Reteach: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The prefix 're-' means 'again,' so 'reteach' literally means 'to teach again.'
• The word 'teach' comes from Old English 'tæcan,' meaning 'to show' or 'to demonstrate.'
• Combining 're-' with 'teach' has been used in education since the 20th century to emphasize repeated learning.

Education

• Reteaching plays a crucial role in differentiated instruction, allowing learners to grasp complex concepts.
• Research indicates that revisiting material can significantly improve retention and understanding.
• Educators often use reteaching in response to formative assessments when students show a lack of understanding.

Cognitive Science

• Cognitive load theory suggests that breaking down complex tasks into smaller parts helps in effective reteaching.
• Retrieval practice, which involves recalling information, is a key component of effective reteaching strategies.
• Reteaching strategies are linked to neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself, allowing for improved learning pathways.

Pop Culture

• In popular TV shows, characters often face situations where they need to relearn or revisit past skills, emphasizing personal growth.
• Reality competition shows frequently showcase contestants being reteached skills to improve their performance.
• The concept of reteaching often appears in movies where mentorship leads to characters mastering previously learned skills.

Psychology

• Research in psychology shows that memory is strengthened when information is taught multiple times, helping with long-term retention.
• Error correction through reteaching can build confidence, especially in young learners who struggle with tasks.
• Scaffolding, which involves providing support during reteaching, helps learners develop independence over time.