Introduction
Welcome to the second post in our series exploring the alignment between John Hattie’s Visible Learning research and Maths Australia’s I-CRAVE Maths® pedagogy. In this post, we will examine explicit teaching strategies and how they are incorporated into the I-CRAVE Maths® methodology to enhance mathematics instruction.
The Importance of Explicit Teaching
Explicit teaching involves direct instruction and clear explanations to students. Hattie’s research emphasises the value of explicit teaching strategies when implemented thoughtfully. “Visible Learning: The Sequel” highlights that effective teaching requires intentional alignment of teaching and learning strategies. This means teachers need to be clear about the learning intentions, success criteria, and the content they are teaching.
Explicit teaching is not about rigid, teacher-centered instruction. Instead, it’s about providing clarity and guidance to students while fostering a positive classroom climate. Hattie’s work points out the significance of teachers creating a socioemotional climate in the classroom, where students feel safe and supported. This involves teachers believing that all students can learn and demonstrating care for their students’ learning.
Key elements of explicit teaching include:
-
- Clarity of Learning Intentions: Teachers clearly communicate what students are expected to learn.
-
- Clear Success Criteria: Students understand what successful attainment of the learning intention looks like.
-
- Direct Instruction: Teachers provide focused instruction and explanations.
-
- Modelling: Teachers model concepts and skills for students.
-
- Guided Practice: Teachers provide opportunities for students to practice with guidance.
-
- Feedback: Teachers give specific and timely feedback to students.
I-CRAVE Maths®: Incorporating Explicit Teaching
Maths Australia’s I-CRAVE Maths® methodology effectively integrates explicit teaching strategies within its framework. While I-CRAVE Maths® is rooted in a constructivist approach, it also recognises the importance of teacher guidance and clarity.
-
- Clear Learning Intentions and Success Criteria: I-CRAVE Maths® lessons are structured to ensure that teachers are clear about the learning intentions and what constitutes success in mathematics.
-
- Direct Instruction and Modelling: I-CRAVE Maths® involves teachers demonstrating and modelling how to represent mathematical concepts.
-
- Guided Practice: I-CRAVE Maths® incorporates guided practice as students move through the concrete, representational, and abstract stages, with teachers providing support and feedback.
-
- Feedback: I-CRAVE Maths® emphasises the importance of feedback, with teachers continuously checking for understanding and promoting discussion and questioning.
Explicit Teaching and Learning Strategies
Hattie’s research also highlights the connection between explicit teaching and learning strategies. Effective teaching involves not only what is taught but also how students learn.
-
- I-CRAVE Maths® supports the teaching of learning strategies by encouraging self-explanation, self-questioning, and self-monitoring.
-
- I-CRAVE Maths® promotes collaboration and peer learning, which are valuable learning strategies.
-
- The emphasis on representing their work also helps students consolidate their learning and become more strategic learners.
Conclusion
Explicit teaching strategies play an essential role in effective mathematics instruction. Maths Australia’s I-CRAVE Maths® pedagogy integrates these strategies to provide clarity, guidance, and support to students as they develop their mathematical understanding. By combining explicit instruction with a structured, multi-sensory approach, I-CRAVE Maths® aligns with the principles of Visible Learning and empowers teachers to create impactful learning experiences.
In our next post, we will continue to explore the connection between Visible Learning and Maths Australia’s I-CRAVE Maths®, focusing on another key teaching strategy.