Some people say drill and practice is really "drill and kill." What can teachers do to make sure this kind of use doesn't happen and drill and practice can serve a useful function?
Drill and practice does offer positive feedback to a student. Plus it allows them to progress at their own pace. It is a simple learning method just as long that it is not used as the main method of learning. The intent of drill and practice is not to be used as the primary form of teaching. This method need to be only as the lesson has been present to the student in lecture and example form. Drill and practice method also needs to be developed accordingly to the student learning style. Finally, if the drill and practice is going to be used, it should be used only to reinforce skills already taught. One thing that I read to be disconcerting is the idea of drill and practice is considered as an effective teaching methodology suggests that repetition is necessary for the brain to 'wire' itself appropriately. The drill and practice is a good method for memorization but as I've said in another post memorizing is not the same as learning.
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Juanita,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that memorizing is not the same as learning. Usually when a student memorizes something it is kept until the testing of the concept is over then forgotten totally or particularly. For some subjects this could cause the student to not be able to learn new concepts that they need to build on that basic concept. You pointed out that drill and practice should not be used as a way to teach students but instead as reinforcement. Another key point in drill and practice is that it should not be used for more than 15 minutes a day.
hey juanita, good post as usual. I agree with you when you say that memorizing isn't the same as learning. You can remember something with out understanding why it is the way it is. Also, your point about drill practice shouldn't be the only method of learning. Well your right because drill and practice doesn't teach anybody anything. It is only a reinforcer and should only be used as that. have a good break.
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