Listen for the Missing Step

Worked classroom example

Science

Worked example

Infer why cooling slows particle movement from the stated changes in energy and motion.

Use this example to make the language move visible. Select subject content appropriate to the class’s age and prior knowledge.

Teaching sequence

1. Choose an explanation with a clear but unstated causal link.
2. Learners note the stated stages during the first listen.
3. They propose the missing link and point to the spoken details that support it.

Try it in your next lesson

Prepare

Use a process explanation with one unstated link. Choose a second example that checks the same language move without repeating the original answer.

Classroom task

Learners hear a process, identify a missing step and support their proposed link with what they heard.

Check independent transfer

They propose the missing link and point to the spoken details that support it.

Collect a response on fresh content. Note what was achieved without the model, partner or teacher prompt, then choose one next teaching step.

Teacher language

Teacher language

Which spoken details make that link reasonable?

Respond to the learner

Identify one successful meaning or language choice. Ask about one gap, allow thinking time, then invite a revision. Check the revised move again on a fresh example.

Adjust support and challenge

Offer a brief model, useful vocabulary and partner rehearsal where needed. Keep the subject goal; reduce one prompt on fresh content and record what was independent.

Teaching this skill → · Age and language support →

More support

Use shorter chunks, purposeful replay and keyword notes. Retain captions, transcripts or other required access arrangements. Allow familiar-language notes or another response mode when checking subject understanding.

Greater independence

Change the content, evidence or audience. Remove the completed model and ask learners to explain a choice. Increase subject complexity only when it fits the curriculum and prior knowledge.

Choose the next step

If subject meaning is insecure, reteach the concept. If the concept is understood but the English is unclear, model one useful language relationship and invite a fresh response.