SLANT A RESEARCH-BASED LEARNING STRATEGY (Ellis, 1991) Center for Research on Learning University of Kansas 1

WHAT IS A STRATEGY? A STRATEGY a person's approach to learning and using information. –It is an approach for students on how to think about and solve problems, or…… “how to learn” –Learning strategies are used by students to help them understand information.

What is the SLANT Strategy? Helps you to participate in class in appropriate and productive ways Steps cue you to combine nonverbal (bodily), thinking skills, and verbal behaviors to activate your participation in class effectively Students who “master” SLANT understand why it is important to actively participate during class and how to do so.

What will this help me to do in the classroom? Understand what information is important to learn, and why learning it is important How to study effectively for a test Helps you to create new ways to organize and categorize information over time Helps build comprehension skills, connections, and questioning skills Helps learning becoming more personal, fun, and interesting Improves the quality of your participation and memory of material What else might this strategy help you with?

S is for SIT UP Example: Upright posture but relaxed Non Examples: Head on desk Slouching in chair

L is for LEAN FORWARD Example: Leaning forward slightly Non Examples: Leaning backward Exaggerated forward lean

A is for ACTIVATE YOUR THINKING Examples: –Asking yourself questions –Answering your questions –Asking the teacher a question you don’t understand –Make connections to self, text, world Non Examples: Talking to others during class Playing with objects Doodling Doing nothing when you don’t understand

N is for NAME KEY INFORMATION Examples: Answering the teacher’s questions Sharing your ideas or comments Adding to others’ statements Non Examples: Keeping knowledge to yourself when you could help others Ridiculing other students’ comments

T is for TRACK THE TALKER Examples: Keeping eyes on teacher when she/he speaks Looking at students when they speak Non Examples: Staring out the window Looking at your desk or students who are not contributing

Positive Participation Makes a Positive Difference!!