SLANT A Starter Strategy for Class Participation Edwin Ellis, Ph.D., University of Alabama Presentation compiled by: Kaye L. Seymour

SLANT STRATEGY OVERVIEW PERTINENT SETTING DEMAND: Students must participate in class activities to succeed PURPOSE: To enable students to be active participants in class activities * Cognitively active Verbally active Most of the slides go along with the “guided notes” that is in the packet

INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS OF SLANT: 1. to increase the amount of student interaction and participation during class activities 2. to help students understand how their use of positive participation behaviors can influence the reactions of others toward them 3. to enable students to exercise greater control over their learning experiences 4. to teach students the social and cognitive comprehension reasons for active class participation

How should the strategy be taught? Instruction should be light-hearted and enjoyable. Have fun! Teach SLANT using the Acquisition Procedures of the Strategies Intervention Model.

RATIONALES BEHIND THE SLANT STRATEGY If students are active participants in class, they learn more. If students transform information into their own words, they will be more likely to remember it. If students participate in positive ways, they enhance their relationship with the teacher which leads to a higher quality education.

N These are REAL students – Discovery MS, LS class – with permission

1. Negative verbal and non-verbal behaviors by students 2. Send messages of negative student attitude 6. Less learning occurs NEGATIVE CYCLE 3. Decreased interactions between student and teacher 5. Instruction becomes less interesting for student 4. Reduced student participation and elaboration

1. Positive verbal and non-verbal behaviors by student 2. Send messages of student interest and investment 6. More learning occurs POSITIVE CYCLE 3. Increased interaction between student and teacher 5. Instruction becomes more interesting 4. More student participation and elaboration

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU... CHOOSE TO PARTICIPATE? TEACHERS: Make things more interesting OTHER STUDENTS: Learn from you May be friendlier toward you YOU: Understand more Remember more ACADEMIC SUCCESS Interesting Presentation Student Participates Discuss: when and where to use the strategy (in and out of school)

SLANT During Class S = SIT UP L = LEAN FORWARD A = ACTIVATE YOUR THINKING N = NAME KEY INFORMATION T = TRACK THE TALKER

Lean forward Sit up Lean slightly forward. Look interested. Hips are toward the back of the chair. No slouching. Lean forward Lean slightly forward. Look interested.

Activate your Thinking Say in your mind what the teacher or talker is saying aloud. Ask questions about the lesson.

Name Key information Raise your hand. Wait to be called on. Give the answer in a complete sentence.

Track the talker Look at the teacher or the presenter. You may have to turn your body in order to track effectively.

ASSIST Before Class Begins A = ARRIVE ON TIME S = SIT DOWN S = STOP TALKING I = INVESTIGATE THE BOARD FOR INFO S = SHARPEN YOUR PENCIL T = TAKE OUT MATERIALS, BOOK, HOMEWORK

CLOSE At the end of class C = CLEAN UP L = LIST HOMEWORK O = ORGANIZE NOTEBOOK S = STORE CLASSROOM EQUIPMENT E = EXIT APPROPRIATELY

SLOUCH NON-EXAMPLE OF SLANT S = SLIDE DOWN IN YOUR SEAT L = LAY YOUR HEAD ON YOUR DESK O = OFFER NO PARTICIPATION OR RESPONSE U = UNDERMINE YOUR SUCCESS C = CHRISTMAS TREE ALL YOUR WORK H = HOPE THAT YOU WILL PASS I’m bored!! Consider “practicing” the negative – unless you do in role plays

What do you know about the participation strategy? What do you think about the strategy? What still confuses you?