I think this is significant.
Does this not mean, for example, that when we stream maths classes, we need to go back and fill those gaps. Not teach stuff they don't understand more slowly/ with pictures/ ... Just go back, and "catch them up" - identify, and fill in the gaps. True for reading gaps, etc, etc.
But here's a really important sentence: "The conclusion that everyone’s learning rate is similar might apply only to well-designed versions of computerized learning. Koedinger thinks students probably learn at different paces in the analog world of paper and pencil, without the same guided practice and feedback. When students are learning more independently, he says, some might be better at checking their own work and seeking guidance."
@rspfau@dougpete@oldaily@edutooters
Absolutely. But does that not still come back to the way we structure teaching ("learning design")? The issue is not "slow kids", but poor design of learning? Which resonates strongly with Cognitive Load Theory, which says similar things about design.
And indeed, optimal design will likely always be different for each context (group, subject, topic, teacher, day, etc). But we can design knowing where to focus effort? Baseline assessment becomes critical.
I provide my college students with lots of opportunity to practice, but a large percentage don't have the motivation to do it. Difficult for me (alone) to provide feedback and enforce practice with 200+ students.
@rspfau@dougpete@oldaily@edutooters Yes. But is that not where we ideally might change what we measure: not the end outcome, but your improvement? (Although I love "outcomes assessment", vs relative performance!)
So a system change, as much as an individual teacher's?
Was there not a study some decades back about a teacher who let kids set their own passing marks, so long as they upped the number each test? ie - improve.
@grant_h@dougpete@oldaily@edutooters The ability to do that may vary depending on level of student. Ours have got to level up in order to get into and succeed in medical school. If they don't do it now, they will just fail later.
Add comment