Learning in the Fast Lane-Chapter 1. Acceleration: Jump-Starting Students Who Are Behind

Learning in the Fast Lane by Suzy Pepper Rollins
Acceleration:
Key points about the acceleration framework:

• Generate thinking, purpose, relevance and curiosity
• Clearly articulate the learning goal and expectations
• Scaffold and practice essential prerequisite skills
• Introduce new vocabulary and review prior knowledge
• Dip into the new concept
• Conduct formative assessment frequently

Acceleration is more about preparing the student for success in their current learning rather than focusing solely on mastering concepts of the past. It is about their success in the learning of this week, on this content.

Acceleration is achieved by...

• increasing the relevance of the learning by applying a real-life purpose at the heart of the learning, explaining the learning goal and expectations, and making connections between prior knowledge and new learning
• explicitly introducing new terminology or vocabulary ahead of the class learning
• ensuring that the basic skills are understood before introducing the new concept
• explicitly teaching the new skills needed to master the new concept, just in time for new class learning
• providing the big picture of where the instruction is going
• providing active, fast-paced learning opportunities, aiming to learn on time with peers
• track progress formatively throughout the intervention

What does it mean to my practice?

1. Make strong connections between the Maths intervention group and the class Maths programme by providing "just in time" teaching ahead of the class learning e.g., "This is what you are going to see tomorrow"
2. Clearly convey the big picture of the learning goal and its relevance
3. Debug the prerequisites of the new learning especially unfamiliar vocabulary
4. Establish ways of tracking progress, formatively