This research review will be particularly useful for teachers and professionals working with low attaining pupils, particularly in the later years of primary and earlier years of secondary education.
Literacy and numeracy catch-up strategies
Synopsis
This paper examines catch-up strategies and interventions specifically designed for pupils who are behind in literacy and numeracy. It focuses on strategies used in both primary schools and secondary schools. It also includes strategies that can be beneficial for low attainers and effective practice during transition from primary to secondary school.
It found that the key elements of effective teaching for low attainers in literacy include early intervention; one to one and/or small group support, and personalisation.
Successful mathematics programmes focused on changing daily teaching practices, particularly the use of cooperative learning methods, classroom management and motivation programmes. In all cases the most successful programmes encouraged pupil interaction.