Three Steps to Learning

Our brains learn and retrieve learning in complex ways, but science has taught us several short cuts to better results.

A process we call "I Do, We Do, You Do" helps students understand new knowledge and store the memory for easier retrieval.

Two Notes for Parents:

• Your student can replicate this at home with the help of anyone who understands the material (family members or fellow students) or by reviewing their notes.
• You can improve your student's learning outcomes and participation in class by helping them understand the importance of completing the "you do" step. Even if your student thinks the lesson was straight forward and they understand, they can still improve later knowledge retrieval by completing the exercises assigned by the teacher.

Step One: I Do

Someone who understands the material describes and demonstrates the knowledge or skill.

Step Two: We Do

Together as a class or in small groups, the material and demonstration are repeated with coaching and intervention as necessary by the teacher.

Step Three: You Do

Individual students repeat an exercise that requires Active Learning--directly applying the new knowledge or skill in some sort of practice or review. 

Grasp the Importance of Step Three

Students often skip step three and damage their learning. Just because the lesson seems clear, don't make the mistake of skipping exercises assigned by the teacher. This is not busy work. Your brain needs this exercise as a cue to storing the learning for later retrieval.