Signalling
Signalling a technique designed to focus students attention on specific words and phrases within text, using formatting such as bold, underlining or colour.
Why use this technique?
As subject experts, it is relatively easy for teachers to be able to identify the key words and phrases within text. However, for novices such as students, this isn’t always as easy. The more text there is, the less obvious the key words and phrases. Signalling can help make these obvious, helping students to be clearer about the main points.
So long as we don’t overdo it, Signalling can also help make resources such as PowerPoint slides more visually appealing than they would have been without such formatting, which can help increase student interest.
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)?