Rosenshein's Principles and Cognitive Science

What are Rosenshine’s Principles? 

At Cullercoats Primary School, we use research to guide how we teach. One of the most influential frameworks in modern education is Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction. 

Developed by educational psychologist Barak Rosenshine, these principles summarise decades of research into what makes teaching effective. They are practical, evidence-based guidelines that help teachers structure lessons, support learning, and help children remember and apply knowledge. 

Why they matter 

Rosenshine’s Principles are rooted in cognitive science — the study of how the brain learns. Research shows that children learn best when: 

• New information is presented in small, manageable steps. 

• Teachers use modelling and examples to show exactly what to do. 

• Pupils are given guided practice before independent work. 

• Learning is repeated and revisited over time to strengthen memory. 

These approaches help pupils build long-term knowledge and skills, reduce cognitive overload, and improve confidence and success in the classroom. 

The Ten Principles of Instruction 

1. Start with a review of prior learning 
   Revisiting previous lessons helps pupils connect new knowledge to what they already know. 

2. Present new material in small steps 
   Breaking lessons into bite-sized chunks ensures pupils can follow and understand each step. 

3. Ask lots of questions and check understanding 
   Teachers check that pupils are keeping up and correct misunderstandings quickly. 

4. Provide models and worked examples 
   Demonstrating tasks and showing step-by-step examples help pupils see how to apply new knowledge. 

5. Guide student practice 
   Pupils practise with teacher support before trying tasks on their own. 

6. Check for understanding and follow up errors 
   Teachers continuously monitor learning and address mistakes immediately. 

7. Provide high-success guided practice 
   Activities are structured so pupils experience success while still being challenged. 

8. Require and monitor independent practice 
   Pupils practise on their own to reinforce skills and knowledge. 

9. Engage students in weekly and monthly review 
   Revisiting topics over time (spaced practice) helps move learning into long-term memory. 

10. Keep a high success rate 
    Lessons are designed so pupils can succeed and gain confidence, gradually tackling more challenging tasks. 

In short 

Rosenshine’s Principles give teachers a step-by-step guide for helping pupils learn effectively. They are simple, research-based strategies that make lessons structured, engaging, and memorable.