Targeted support

Definition

Targeted support refers to specific interventions and resources provided to individuals or groups to help them achieve defined learning goals. This approach aims to address unique needs based on assessment data, ensuring that learners receive the right kind of assistance at the right time. Targeted support is essential in competency-based education, where the focus is on helping students master specific competencies at their own pace.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Targeted support is designed based on individual learner assessments, allowing educators to pinpoint areas where students may need additional help.
2. This type of support can include tutoring, mentoring, personalized learning plans, and specific instructional strategies tailored to students' needs.
3. In a competency-based model, targeted support helps ensure that students can progress through the curriculum only after they have demonstrated mastery of a competency.
4. Effective targeted support requires ongoing monitoring and adjustment of strategies based on students' progress and changing needs.
5. When implemented correctly, targeted support can lead to improved academic outcomes, increased engagement, and higher levels of student achievement.

Review Questions

• How does targeted support enhance student learning in a competency-based curriculum model?
  • Targeted support enhances student learning by providing tailored interventions that address specific learning needs. In a competency-based curriculum model, this means that students receive the necessary resources and strategies to master competencies at their own pace. By focusing on individual assessment data, educators can identify gaps in understanding and provide focused assistance, which helps students achieve their learning goals more effectively.
• Discuss the role of formative assessment in implementing targeted support for students.
  • Formative assessment plays a crucial role in implementing targeted support by providing ongoing feedback about student performance. This feedback allows educators to identify which students require additional help and what specific areas need attention. By regularly assessing students' understanding and progress, teachers can adjust their instructional strategies and targeted support interventions to better meet the evolving needs of each learner.
• Evaluate the impact of differentiated instruction alongside targeted support in achieving student success.
  • The combination of differentiated instruction and targeted support significantly impacts student success by creating a more inclusive and responsive learning environment. Differentiated instruction allows teachers to cater to diverse learning styles and preferences while targeted support provides the additional assistance needed for struggling learners. Together, they enable educators to effectively address the unique challenges each student faces, fostering greater engagement and ultimately leading to improved academic outcomes across various student populations.

Related terms

Differentiated Instruction:

A teaching approach that tailors instruction to meet the diverse needs of students, providing various pathways for learning.

Learning Outcomes: Statements that specify what learners are expected to know, understand, and be able to do at the end of a learning experience.

Formative Assessment:

A range of assessment methods used to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback that can be used by instructors to improve their teaching and by students to improve their learning.