What is the Test-Teach-Test Method of Teaching

The Test-Teach-Test (TTT) approach emerges as a fairly unique strategy, particularly in language education. This method, similar to techniques we’ve explored in ESA teaching methods, works on a relativity simple framework designed to maximize learning.

The Test-Teach-Test (TTT) method enhances learning by systematically assessing students’ prior knowledge through testing, tailoring instruction to address specific needs, and then measuring progress through retesting. This method ensures a personalized and effective learning journey for students

In this article, we look at how the Test-Teach-test method aims to achieve these aims, and how to implement it into your classrooms.

What is the Test-Teach-Test (TTT) Method of Language Teaching?

Core Concept of TTT

The Test-Teach-Test (TTT) method is structured around three key phases: an initial Test phase, a Teach phase, and a final Test phase.

This structure is crafted to first identify the learners’ existing knowledge and misconceptions, then provide targeted instruction, and finally, reassess to measure learning progress.

Assessing Prior Knowledge

The initial Test phase is not about grading but understanding where the students stand in their knowledge of the subject.

This phase involves activities or assessments designed to reveal students’ proficiency and gaps in understanding the topic at hand.

Tailored Instruction

The Teach phase in Test-Teach-Test (TTT) is deeply informed by the outcomes of the initial test. It focuses on addressing the specific areas where students showed a lack of understanding.

Unlike traditional teaching methods, where the instruction might follow a set curriculum, TTT allows for a more responsive and student-centered approach.

In the next section, we will explore the first Test phase in greater detail, outlining effective strategies and example activities.

Test-Teach-Test : The First Test Phase

Purpose of the Initial Test

In the Test-Teach-Test (TTT) method, the first Test phase plays a critical role. It’s designed to assess students’ existing knowledge and skills related to the topic before any formal teaching occurs.

This phase is not about grading but gaining insights into students’ strengths and areas for improvement.

Conducting the Initial Test

• Activity Design: The test can be a simple activity, like a quiz, a discussion, or a practical task, which subtly evaluates students’ understanding.
• Gauging Understanding: The focus should be on identifying what students already know and the misconceptions they might have about the subject.

Informing the Teaching Phase

• Responsive Teaching: The results from this initial test guide the subsequent Teach phase. It helps in customizing the lesson to address the specific needs and gaps identified.
• Setting Benchmarks: This phase also sets a benchmark for the final Test phase, enabling a clear comparison of students’ progress post-teaching.

The first Test phase is crucial in shaping a responsive and effective teaching strategy that follows.

Test-Teach-Test : The Teach Phase

Tailoring Instruction Based on Assessment

The Teach phase in the Test-Teach-Test (TTT) method is a targeted instructional period, specifically designed based on the results of the initial Test phase. This phase is where the teacher addresses the gaps and misunderstandings uncovered earlier.

Strategies for Effective Teaching

• Focused Content: Concentrate on areas where students showed a lack of understanding. For instance, if the initial test revealed challenges with specific grammar points, the teaching should focus on clarifying and practicing those points.
• Interactive Teaching: Use interactive teaching methods to ensure students are actively engaged. This could include group discussions, practical exercises, or problem-solving tasks that relate directly to the areas identified in the Test phase.

The Role of the Teacher

• Facilitator of Learning: The teacher acts as a facilitator, guiding students through the learning process, providing clear explanations, and offering examples to illustrate points.
• Responsive Approach: Be prepared to adjust the teaching strategy based on student responses and engagement. If certain concepts are still not clear, the teacher should be ready to provide additional explanations or alternative explanations.

The Teach phase is pivotal in the TTT method as it directly addresses the needs identified in the first Test phase, ensuring that teaching is as effective and relevant as possible.

Next, we will explore the second Test phase, where the impact of this tailored teaching is assessed.

Test-Teach-Test : The Second Test Phase

Assessing Learning and Progress

The second Test phase in the Test-Teach-Test (TTT) method serves as a crucial checkpoint to evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching and the extent of student learning. This phase mirrors the initial test to provide a clear before-and-after comparison.

Conducting the Second Test

• Similar Format: Use a format similar to the initial test for consistency. If the first test was a short quiz or a practical exercise, replicate this format to accurately measure student progress.
• Focus on Improvement: The second test should assess the same concepts as the first but with an emphasis on the areas that were taught in the Teach phase.

