Students Are Unable to Achieve Mastery
When teachers do not ensure students have required materials, they are unable to effectively teach students to mastery. Learning time is often lost while materials are located, or replacement materials sourced. This results in less time for students to firm their understanding and demonstrate mastery. Alternatively, the teacher may decide to skip parts of the lesson, such as independent work, when students do not have the required materials. This leads to gaps or incomplete activities within workbooks, providing limited evidence at best. The teacher cannot be sure that a student is at mastery if they have not completed all tasks. Data, in the form of work samples in workbooks, is inconsistent or unreliable as an indication of student mastery.
The Problem is Compounded
Learning material like workbooks are essential to track development of skills and to demonstrate mastery of the lesson content. When students do not have their workbooks, they are unable to complete all activities or independent work effectively. Replacement worksheets are often misplaced, and the work forgotten without the ability to review previous work.
When learning materials are misplaced and time must be spent locating them, students have less time to practise skills and consolidate their understanding of the lesson content and achieve mastery.