Chilli Pepper Challenge
With the technique, Chilli Pepper Challenge, students are offered choices about the support they use whilst completing a task. For example:
Mild: You are allowed to look back at notes and work with a partner.
Medium: You are allowed to work with a partner, but neither of you is allowed to look back at notes.
Spicy: You work independently, but you can refer to notes.
Hot: You complete the task independently, without looking at notes.
Why use this technique?
Success is one of the most powerful motivators you can tap into in lessons. To experience this, some students will need high levels of support (at least initially); other students won’t need as much. Chilli Pepper Challenge can help you vary the support available to students whilst everyone completes the same task. The support is being differentiated - not the task itself.
Notes and tips
Every student should be encouraged to work at the hottest level possible, as quickly as possible. Hence, a good technique to compliment this with is Guide Choice. For example, after a set period of say 20 minutes, you might say to the class:
‘I’d like everyone to move to a hotter level’, or
‘I’d like every to take 10 minutes to have a got working at ‘hot’’.
You don’t need to use the language of chilli peppers. If you think there are better terms, use these instead.
Focused reflection
How well do you currently use this technique?
Is it a technique you will focus on developing?
If so, what are the key features you will focus on (things to do, and not do)?