Interpreting Results

• Measuring Progress: Compare the results of the second test with the initial test to gauge how much students have improved. Look for signs of increased understanding and correct usage of the language points that were the focus of the teaching.
• Feedback and Reflection: Provide feedback to students on their performance. This is also an opportunity for the teacher to reflect on the effectiveness of their teaching methods and make adjustments for future lessons.

The second Test phase is vital in closing the learning loop in the TTT method. It not only assesses student learning but also informs future teaching strategies.

Advantages and Challenges of the TTT Method

The Test-Teach-Test method, like any teaching approach, comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. Understanding these can help educators effectively implement TTT in their classrooms.

Advantages of TTT

• Targeted Teaching: The TTT method allows for teaching that is directly informed by the students’ current knowledge and needs, making it highly efficient and relevant (and a much rarer occurrence than perhaps it should be.)
• Engaged Learning: By involving students in a test before formal teaching, they become more engaged and aware of their learning process.
• Clear Progress Tracking: The method provides a clear framework for assessing student progress, with tangible before-and-after comparisons. which while obviously great for students is great for school administrators and parents as well

Challenges and Solutions

• Initial Test Anxiety: Students might feel pressured or anxious during the first test.
  • Solution: Ensure that students understand the purpose of the initial test and that it’s a learning tool rather than a formal assessment.
• Time Constraints: Balancing the three phases within a limited class time can be challenging.
  • Solution: Careful lesson planning and time management are crucial. Be concise in the Teach phase and use the second Test phase efficiently.
• Adapting Teaching on the Go: The need to tailor the Teach phase based on the initial test results requires quick thinking and adaptability.
  • Solution: Prepare a range of teaching materials and strategies in advance that can address various learning gaps identified in the test.

Applicability Across Contexts

The TTT method is versatile and can be adapted to various teaching contexts, from language education to other subject areas. It’s particularly effective in classes where students have varying levels of understanding and proficiency.

Practical Applications and Case Studies

To illustrate the real-world efficacy of the Test-Teach-Test (TTT) method, let’s explore some practical applications and case studies. These examples highlight how TTT can be effectively implemented across different educational contexts.

Case Study 1: Language Classroom

• Context: An intermediate-level English language class.
• Application: The initial test involved a conversation exercise to assess students’ grasp of past tense verbs. Based on the results, the Teach phase focused on correcting common errors and introducing irregular verbs. The final test used a similar conversation exercise to measure improvement.
• Outcome: Students demonstrated a clearer understanding and more accurate use of past tense verbs, reflecting the effectiveness of targeted teaching.

Case Study 2: Mathematics Teaching

• Context: A high school algebra class.
• Application: The first test assessed students’ ability to solve linear equations. The Teach phase addressed misconceptions and introduced new problem-solving techniques. The second test involved similar algebra problems.
• Outcome: There was a notable improvement in students’ problem-solving skills and conceptual understanding, showcasing the TTT method’s versatility beyond language teaching.

Conclusion:

It almost seems too simple a method to find out what students know before starting teaching, but the time saved allows educators to effectively tailor their teaching to the unique needs of their students, without boring or making those who know the content disengaged.

By incorporating the TTT framework, instructors can assess prior knowledge, provide targeted instruction, and measure learning progress with precision.

TTT offers a range of advantages, including

• personalized learning,
• progress monitoring, and
• increased student engagement.

However, it also presents challenges such as time constraints and the need for accurate assessments. If these are managed well then this becomes a great method to have in yoru teacher toolkit no matter the subject.

Further Resources

For educators interested in diving deeper into the Test-Teach-Test method and its implementation, here are some additional resources to explore:

1. ESL/EFL Teaching Practice and Methodology by Jackie Bolen: This book offers an in-depth exploration of various language teaching methodologies
2. TESOL International Association: TESOL provides resources, articles, and professional development opportunities for language educators, including insights into teaching methodologies like TTT.
3. Online Language Learning Platforms: Explore online language learning platforms that incorporate TTT principles into their teaching methods, offering interactive and engaging lessons for language learners of all levels.

References

• https://www.languagepointtraining.com/post/what-is-test-teach-test-an-impactful-lesson-structure-for-teachers-and-students
• https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/professional-development/teachers/knowing-subject/t-w/test-teach-test#:
• https://bridge.edu/tefl/blog/what-is-ttt-when-teaching-english/