Never feel lost in lecture
Do you ever hear students say they feel completely lost in lectures? They walk into class, ready to learn, but by the end, they’re frustrated, overwhelmed, and unsure of what just happened.
It’s not that they aren’t capable—it’s that they weren’t set up for success before the lecture even started. That’s where previewing comes in.
Think of previewing as giving students a map before they start a hike. It doesn’t show them every tree or rock they’ll encounter, but it ensures they’re not wandering blindly, hoping for the best. It’s a simple, research-backed strategy that equips students to walk into class feeling ready to learn.
Why Previewing Works
The magic of previewing lies in how it primes the brain. Without context, lectures can feel overwhelming, like trying to piece together a puzzle with no edges. Previewing provides the framework students need to confidently engage with new material.
The science:
Schema Theory: Our brains rely on mental “maps” to make sense of new information. Previewing activates these maps, so students can connect new ideas to what they already know.
Cognitive Load Theory: Learning is demanding, and working memory can only handle so much at once. Previewing reduces the mental load during lectures by giving students a head start.
The best part? It only takes 15 minutes to see these benefits.
How to Teach Previewing
You don’t need to overhaul a student’s study habits to introduce previewing. It’s a simple five-step process they can integrate into their routine:
Skim Headings and Subheadings: These outline the structure of the lecture and provide a roadmap for the material.
Spot Key Terms: Look for bold or italicized words. These are often new vocabulary or key concepts they’ll need to understand.
Review Visuals: Charts, graphs, and images can help students start building a mental picture of the material.
Check Questions: Chapter questions or prompts signal the most important takeaways. Encourage students to treat these as learning objectives.
Read the Summary: This is the condensed version of the material—the “big picture” that sets the stage for deeper learning.
You can demonstrate these steps with a student during a session, assign it as a quick task before their next lecture, or discuss how previewing can make their class time more effective.
A Mindset Shift, Not Just a Strategy
Here’s what makes previewing so powerful: it’s not just about absorbing material; it’s about equipping students to approach learning with confidence and intention. When students preview, they’re taking ownership of their education. They’re showing up to class saying, I’m ready for this.
This shift builds momentum. Students who feel prepared are less likely to disengage, more likely to participate, and better equipped to retain what they’ve learned.
Inspired by Dr. Saundra McGuire
This strategy isn’t new—it’s grounded in research and championed by experts like Dr. Saundra McGuire, author of Teach Yourself How to Learn and Teach Students How to Learn. Her work has transformed the way students think about learning, and previewing is one of the many practical strategies she emphasizes.
If you’re looking for a deeper dive into empowering students to take charge of their learning, her books are a must-read.
Start Small, See Big Results
Previewing is deceptively simple, but its impact is profound. In just 15 minutes, students can create the mental framework they need to engage deeply with class material.
Encourage your students to give it a try before their next lecture. It’s a small investment of time that can lead to big gains in confidence, retention, and academic success.
At Alma Modern, we’re passionate about equipping educators with practical, research-backed strategies to empower their students. Explore our resources to learn more about how we can work together to transform the learning experience.
