Modeling

Modeling

Demonstrating a skill, thought process, or outcome that is identified as important to the course or field of study.

• Thinking aloud for students re: how you would approach a problem, reading, or question (before asking them to do so on their own in an activity or assignment).
• Showing and discussing examples of successful finished products such as projects, papers, lab reports.
• Having students share with a partner or group their approach to taking notes, keeping up with reading, preparing for discussion and tests, etc.
• Demonstrating the flexibility needed to move between:
  - big picture and small picture
  - main ideas and supporting details
  - procedural and conceptual knowledge
  - facts and arguments

Grounds abstract course material and expectations into specific actions which:

• Exposes students to new ways of thinking (especially those common to the field of study).
  
• Offers beginners structured opportunities to practice new ways of thinking/ acting for themselves.
  
• Clarifies what successful performance looks like (which can alleviate perceived subjectivity in grading).