Using Cues, Directions,
and Transitions Effectively
Create a picture in your mind that you can live with regarding
technical management and then accept nothing less.
Cues: Have a simple, short, audible, regular cue to gain attention (i.e.,
a short word, a signal, a clap, a sound). Use the 100% rule whenever you
elicit attention with your cue (i.e., you need to have every eye up and
every mouth shut before you speak). Have a consequence every time you lose
100% (i.e., "someone at the back table was talking, I’ll start again").
Directions: Always begin with a cue (w/100% attention), then a finish
word (i.e., Go! Now! Start! etc), then a call for any questions, and then
give the actual directions (i.e., "Eyes! When I say go, I need to have
. . . Are there any questions? (Wait), OK, Go!"). Use random checks to
enhance accountability (i.e., ".. Are there any questions, (wait) OK, Billy
what are the groups supposed to do first? (Billy’s response) Good! OK,
Go!")
Transitions:
Create a routine for each kind of transition ("OK, Science!")
Practice them ("That was really good, think we could do it faster?"),
especially early in the year (i.e., line up 10 times a day for the first
week until it looks the way you want)
Sequence-
A transition warning ("In 3 minutes we need to . . .")
Cue, "OK. Time to . . ."
A time goal ("This should take about 30 seconds")
A consequence, if the goal was not met ("That took us about 2 minutes,
it should have taken about 1, let’s take our stuff out and try again")