Minuteman staff members have been trained in and are evaluated in the use of brain-compatible teaching techniques. These techniques both accelerate learning and improve retention for serious students. You can learn more about the research basis for some of these techniques in the Learning Topics section of this web site. Meanwhile here is a simple summary of what one might call the big six from the forty or so researched principles implemented by Minuteman teachers:
- Anchor. The teacher helps students feel safe and confident about learning in the class. A pre-test can be used to adjust instruction to readiness of the students.
- Hook or Motivate. The teacher presents a unique demonstration that shows the real-world value of the subject matter at the beginning of each unit.
- Provide style options. The teacher provides students with more than one way of learning subject matter and skills. The idea is to give each student some access to how he or she learns best (visual, kinesthetic, auditory, interpersonal, etc.) as well as to increase style strengths.
- Provide talent options. The teacher allows options for demonstrating learning. Written tests, well completed projects, oral reports, construction of programs or media aids, etc., are sample options.
- Use mastery learning. Prior to final marking, the teacher checks learning and if necessary provides a new learning option.
- Document and celebrate learning. Once material and/or skills are learned, the teacher provides certification of the learning for portfolio record purposes. Also he or she congratulates the student to join in the celebration of accomplishment.
These are just brief examples of a few of the many standard techniques at Minuteman. Go to the Learning Topics section for more information.
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