Independent Practice

Nicole Pluchino, Katelyn Biggane, and Meg Longo

Agenda

Definition of Independent Practice Questions to consider Methods Opinions Closure

Independent Practice

Definition› Usually the 6th in writing an effective

lesson plan after defining the Objective, Anticipatory Set, Direct Instruction, Guided Practice and Closure.

› Through Independent Practice, students have a chance to reinforce skills and synthesize their new knowledge by completing a task on their own away from the teacher’s guidance (guided practice).

Questions to Consider

Based on observations during Guided Practice, what activities will my students be able to complete on their own? › Example: After guided practice, using

activities such as flash cards and matching vocabulary word exercises the students will be able to use each word in a sentence correctly through Independent Practice.

Questions to Consider…

How can I provide a new and different context in which the students can practice their new skills? › Example: After learning about shapes in

guided practice, students will be able to identify each shape in their everyday lives through Independent Practice.

Questions to Consider…

How can I offer Independent Practice on a repeating schedule so that the learning is not forgotten? › Example: Be sure to differentiate the type

of Independent Practice. If on Monday you assign a worksheet, on Tuesday let the students utilize technology with an interactive treasure hunt!

Questions to Consider…

How can I integrate the learning objectives from this particular lesson into the future? › Example: In a previous lesson you taught

about civilizations that formed along river valleys. In a later lesson discuss the characteristics and why civilizations formed around them.

Methods of Independent Practice

Independent Practice can take the form of a homework assignment or worksheet.

It is also important to think of other options such as:› Web Quests› Completing a Venn Diagram› Scavenger Hunt› Completing a Graphic Organizer

Time Management

Independent Practice should not be a lengthy and tedious activity. It should be a thought out task to measure student’s progress, check for understanding, and see what can be accomplished without the teacher.

The amount of homework should correspond with the grade level. It is a good baseline to start at about 10 minutes of HW per grade.› Example: 7th Grade students will have roughly

70 minutes of homework for all their courses.

Views on Homework

Viewpoints of Parents› “For me, perfect practice makes perfect. I think all

grades should have a little homework from a classroom teacher.” –Michelle Reale, 5th grade parent

 › “Children already spend 7+ hours at school each day,

and then they come home with homework-sometimes several hours worth! It is absurd.”- Nancy Cronin, 6th & 9th Grade Parent

 › “I think it is beneficial for those who truly do it, however

kids today either have their parents do it for them or they copy off other students right before class.” – Mark Bianco, 7th grade parent

Views on Homework

Viewpoints of Students› I think, that for kids that take it seriously,

it does help in reinforcing what you have learned. It helps you remember easier.” –Bradley Bloomer, 7th grade student.

› “I don’t think homework is good for learning, just for practice.” –Alex Moore, 5th grade student.

NB!!!!!!

Make sure that the Independent Practice is aligned with the goals, standards, and objectives of your lesson!

Once Independent Practice is done, you should assess the results, see where the learning may have failed, and use the information you gather to inform future teaching.

Parents should be supervisors or facilitators. The purpose of HW should be explained to

students. Assigned HW should always be followed up with.

Homework in the News

Fox News: Homework Debate