The 80-50-20 Method

Looking for a more engaging way to introduce a new method? Here’s a story.

I was in a middle school math class with a wide range of student ability and interest. In the back was a particular group of that hadn't touched their work, just chatting. I approached the quietest one.

"I notice you haven't started the work yet." (observation without judgment)

"I don't know how to do it. I'm not good at math."

"You just haven't learned this yet. I bet you can do it. Can I show you how to get started?" (encourage, get buy-in)

The next part is critical, and this is where the 80-50-20 method comes in:

First, you'll show the learner how to do it. But you'll only do 80%--find a few of the easier steps they already know (e.g. multiplying numbers, expanding parentheses, etc.) and ask them to contribute those as you go. This keeps them engaged as a partner in the process and builds confidence for the next step.

Once you've demonstrated the process, lead them through it again but ask them to do as much as they can: "how do we start?", "what's the next step?", "and then what?" At this point there will still be lots of gaps you need to fill in and that's okay. The goal is to get to around a 50-50 balance.

Then, let them try to lead the solution in the third pass. They still won't be perfect and you're there to support them through the parts they can't remember, but by this time you'll only need to do ~20% of the talking. They've practiced the steps three times with support, and each time they built confidence by tackling a manageable level of new challenge.

Finally...

"Do you think you're ready to try them on your own now?"

"Yeah." She worked quietly for the rest of class.

A few minutes 1-on-1 with a student can make hours of difference if you use them well.  

Sebastian 3/3/2023