PiXL: Diagnosis, Therapy, Testing in Maths

by Simon Stott,
Teacher of Maths

This comes from the Pixl model of Diagnosis, Therapy, Testing but works really well with classes who need their activities changed to maintain their concentration

 

Step 1 – Identify Gaps using Assessment

Using their previous assessment, identify weak spots and what you are going to work on in their gap filling lesson.

 

Step 2 – Quick check 

Generate two very similar skills check quizzes b(oth around 10 minutes in length) based on the identified topic.  Give one to the class as they arrive and keep the second for later (be patient!!  You’ll see!) Get students to self mark in the lesson and to record their score in their book.

 

Step 3 – Gap Fill

After assessment, deliver the gap filling content that you want to work on improving, and on the areas that are on both assessments.  This should be a punchy 35 minutes of fast paced focus work on this content.  Keep it brief and focused with a couple of opportunities to attempt independent work, but don’t forget, they do need help on this.

 

Step 4 – Re-Test

with around 15 minutes left of the class, give out the second test.  If the lesson has been a success, the students' score should be higher and thus they can see they have improved and that they can improve in 30 minutes.

 

Teacher can collect in at the end and see where a more refined approach to intervention may be needed!