Instructional Arrangements

Large Group Instruction

Guidelines:
 Short instruction with questions to involve students, maintain a lively pace,
lecture-pause routines, encourage involvement of all students (low & high
levels), use visuals, set expectations of behavior during particular activities,
use flexible grouping (important aspect of RTI Tier 2 Instruction)

Advantages:
 Time efficient, Students are prepared for lecture-type instruction
(postsecondary & secondary), Gen Ed and SPED teachers may co-teach-share
responsibilities

Disadvantages:
 Hard to deal with diverse abilities and skill levels, Questions may go
unanswered, distracted students remain off-task, Too fast for low levels
and too slow for high levels, Behavior problems can result from boredom or
frustration

Small Group Instruction

Guidelines:
 3-7 students, recommended for students with learning problems, set the
expectations, homogeneous, flexible grouping, held in an area for easy
supervision of all, use motivation activities.

Advantages:
 Students can participate more, teachers can provide more instruction,
praise, & feedback, less boring, students can progress at own level, good for
students with academic struggles, behavior, language issues, Increases
intensity of RTI Tier 2 Instruction.
Disadvantages:
 More seatwork required, More planning and organization of students abilities
for Teachers, More instruction is required

One Student with Teacher

Guidelines:
 One on one short timed instruction (3-5 minutes)

Advantages:
 Helps students with learning problems learn new skills, Can intensify Tier 2
or Tier 3 of RTI framework, Can be spontaneous and short timed, Time
allows for more praise, understanding, feedback, and motivations.

Disadvantages:
 Students can miss out on group learning opportunities; Teachers have to plan
work or activities for the rest of the class.

Works Cited: Teaching Students with Learning Problems, 8th Edition, Cecil D.
Mercer; Ann R. Mercer; Paige C. Pullen (2011)