What is the purpose of guided practice in a lesson?

Guided practice in a lesson serves the critical function of providing students with the opportunity to apply newly acquired skills or concepts while still receiving support from the instructor or teacher. During this phase, instructors can confirm that students understand the material correctly and can monitor their progress. This feedback is essential for identifying and correcting misunderstandings before students move on to independent practice, where they would apply what they’ve learned without immediate assistance.

The aim is to ensure that when students do transition to practicing on their own, they have a solid foundation and confidence in their abilities. Through guided practice, educators create a supportive learning environment that fosters student engagement and comprehension, ultimately leading to better learning outcomes.