Teaching the Strategies and Software to Students Training Supplement

Take a look at two tools that use strategy instruction.

Use the Chunker to make a visual map of what is known about a concept or topic and then chunk the main parts of the concept into branches and list several important points for each. The Chunker helps organize and remember information. Learning New Information

Use Essay Composer to prepare for essay questions on tests by preparing responses before tests. Write a question that might be on the test, list important key points to remember, and practice writing an answer with these key points. Demonstrating Learning

Learning strategy instruction helps students process information from all content areas. Teachers who know how to teach strategies can assist students in acquiring and applying these skills in their subject areas. What is Strategy Instruction?

At-risk students and those with disabilities often fail to invent or use strategies while learning. Students become frustrated when they spend time and energy but perform poorly. When student use strategies as supports, their performance often improves. Why Strategy Instruction?

StrategyTools are electronic tools that support students’ use of learning strategies. Students who are skilled in strategy usage can maximize the software’s utility. The use of strategies in everyday situations is enhanced by prior knowledge of strategies combined with access to the tools and examples in StrategyTools. Pre-Teach the Strategies

Students are most successful when they learn by direct instruction. The teacher should: Introduce, provide examples, and discuss the utility and application of tools to the whole class. Create tools with student input while modeling the use of the software. Have students explore StrategyTools on computers. Support students in creating and using their own tools. How Do We Teach ST?

1.Discuss setting and task demands. 2.Introduce software tools. 3.Model/demonstrate. 4.Provide guided practice. 5.Provide independent practice. 6.Facilitate generalization. What Are the Teaching Steps?

The teacher could use the following prompts to initiate discussion: remembering, reading textbooks, taking quizzes/tests, organizing, and managing time. Students can verbalize what they must do to be successful. The discussion should also focus on what is challenging for students. Step 1 Discuss Setting/Task Demands

The teacher can introduce the tools to the whole class using a computer and projection device. The menu of possible tools can be shown with specific tools highlighted using the QuickView. The teacher can select a couple of tools and show students how to enter content into the tools. The teacher can explain the button bar and navigation options. Step 2 Introduce Software Tools

The teacher pre-selects tools appropriate for the subject and content material. The teacher fills content into the selected tools by soliciting student input while demonstrating how the software works. The finished products are then displayed to the whole class and printed out if connected to a printer. Step 3 Discuss Setting/Task Demands

The teacher secures a computer lab where each student can use the software to create their own tools. Students are guided individually by the teacher or lab staff while creating their specific tools using their own words. Students should print out their tools. The teacher should help students check their tools for completeness and accuracy. Step 4 Provide Guided Practice

Following guided practice, students should be ready to use the software independently. Opportunities for extensive practice will build proficiency in independent use of the tools. The teacher should continue to check the tools for completeness, accuracy, and appropriate use. Continued encouragement and praise for strategy use will help students maintain motivation. Step 5 Provide Independent Practice

Teachers should identify real situations where students can use the strategies for setting demands and tasks. Teachers should prompt software usage as naturally occurring opportunities arise during instruction. Teachers can share strategies and tool use with other teachers to support students in content area classrooms. Step 6 Facilitate Generalization

Supports for Tool Implementation Strategy Coach StrategyTools Resources

Contacts for More Information Gail Fitzgerald Kate Mitchem Kevin Miller Candice Hollingsead Programs can be downloaded from

Funding Funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education IES Project #R324B Copyright The Curators of the University of Missouri, a public corporation. All Rights Reserved StrategyTools is a registered trademark of the University of Missouri.