Modeling

Modeling

What is Modeling

Showing someone how to do something may be the oldest form of instruction.  Chances are, you can recall learning how to tie your shoes or how to ride a bicycle, and most likely, you were taught how to perform these tasks through modeling. Modeling is a hallmark of apprenticeships and vocational programs.   It is a strategy in which instructors demonstrate how to complete an activity or task prior to the students’ beginning to act (Coleman, 2020).  Students learn by observing, making notes, and asking questions as needed.  The strategy known as a “think aloud” is often useful here; the instructor quite literally announces his/her/their thinking as he/she/they proceeds through the activity or task.    

Why is it Important?   

Modeling is an important teaching strategy because it is direct and explicit.  Clearly, this is particularly helpful in courses which are skills-based or performance-based; however, courses in more abstract subject matter can benefit from modeling as well.  For instance, modeling thought processes via “think alouds” is highly effective when teaching critical thinking skills.   There are a few key points to keep in mind while using this strategy.  Karen Lea (2013) of Edutopia makes the following suggestions for modeling:

• Use relevant visuals and examples  
• Perform “think alouds” while modeling so students can hear the process 
• Communicate succinctly what you are doing and what is needed for the task 
• Present or model activities and tasks in a logical way 
• Present or model only what is truly necessary; do not include anything superfluous
• For more, please go to https://www.edutopia.org/blog/modeling-essential-for-learning-karen-lea.   

Writing for English Language Learners

In an advanced composition course for English language learners, the instructor models how to identify dependent and independent clauses by looking for coordinating conjunctions, subordinators, and conjunctive adverbs in a written passage.  He first goes through a passage and highlights the various types of transition words, using a different color for the different word types.  He performs a “think aloud” as he works, modeling the questions that the students should ask themselves as they analyze the next passage on their own.  The students would then work in pairs or small groups on a similar passage and perform the same task as the instructor circulates to assist.  

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Course

CNA courses include both text-based learning  and hands-on skills training.  The skills training begin with the modeling of a technique or skill, such as using a sphygmomanometer to measure blood pressure or turning a patient over in bed.  Instructors in these courses describe what they are doing and why it must be done that way as they model the task.  The students then get a chance to practice the task, often working in pairs or small groups so that they can observe one another’s technique and offer advice or ask questions as needed. Even such mundane tasks as completing shift reports are initially modeled by instructors to give the students clear expectations of the kind of tasks they will perform in their new careers as CNAs.   

References Coleman, M. (2020, August 12). Modeling teaching strategy examples for English language learners. TeachHub.com.  https://www.teachhub.com/teaching-strategies/2020/08/modeling-teaching-strategy-examples-for-english-language-learners/ Lea, K. (2013, March 20).  Modeling:  Essential for learning. Edutopia.com. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/modeling-essential-for-learning-karen-lea  

Suggested strategy: Think Aloud