Rosenshine’s principle of independent practice states that students should be given plenty of opportunities to practice skills and concepts independently. This can be done by providing activities such as worksheets, problem sets, or independent projects for students to complete. With independent practice, students can expand their understanding of concepts and develop the ability to apply them in new contexts.

1. Scaffolding: Scaffolding is a teaching strategy that can be used to help A-level students become more independent. The teacher provides support and guidance to the student as they progress through a task, then gradually reduces the amount of support over time to allow the student to take the lead. For example, a teacher could provide a student with a list of key terms and questions while they complete a reading assignment and then slowly withdraw support as the student begins to understand the material.

2. Differentiated Instruction: Differentiated instruction is a strategy that allows teachers to tailor their instruction to the individual needs of their students. For example, a teacher can give A-level students different reading material based on their reading levels and abilities, allowing them more independence in the learning process.

3. Collaborative Learning: Collaborative learning allows A-level students to work together to complete tasks, leading to increased independence and a greater understanding of the material. For example, a teacher can assign two students to work together on a project, with one student providing guidance to the other.

4. Problem-Based Learning: Problem-based learning is a strategy that encourages students to think critically and independently to solve a given problem. For example, a teacher can provide A-level students with a scenario and ask them to come up with a solution, giving them the opportunity to practice their independent problem-solving skills.

5. Inquiry-Based Learning: Inquiry-based learning is a strategy that encourages students to ask questions and do their own research to come up with their own conclusions. For example, a teacher can assign A-level students to research a topic and present their findings, allowing them to become more independent in their learning.

6. Experiential Learning: Experiential learning is a strategy that encourages A-level students to learn through hands-on activities such as field trips, simulations, and projects. For example, a teacher can assign a group of students to create a project based on a given topic, allowing them to practice their independent research and problem-solving skills.

7. Project-Based Learning: Project-based learning is a strategy that allows A-level students to work independently on a project from start to finish. For example, a teacher can assign a group of A-level students to research a topic and create a presentation, giving them the opportunity to practice their independent problem-solving and research skills.

8. Directed Reading-Thinking Activity: Directed reading-thinking activities are a strategy that encourages A-level students to read and think critically about a given topic. For example, a teacher can provide a group of A-level students with a text and ask them to answer questions related to the text, allowing them to practice their independent thinking skills.

9. Peer Tutoring: Peer tutoring is a strategy that allows A-level students to tutor one another, leading to increased independence and a greater understanding of the material. For example, a teacher can assign two A-level students to work together on an assignment, with one student providing guidance to the other.

10. Self-Assessment: Self-assessment is a strategy that allows A-level students to assess their own progress and understanding of the material. For example, a teacher can assign A-level students to complete a quiz or task and then ask them to reflect on their performance, giving them the opportunity to practice their independent problem-solving and self-assessment skills.


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