Helpful pointers when teaching and working with strategies

• Less is better
  It is more effective and efficient to choose a few strategies and teach them to mastery rather than trying to implement a wide range of strategies.
• Instruct explicitly
  A direct approach to teaching strategies is more effective than a "discovery approach." Examples of direct approaches are providing clear expectations, stating objectives, giving specific instructions and providing numerous examples.
• Use real life examples
  Strategies and skills should be taught and practiced in the context of &real life" and relevant situations.
• Explain what strategy will be learned and why
  Explain the purpose of the strategy prior to using it with the learner to clarify expectations.
• Model what is to be learned
  Provide a clear demonstration of the strategy before practicing it.
• Use supportive practice
  Provide a series of prompts and/or questions to help guide the learner through the strategy.
• Use easy material first
  This allows the learner to focus on practicing the strategy rather than the skill itself (i.e. using memorization techniques - start with something simple to memorize).
• Provide lots of opportunity for practice
  Learners with learning disabilities require plenty of opportunities to practice retaining new skills and/or information.
• Provide corrective feedback
  Provide corrective feedback immediately in a straight-forward manner. Learning is enhanced when this approach is taken.
• Ask frequent questions Maintain communication with learners as they practice the strategy. Ask questions to ensure they are focused on the task and understand the steps in the strategy.²¹