Why self-directed practice is important

To do well in maths and science, regular practice is essential! It’s important for learners to practise the concepts you’re teaching in class at their own pace, and in their own time. Learners receive immediate feedback on the questions they do, with step-by-step solutions. Errors and misconceptions are corrected in real time.

Learning is most effective when it is:
Goal-directed, with immediate feedback – learners receive fully-worked solutions to each question they tackle, so they can see immediately where they’re going wrong.
At an appropriate level of difficulty – Siyavula’s practice is designed to challenge each learner appropriately and adapt to their level of understanding, so they progress at their own pace.
Of a sufficient quantity – Siyavula’s questions are virtually unlimited, at varying levels of difficulty, allowing learners to practise for concept mastery.

How you can use self-directed practice with your learners

Once you have taught a new topic or chapter, tell learners to practise that chapter or topic on their own. This will allow them to consolidate their knowledge.
Give them a goal to reach. It's a better idea to tell them to practise until they reach a certain number of mastery stars for the section, rather than giving them a number of questions to complete.
Check their progress on your learner performance or topic performance reports, to highlight any misconceptions or areas that may need revision.

Giving learners a mastery goal to reach ensures they work at their own pace, while ensuring that everyone reaches the required skill level. Some learners work faster than others.

Updated on: 16/05/2023