Modelling is a foundational principle of responsive teaching.
To teach responsively, it’s critical to break down complex content, chunk important steps, and to explain and model when needed.
Then (and only then) are we in a good position to check for understanding and respond to students.
Effective modelling will avoid our novice leaners making and repeating mistakes and will ensure equitable learning for all students within your class.
We are aiming for at least 80% of our students understanding a task 80% of the time, before they attempt any independent practice.
Credit: Bronwyn Ryrie Jones
The Steps
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Introduce the example: explain what you are going to model and why it is important.
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Narrate your thinking process: verbalise your thought process as you: e.g., First, I look for… because that helps me…”.
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Demonstrate step-by-step: work through the task in small, manageable stages.
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Highlight key moves or decisions: draw attention to important moves and choices.
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Clarify any misconceptions: anticipate and clarify common errors “We need to be careful here because...”
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Summarise the process: recap the steps and reinforce the success criteria.
Click here for our Modelling One-Pager.
Videos of BWPS staff incoming! For now, refer to 'Problem Pairs' page.