Conditions for Learning

Patricia DemniskyNorristown Area School District

Background: Brian Cambourne

Australian researcher studied how children acquire oral language

Identified 7 conditions that affect learning Conditions are interconnected and occur

simultaneously during learning

Immersion Learners must be immersed in what they are

learning

In the classroom, learners are surrounded by literacy experiences of every kind The classroom becomes a print-rich environment

Jot down ways teachers create this condition in the classroom.

Demonstration In the classroom:

Models of how language is spoken and written• Teachers are reading to children all the time• Teachers are speaking with them• Teachers are showing them what real writing looks like

Jot down ways teachers create this condition in the classroom

Expectation Learners are influenced by expectations, which are powerful

shapers of behavior Expectations are subtle forms of communication to which learners

respond

Expectations of “significant others” are powerful in affecting behavior

In the classroom learners must believe that what they are setting out to learn is “learnable” by them

Jot down ways that teachers “expectations” are conveyed in the classroom.

Responsibility We expect students to become more and more responsible

for their learning Teachers model and demonstrate Children practice

Teaching at the point of need: Teachers become skilled observers Teachers teach what children show them they need Responsibility is shared

Jot down what this “gradual release” of responsibility looks like in the classroom.

Employment Practice, Practice,Practice

• Children learn to talk by talking• Students learn to read by reading• Students learn to write by writing

Actual time students spend reading and writing during the school day - 7 minutes

Students need time and opportunities to practice what they are learning in real life situations

Jot down what this looks like in the classroom.

Approximation Students are not expected to wait until they

have mastered a sub-skill before they read, write, and speak

Students are free to approximate - mistakes are viewed as essential for learning to occur

Jot down ways you see this condition in the classroom.

Feedback/Response Praise for approximation is important and must be

immediate Responses must be:

Relevant Non-threatening Supportive Constructive Without the expectation that students must “get it right” the

first time

Jot down 2 things a teacher might say to a child who is struggling to read or write.

Points to Remember: The Seven Conditions for Learning are:

Interconnected Occur simultaneously

Understanding Comprehensive Literacy

Read Aloud Teacher selects the texts and reads to students. Students:

hear good literature hear fluent, expressive reading hear the language of literature develop their listening vocabulary

Which of the conditions are reflected in this classroom practice?

Shared Reading Teacher often reads the text All students have a access to text and follow

along Story town/Holt Teacher builds background, sets purpose for

reading, introduces vocabulary Explicit instruction and modeling of:

skill and strategy Which of the conditions are reflected in this

classroom practice?

Guided Reading Small Group Students apply strategy taught in shared reading Teacher builds background and prepares students for a

successful reading experience Text is at the HIGHEST instructional level - students

work within a range of levels Groups are flexible and change as students progress Followed up with discussion Which of the conditions are reflected in this

classroom practice?

Independent Reading Students read at their “just right” level to

“enjoy a good book” Provides students time to practice Need good classroom libraries

Which of the conditions are reflected in this classroom practice?

Modeled Writing Teacher models, thinks aloud and demonstrates

a specific writing skill or strategy identified in the Scope and Sequence

Mini-lesson - 15/20 minutes Modeling and demonstrating he craft of writing Writing in all genres and content areas Students then apply what was learned to what

thy are writing Which of the conditions are reflected in

this classroom practice?

Shared -Interactive Writing Early Grades:

• Whole Group instruction• Teacher collaborated with students around a shared experience• Provides supports to students based on individual needs while

“sharing the pen”

Middle/Upper Grades• Whole Group instruction• Teacher teaches specific writing strategy• Teacher models and thinks aloud how to use the strategy• Teacher and students compose text together

Which of the conditions are reflected in this classroom practice?

Guided Writing Small group Teacher:

works with a small group with a similar need conferences with each student offers critical feedback and support

Which of the conditions are reflected in this classroom practice?

Independent Writing Students spend time writing their own text Topics are assigned/self selected/connected to

research Students are writing in response to science learning,

social studies etc. Writing in ll genres and formats Working with peers Using rubrics as tools to improve their writing

Which of the conditions are reflected in this classroom practice?

Conditions + Components = Success

ALL conditions may be applied to ALL components of the Comprehensive Literacy Framework