Callahan Dennis, Dawn M.
Abstract:
The D2 Cuing Method is a hierarchical cuing method designed to scaffoldstudents to a correct answer during teacher-student question-answer interactions. Rootedin the treatment protocols traditionally used by speech and language pathologists inclinical settings, the D2 Cuing Method was developed using instructional strategies basedon: scaffolding, cuing, feedback, praise, and wait time; theories of learning throughinteraction; hierarchical cuing; and neuroscience theories of learning and memory/recall.The D2 Cuing Method is the result of this researcher’s twenty-one year career as amedical and school-based speech-language pathologist. Development of the D2 CuingMethod was intended to provide teachers with a systematic approach to supportingstudents in the teachable moment during large group, Tier I RTI instruction.This researcher investigated the impact of the D2 Cuing Method on studentachievement during large group instruction in fourth and fifth grade classrooms in thecore curriculum subjects of reading, mathematics, science, and social studies. Subgroups of interest included students who qualified for special education services, giftedand talented programming, and free and reduced lunch. The quantitative researchsuggested potential for positively impacting student achievement in reading,mathematics, science, and social studies. The qualitative research suggested a positiveimpact on student learning and teacher ability to successfully use scaffolding and cuingmethods in the classroom during instruction.The pilot study was intended to add to the body of literature supportingresearched based instructional strategies for large group instruction. Future researchsuggestions included repetition of the study, specific investigation of sub-groups of students, use of multiple methods to assess student achievement, assessment of changesin classroom culture, and increasing the duration of the study. This researcher intends totest, refine, and better understand the D2 Cuing Method so that it will evolve into a viableand effective method of instructional support for students in the classroom.