I found a statement in this chapter that I found very interesting. I probably knew it at one time, but have not stopped to think about it. I know to break a habit of doing something, such as going to the old place where your trash can used to be after moving it. It takes a long time to stop doing that and going to the new place first.
The statement in the book that stated, "Typically, students need about 24 practice sessions with a skill in order to achieve 80% competancy." I guess I never thought about how much practice a student can need to master a skill. I guess this statement relates to the average student. It seems, in K and First grade classrooms, that we are introducing a new skill every week. Those students that are average to below average in ability do not get 24 practice sessions in before a new skill is taught. No wonder they have so much trouble! Often times, the new skill builds on the previous skill. Homework is assigned to offer the practice sessions, but often, the same children receive no help at home. Classroom teachers must then offer the extra opportunities in the classroom. This can prove to be a difficult task to accomplish. Yet, somehow it must!
I also learned about the Search option in Word. I have never used it and did not know that is was available to use while still in Word. I will definitely use this when writing and researching. I also like the option that it is more suited to the task at hand than other search options. This new information will definitely be beneficial.
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The quote from the book is a powerful statement. I know tha the same is true when we are working with adults and technology. Sitting in a workshop all day long learning new skills and then not doing those skills again for weeks (or no at all) doesn't work. For example, this workshop gives repeated oppportunities to practice a new skill. Not only do students need that for academic content but also for technology. Our younger students need the opportunity to increase mouse skills and learn where letters and numbers are on the keyboard. Our older students need repeated practice with word processing and spreadsheets that they will be able to use as adults.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminging us of that statistic about practice and learning.