The Lemov Series : Applied Techniques in ELT "Stretch it"
Students at any age are renowned for the capability of copying a correct answer. Whether that be chanting a rote response to a routine question, listening intently to fellow students correct responses and replicating when asked. This can be especially true in the language classroom. Students are often pressed to produce a correct answer but are often at the limits of the knowledge when trying to answer a question in a second language. While some students may skate by during the lesson, their vocabulary will fail come test time. This can be especially frustrating when progression to the next stage depends on the mastery of some simple structures first. A great way to help combat this in students will be the topic of this blogs discussion. The “Stretch it” technique and its application.
“The sequence of learning does not end with a right answer; reward right answers with follow-up questions that extend knowledge and test for reliability. This technique is especially important for differentiating instruction.”
Simply stating a correct answer should often not be enough to satisfy and earn a reward. Students can be pushed to further their answers beyond the original question asked. This “stretching” of the answer both extends the students capability and requires them to think on their feet. It demonstrates that simple copying of an answer is not always going to be enough. The intended goal of a “stretch answer” will depend too a large extent on the level of the target audience. For beginners in a foreign language – a stretch it goal might be something as simple as pairing a movement or sound with a correct vocabulary word. A kindergarten student can answer a question about the weather by identifying the correct response but also by visibly displaying the demonstrating the weather (think wiggly fingers for rain drops – or a circle for the sun). Students at a higher level can be pressed to answer more rigorous questions in indirect terminology. Take an apple for example – a student can simply state it is an “apple” and after which they can be pushed to answer how to describe an apple. “It is an apple!” “Yes, it is. What color is it? What shape? Is it hard or soft?” Etc. A key part of pushing students to excel in a foreign language is to build upon previous knowledge. Having the students access that knowledge frequently and under various circumstances helps to reinforce prior learning.
“Stretch it asks students to be on their toes: to explain their thinking or apple knowledge in new ways. Just asking a quantity of tough questions isn’t necessarily sufficient…making it an exercise in banal copying of a basal concept, and, ultimately, low expectations.”
Keeping in mind the level and strength of the target audience will get the most out of this technique. Pushing a student too far beyond their ability can shut them down and weaken their confidence. Edging a student just beyond their current threshold can surprise them with their own knowledge and excite them to learn more. It is a delicate balance and one which requires the care attention of the teacher. The rewards can be hugely beneficial in getting the most out of every interaction during a lesson, but a soft hand should be used.
“Stretch it” is a powerful teaching tool and can be key in driving students to achieve more than they thought themselves capable of.
The “Lemov” Series is a review Doug Lemov’s 2011 book: Teach like a Champion: 49 Techniques that put students on the path to college. I highly recommend this fantastic work and do not claim any of these techniques as of/or being my original content.
