Priming

Abstract

DESCRIPTION Simply stated, the purposes of priming are to (a) familiarize the student with the material before its use; (b) introduce predictability into the information or activity, thereby reducing stress and anxiety; and (c) increase student success. Priming typically involves showing the actual materials that will be used in a lesson the day or morning before the lesson. In some cases, priming may occur right before the activity, such as when a peer mentor overviews what will occur during the science experiment just prior to the beginning of science class. Priming for a school day can be accomplished in less than 10 minutes.