Portable Assisted Study Sequence (PASS) Program

The Individualized Approach is a one-on-one method of instruction; the contact person working alone with a student. Although research indicates the cooperative approach is preferable, there are conditions when an individualized approach should be used. When a student needs to learn a specific skill (such as using a calculator) or specific facts (such as math formulas,) a teacher may choose the individualized approach. There are several steps to consider when implementing this method.

Create a positive working environment

Students should be isolated at separate work areas where they can do their own work without talking to each other. Each student should have his own set of materials.

Determine ground rules and expectations for student behavior and academic performance

Take a few minutes to write down your expectations and discuss them with your students at the first meeting. Display them and be consistent when reinforcing. Review the criteria for grading students work.

Greet the student/Establish rapport

Working on a one to one relationship can be stressful for a student. All the attention is focused on him. Greet the student warmly. Convey you are happy he is here. Share something about yourself. It is the first step in gaining trust and confidence. Ask the student's name and how to pronounce it correctly. Ask about his interests, family, school, and experiences. Discuss the student's goals for himself and how this course will help him. Tell him that you believe in his ability to learn. It is important for every student to know that you expect him to succeed.

Review student's work

What has she been working on? Have her summarize what she has learned and ask questions to check for comprehension.

Use Contact Person Manual to Correct Work

Of all the psychological principles of learning, knowledge of results seems to be most basic in keeping students motivated. Immediate specific knowledge of results, in addition to providing needed feedback for improved performance, also motivates students to try harder and to continue to do well.

Discuss student's daily goal

Review the day's lesson. What is it trying to teach? What is the student's goal for the day? Answer any questions the student may have.

Praise and encourage the student

Once your student understands the material and has a direction for the day's lesson, remember to praise her for her efforts. Praise is her reward, reinforcement, and stimulation. Depending upon the number of students you have, it may only be possible to make contact with half the students in each class period. However, every student needs to have your support and attention, from your most remedial student to your highest achiever.

Remember:

If you have two or more students working together on the same unit of study, group them cooperatively and structure your lessons accordingly. If you are working individually with students who are in different units of study, use the Individualized approach. Whether the students work independently or cooperatively, if you incorporate the ideas and guidelines suggested, you will see motivated students and successful learning take place.

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	Individual Approach
		The Individualized Approach is a one-on-one method of instruction; the contact person working alone with a student. Although research indicates the cooperative approach is preferable, there are conditions when an individualized approach should be used. When a student needs to learn a specific skill (such as using a calculator) or specific facts (such as math formulas,) a teacher may choose the individualized approach. There are several steps to consider when implementing this method. Create a positive working environment Students should be isolated at separate work areas where they can do their own work without talking to each other. Each student should have his own set of materials. Determine ground rules and expectations for student behavior and academic performance Take a few minutes to write down your expectations and discuss them with your students at the first meeting. Display them and be consistent when reinforcing. Review the criteria for grading students work. Greet the student/Establish rapport Working on a one to one relationship can be stressful for a student. All the attention is focused on him. Greet the student warmly. Convey you are happy he is here. Share something about yourself. It is the first step in gaining trust and confidence. Ask the student's name and how to pronounce it correctly. Ask about his interests, family, school, and experiences. Discuss the student's goals for himself and how this course will help him. Tell him that you believe in his ability to learn. It is important for every student to know that you expect him to succeed. Review student's work What has she been working on? Have her summarize what she has learned and ask questions to check for comprehension. Use Contact Person Manual to Correct Work Of all the psychological principles of learning, knowledge of results seems to be most basic in keeping students motivated. Immediate specific knowledge of results, in addition to providing needed feedback for improved performance, also motivates students to try harder and to continue to do well. Discuss student's daily goal Review the day's lesson. What is it trying to teach? What is the student's goal for the day? Answer any questions the student may have. Praise and encourage the student Once your student understands the material and has a direction for the day's lesson, remember to praise her for her efforts. Praise is her reward, reinforcement, and stimulation. Depending upon the number of students you have, it may only be possible to make contact with half the students in each class period. However, every student needs to have your support and attention, from your most remedial student to your highest achiever. Remember: If you have two or more students working together on the same unit of study, group them cooperatively and structure your lessons accordingly. If you are working individually with students who are in different units of study, use the Individualized approach. Whether the students work independently or cooperatively, if you incorporate the ideas and guidelines suggested, you will see motivated students and successful learning take place.

Individual Approach