Test-Teach-Test (TTT) approach is a practical way to understand what students know, teach them new material, and assess their learning progress—all in one lesson! Let’s break down each part and see how it works.
Step 1: Test
The first phase is Test. Here, the goal is to quickly see what students already know about the target language. This is when students complete a task or activity on their own, without any help from the teacher. This isn’t a formal exam (even though it could be) but rather a simple activity designed to show you how well students understand a specific topic. Choose activities or tasks carefully at this point. You should choose something that naturally aligns with the target language. I’d recommend using fill-in-the-gaps, picture-word matching, or a guessing game.
Why is this important?
The main goal of this phase is for the teacher to observe errors that students make when using the target language. You’re not just testing their knowledge—you’re identifying which phrasal verbs they already know, which ones they’re struggling with, and where there are gaps in understanding. This helps you adjust your teaching focus for the next step.
Step 2: Teach
Once you’ve identified the problem areas from the first test, it’s time to move on to Teach. Now, you will address the specific phrasal verbs or language structures that students struggled with in the Test phase. This is where you do what you normally would during the teaching phase: provide examples, conduct choral and individual drills, and guide students through one or two exercises.
Why is this important?
This phase gives students the necessary instruction they need to improve their understanding. You provide explanations, examples, and opportunities for practice. This personalized teaching ensures the lesson focuses on what students need most.
Step 3: Test Again
The final phase is to Test again. Now, it’s time to check if students have understood the lesson and can use the target language correctly. This step reveals whether your teaching has been effective.
Why is this important?
The second test allows you to measure progress. It shows you if your students can apply what they have learned in real-life situations. If students show improvement, you know the teaching phase was effective. If they’re still making mistakes, it tells you they may need more practice with specific language points.
Benefits of the TTT Approach
Student-centered learning:
1) TTT tailors the lesson to what students actually need, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach. You’re adapting the lesson to their current level of understanding.
Efficient use of time:
2) You’re not wasting time teaching language students already know. Instead, you’re targeting the areas where they need improvement.
Active learning:
3) The approach encourages students to engage with the language in a meaningful way. They learn by doing, which helps them retain new vocabulary and structures.
Immediate feedback:
4) Students receive feedback on their errors right away, allowing them to correct mistakes and improve quickly.
