- Realism: Real-life learning materials should be used whenever
possible. It is relatively more difficult for learners to apply (transfer) learning
from a toy model or a paper drawing to real life situations.
- Smaller Steps: Breaking a task down into smaller steps can
be helpful. The tutor can concentrate more effectively on teaching smaller tasks,
while the learner can learn in smaller steps, leading to a greater sense of
achievement and success.
- Observation: The tutor must observe the learner’s
current skill level before deciding at which step of a larger task they must
begin teaching. Observation is preferable to hunches, guesses, or simply following
the advice of others.
- Reinforcement: It is important to positively reinforce
a learner’s correct responses during teaching. Verbal rewards and praise
can encourage continued effort and success. Reinforcement should be immediate
if it is to be the most effective. Small, immediate and definite reinforcement
is much better than large, distant and uncertain reinforcement. Deliberately
praise or compliment some aspect of a learner’s work, even small improvements.
Praise the learner in front of others.
