PRELIMINARY WORK:

1. Identify a limited, ordered list of basic and foundational skills or memorizations (NOT concepts) needed for any beginner in the subject. The list should start with the most rudimentary objectives for a complete beginner, and run to a little bit past where you think the most advanced students will be. The list should generally include no more than ten items. If the list is longer, you made be including items that are too specialized, complex or advanced.

   Examples:

   Mathematics
   Counting (number names)
   Addition
   Subtraction
   Multiplication (and multiplication tables)
   Factoring
   Division
   
   
   
   Vocal Music
   Breath control
   Matching a pitch
   Singing a scale (solfege syllables)
   Reproducing a rhythm
   Harmony singing
   

2. Create a simple exercise or skill-drill worksheet for each skill or memorization on your list.

PHASE ONE: Initial Evaluation

1. an evaluation page, showing what skills they have mastered, what needs work, and what is completely unfamiliar to them
2. a page for notes
3. completed assignments or tests.

PHASE TWO: Assignment

The Median group:

This should be the group that corresponds to the largest number of students who are all working on the same skill or at the same level.



The Pre-Median group:

These are students working on skills at a lower or earlier level than the median group.



The Post-Median group:

These are students working on skills at a higher or later level than the median group.

PHASE THREE: Instruction

General Instruction:

This is instruction or activities that will be useful to the entire group. An example might be warm-up exercises in music, mental puzzles in mathematics, or group reading in English.



Median Instruction:

This is instruction to the median group, as a whole, aimed at giving them skills at the level where they are.



Individualized Instruction:

This is instruction to one or two members at a time of the Pre-Median or Post-Median groups, aimed at increasing their skill level.



Mentoring/Coaching Instruction:

This can be done individually, or collectively, with the Post-Median group, the Median group, or the assistants. It is aimed at helping students learn how they can best help other students by coaching or mentoring them through skill-drills and memorizations.

PHASE FOUR: Reevaluation, demonstration, and recognition