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Frequently Asked Questions

Forum References FAQ's Quiz Lecture Introduction Q: What is Priming?
A: Priming is an intervention strategy designed to help students learn new information.

Q: What is the procedure used in priming?
A: The priming technique introduces new information to students before the actual classroom lesson. The classroom teacher prepares the materials that contain the new information and gives them to the priming instructor. The priming instructor introduces the new information to the students in a one-on-one setting. The priming instructor’s lesson is brief and concise.

Q: What materials should be used during the priming session?
A: The exact same materials used in the classroom setting should be used in the priming session.

Q: What is the role of the priming instructor?
A: The priming instructor’s job is to present the new concept and explain what the student will be learning about and the format of the lesson (e.g., reading a book, completing a worksheet). It is not the job of the priming instructor to teach the new information.

Q: Who can implement the priming session?
A: Anyone who works within the student on a one-to-one basis can conduct a session (e.g., parents, resource room teachers, paraprofessionals, or volunteers).

Q: When should priming occur?
A: Priming should take place before the instructional lesson containing the new information. Ideally, priming occurs the day before or the night before the lesson.

Q: Why use priming?
A: By familiarizing the student with the new information prior to the lesson, priming reduces the anxiety or frustration that may occur during whole class or large-group instruction. Priming also informs the student of expected behaviors during the lesson.

Q: What are effective methods of communication between primer and instructor?
A: Daily notes, weekly calendars, and photocopies of lesson plans are just a few examples of effective methods of communication between primer and instructor. Clasp envelopes, folders, and bags are ways to transport notes and materials from the classroom setting to the priming session.