Why are lectures followed by seatwork often ineffective with low-ability students?
Low-ability students often have difficulty keeping their attention focused on one task for an extended period of time. When they are required to pay attention and listen to direct instruction, followed by paper and pencil work on the same topic in their same seats, their attention may wander, especially if they become frustrated or bored with the work at hand. A more effective teaching strategy for low-ability learners is to provide a greater variety of activities over shorter periods of time, such as brief presentations, group work, and short independent activities.
