As a history teacher in a secondary school, I often find myself searching for effective strategies to help my students grapple with the complexities of our subject. From interpreting primary sources to evaluating the significance of historical events, the challenges are endless. Over the years, I’ve read countless theories about pedagogy, but one approach has profoundly shaped my teaching practice: Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction.
Rosenshine’s work, rooted in cognitive science and educational research, provides a framework that feels both intuitive and evidence-based. It’s not flashy or gimmicky; it’s practical. Here’s why I believe in Rosenshine’s principles and how they have transformed my history lessons.
1. Daily Review: Bridging the Past and Present
History is cumulative. Students can’t evaluate the causes of the First World War without understanding the Industrial Revolution or the long-term consequences of imperialism. Rosenshine’s emphasis on daily review ensures that prior learning isn’t forgotten but continuously reinforced.
For example, I might start a lesson on the Treaty of Versailles with a quick quiz on the main events of WWI or the aims of the Big Three. This helps students activate prior knowledge, identify gaps in their understanding, and feel more confident as we delve into new material.
2. Small Steps: Building Understanding
One of the most overwhelming aspects of history for students is its sheer scope. Rosenshine’s principle of introducing material in small, manageable steps is invaluable here.
Take the concept of causation. Rather than asking students to explain why the Civil Rights Movement emerged, I break it into smaller questions: What were Jim Crow laws? How did WWII change attitudes towards race? What was the role of key figures like Martin Luther King Jr.? By tackling these questions step by step, students build a deeper understanding that allows them to tackle more complex tasks later.
3. Guided Practice: Learning Through Scaffolding
Rosenshine’s emphasis on guided practice is another cornerstone of my teaching. In history, students often struggle with writing analytically. Before asking them to write a full essay on, say, the significance of the Industrial Revolution, I model how to construct a strong argument.
I’ll write a paragraph on the board, talking them through my thought process: selecting evidence, explaining it, and linking it to the question. Then, we’ll write another paragraph together, using a different example. Only after this guided practice do I ask students to write independently, ensuring they feel supported throughout the process.
4. Questioning: The Heart of Historical Enquiry
Good history teaching thrives on good questioning. Rosenshine highlights the importance of asking lots of questions to check for understanding, stimulate thinking, and encourage participation.
I use a mix of closed questions to check factual recall and open-ended questions to spark deeper discussion. For instance, when teaching about the Holocaust, I might ask, “What was the Final Solution?” to ensure students grasp the basic facts, before exploring, “Why do you think some people resisted the Nazi regime despite the risks?” These discussions often lead to the most meaningful moments in my classroom.
5. Regular Practice: Mastery Over Time
In history, mastery takes time. Students need repeated exposure to key concepts, whether it’s chronology, significance, or interpretation. Rosenshine’s principle of regular practice reminds me to revisit these skills often.
In my classroom, this might look like spaced retrieval practice, where students revisit topics from earlier in the term. For instance, a lesson on the Cold War might include a quick activity where they identify continuities and changes since the end of WWII. This constant reinforcement helps them retain knowledge and apply it in different contexts.
6. Checking for Understanding: The Power of Feedback
Rosenshine’s insistence on checking for understanding has made me more attuned to my students’ needs. Misconceptions can creep in easily, especially in a subject as complex as history.
During lessons, I use techniques like cold-calling, mini-whiteboards, or quick “exit tickets” to gauge understanding. This allows me to address issues immediately, whether it’s clarifying the difference between communism and socialism or correcting misunderstandings about the causes of the Great Depression.
A Framework, Not a Formula
What I love most about Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction are that they’re adaptable. They’re not a rigid formula but a framework that I can tailor to my students and my subject. They encourage me to reflect on my practice and think critically about what works and why.
For me, Rosenshine isn’t about jumping on the latest educational bandwagon. It’s about using evidence-based strategies to give my students the best possible chance of success—not just in their exams but in developing the critical thinking skills they’ll carry into the world.
So yes, I believe in Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction. Not because it’s trendy or easy, but because it works. And as a history teacher, I can think of no better legacy than helping my students truly understand the past, step by step.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in diving deeper into Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction, I highly recommend Rosenshine’s Principles in Action. This book provides practical insights into applying Rosenshine’s research in the classroom, making it an invaluable resource for teachers.
Whether you’re a seasoned educator or new to teaching, this guide offers clear examples, strategies, and explanations that can help you refine your practice. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to improve their teaching and ensure students achieve long-term success.
Get your copy here and see how Rosenshine’s ideas can transform your classroom!
Rosenshine’s Original Paper
This is the foundational document where Rosenshine outlines his principles. It’s an authoritative resource for readers who want to dive deeper into the original research.
Principles of Instruction: Research-Based Strategies That All Teachers Should Know
Teacher Toolkit Blog
A practical resource for teachers, this blog offers an accessible explanation of Rosenshine’s Principles with actionable tips for implementation.
Chartered College of Teaching
This site provides an overview of Rosenshine’s work in the context of evidence-informed teaching strategies.
