments by using clickers in face‐to‐face classrooms and polling or other response facilities in synchronous classrooms

Tools like Poll Everywhere allow teachers to create polls throughout the lesson.