A Systematic and Structured Approach

The most effective way to teach many learning strategies is to use a systematic and structured approach.   In such an approach, the tutor meets with one or more students over several sessions. An excellent example of such an approach is provided in the Strategies Intervention Model (SIM).  

 

If you are interested in learning more about this approach,  it is recommended that you study the article by Ellis et al., which can be found here. (Scroll to the top if necessary.).

Another detailed discussion of the systematic and structured approach can is provided by Hock, et al.  (click on the Resources link below ). This booklet is available behind the counter at the Santa Rosa Junior College Tutoring Center. 

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Ellis et al. note that to profit from systematic strategy instruction, students must be sufficiently motivated.  A discussion of student motivation can be found on the Student Pathway here.  In addition,  students must have specific prior knowledge.  For example,  to use a strategy for surveying or previewing a textbook chapter before reading it, the student must have reading comprehension skills that match or nearly match the difficulty of the text.

 

Another overview of the SIM approach can be found here.  The model consists of 8 steps or stages. Pay particular attention to the descriptions of each of the 8 stages. Instructors' Manuals for various strategies can be found at the online store. Another good source for finding materials that provide a systematic and structured approach can be found at Edge Enterprises.

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