Just-in-Time Teaching Strategy – What it is & How to Implement

At the core of the just-in-time teaching strategy is active learning. But what is this approach, and how to implement it in a real classroom setting? Keep reading to find out.

What is a Just-in-Time Teaching Strategy?

The just-in-time teaching strategy is an instructional approach that focuses on active learning during class time. Combining pre-class preparation with interactive classroom activities, in this teaching method, students complete short online tasks before class which allows teachers to identify the areas in which their students are finding difficulties. This feedback helps tailor lessons to focus on challenging concepts, ensuring class time is used effectively for active learning and problem-solving.

Elements in Just-in-Time Teaching

Below are the main three elements that the just-in-time teaching method works with:

1. Pre-Class Assignments

   These assignments, often called “Warmup Exercises,” “Preflight Checks,” or “Checkpoints,” serve as the foundation for just-in-time teaching. When thoughtfully designed, these tasks help students engage with the material before entering the classroom. They act as a primer, sparking curiosity and encouraging critical thinking. But there’s more to it!

   These assignments also serve as a lens for you to peek into your student’s understanding. By analysing responses, as teachers, you can identify common misconceptions, tailor your lesson plans, and ensure that every session addresses the real-time needs of the class.

2. In-Class Engagement

   This just-in-time teaching element helps in transforming your classroom into an interesting and interactive hub of knowledge. In-class activities are dynamically adjusted based on the insights gathered from pre-class assignments. This responsive approach encourages students to actively participate rather than passively absorb information.

   Discussions, group activities, and problem-solving exercises in this just-in-time teaching element become more focused and collaborative, ensuring that learning is not just effective but also engaging.

3. Feedback Loop

   Feedback in the just-in-time teaching method isn’t a one-way street. It needs to be immediate, constructive, and highly impactful. Students receive timely insights into their progress, helping them refine their understanding and build confidence. Simultaneously, as teachers, you gain valuable feedback on your teaching effectiveness, creating a continuous loop of improvement. This cycle of instant response and adjustment is what makes JiTT a powerful tool in modern education.

How to Implement the Just-in-Time Teaching Method

The key to a successful implementation of the just-in-time teaching method lies in the set of questions. Here’s how to successfully implement JiTT for effective teaching:

1. Connect In-Class and Out-of-Class Learning

   The just-in-time teaching strategy can be considered to be a bridge between what students learn on their own time with what they discuss in class. Implementing this strategy begins with assigning pre-class tasks (like readings, videos, or quizzes) that set the stage for your in-class sessions.

   For example, if you’re teaching physics, you could assign a short reading about Newton’s laws with a few simple application-based questions. Then, during class, use their responses to dive deeper into concepts they struggled with or expand on what piqued their interest.

2. Form the Right Questions

   Since the core of the just-in-time teaching method is asking questions, forming the correct ones to ask is important. You have to form questions that make your students genuinely think and analyse. Here are some tips to help you:

   • Focus on application: Instead of asking “What is photosynthesis?” try something like “How would the absence of sunlight impact plant survival in the Arctic?” This helps them critically think about the process instead of simply churning out a bookish answer.
   • Keep it open-ended: Include questions that allow multiple interpretations to spark discussion, like “What are the possible solutions to reduce carbon emissions in urban areas?”
   • Balance difficulty levels: Include a mix of easy and challenging questions to cater to varying student abilities.
   • Encourage reflection: Pose questions that make students connect the topic to their experiences or opinions.

3. Assess the Responses

   After forming the correct questions and getting your answers for the same, it’s time to assess the responses that you have received. But you don’t have to manually do that anymore. There are several tools through which you can analyse student responses accurately. These include learning management systems (LMS) that use technology at their core to not only create quizzes and other interactive questions but also give you insight into how the students are performing based on their interactions with the LMS.

   Explore Extramarks’ Assessment Centre to make your just-in-time teaching strategies a success!

   Learn More

4. Continue Working on the Just-in-Time Teaching Method

   Keeping the just-in-time teaching method active is important. Bringing in variety can keep the method alive. Below are some ways to do so:

   • Use different formats: Rotate between quizzes, group projects, or video reflections to prevent monotony.
   • Encourage peer feedback: Let students review each other’s responses before class—it builds collaboration and deeper learning.
   • Regularly revisit and refine: Don’t let the just-in-time teaching method become stale. Use feedback from students to update your questions and activities.
   • Gamify the process: Introduce fun challenges or leaderboards to keep motivation high.

What are the Benefits of the Just-in-Time Teaching Method?

The just-in-time teaching method isn’t just a bookish way of creating a better learning environment. When done right, there are several advantages to this method, such as:

1. Bridging the Gap Between Teachers and Students

   JiTT creates more opportunities for meaningful connections between students and instructors. By fostering real-time discussions and personalised engagement, it turns the classroom into a space for collaboration rather than a lecture hall. This bond makes learning less intimidating and more supportive.

2. Learning in Motion

   Active learning is all about doing rather than passively sitting through lectures. JiTT emphasizes hands-on problem-solving, discussions, and applications of concepts—making the learning experience dynamic and engaging.

3. Team Spirit in Action

   The just-in-time teaching method naturally promotes cooperative learning. Students collaborate on tasks and discussions, leading to stronger teamwork skills and a better understanding of different perspectives. It’s like group brainstorming but with a clear educational goal.

4. Instant Clarity

   With the just-in-time teaching method, prompt feedback is promoted. Students get timely responses to their questions and efforts, which helps clear doubts before they pile up and boosts confidence in their understanding.

5. Focused Momentum

   The just-in-time teaching strategy ensures students stay on task by making the most of their time in the classroom. It keeps the momentum going, eliminating distractions and helping students focus on what truly matters.

6. Raising the Bar

   Communicating high expectations shows students that their potential is recognised. With the just-in-time teaching method, students are challenged to reach higher, fostering a sense of achievement when they meet or even exceed those expectations.

7. Adapting to Every Need

   The just-in-time teaching approach thrives on variety, adapting to the diverse learning styles in any classroom. Whether a student is a visual learner, prefers hands-on activities, or thrives in discussions, JiTT offers something for everyone, making education more inclusive and effective.

Transform Learning with the Just-in-Time Teaching Method: Real-World Scenario

When it comes to explaining the just-in-time teaching approach, real-life examples make all the difference. Take this example:

As a high school physics teacher, you notice your students struggling with Newton’s Laws of Motion. Instead of diving straight into the lecture, you decide to give a quick, online pre-class assignment, including a couple of questions about force and acceleration tied to relatable scenarios, like pushing a grocery cart or riding a skateboard.

The responses roll in, and here’s where the just-in-time teaching method shines. You will see that many students understand basic force but are confused about friction. So, the next day’s class isn’t a generic lecture; it’s tailored. You can start the class with an engaging demo of sliding objects across different surfaces to clarify friction, connecting it back to Newton’s Laws.

Implementing Just-in-Time Teaching Method with Extramarks

While the just-in-time teaching approach is helpful, implementing it in real life can be tricky. But here’s when Extramarks can help!

• With Extramarks’ Smart Class, teachers can make learning fun by incorporating game-based activities like pop questions and in-video quizzes. These interactive elements keep students engaged and provide teachers with quick insights into their understanding.
• Our Assessment Centre offers a range of tools like quizzes and polls. As teachers, you can use these tools to design short assessments before the lesson begins, helping you gauge how well students have grasped key concepts.

By using these features, you can identify which areas students might be struggling with and offer support before diving into the main content, making JiTT an effective strategy to enhance learning.

Last Updated on March 4, 2025