How to Develop Instructional Correctives for the MATATAG Curriculum

Teaching is never a one-size-fits-all journey. If you’re a Filipino teacher navigating the MATATAG curriculum, you already know that learners grasp lessons differently—some need extra guidance, others thrive in hands-on tasks, and many benefit from multiple opportunities to master skills. This is where instructional correctives come in.

Instructional correctives are structured strategies that help students address learning gaps after an assessment. Instead of simply moving on, you create intentional opportunities for reteaching, practice, and mastery. In this post, we’ll break down how to design two rounds of instructional correctives using the approaches recommended by the MATATAG curriculum.

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Why Instructional Correctives Matter

Imagine this: after a quiz on fractions, half of your class gets confused about writing word problems. Without corrective instruction, these gaps pile up and weaken future learning. Instructional correctives solve this by:

• Ensuring no learner is left behind.

• Reinforcing difficult concepts through different modes (reading, watching, working).

• Encouraging independence and mastery through step-by-step scaffolding.

• Preparing learners for the next round of assessment with confidence.

In short, correctives don’t just “fix mistakes”—they future-proof learning.

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The Framework: Two Rounds of Instructional Correctives

The MATATAG curriculum anchors corrective teaching on pedagogy. For English, this follows the Gradual Release of Responsibility (Fisher & Frey, 2008). For Science, it leans on inquiry-based and problem-solving approaches, while Mathematics uses the Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) model.

Here’s how you can structure the two rounds of correctives in your class.

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Round 1: Instructional Correctives

This is the first layer of reteaching where learners revisit misconceptions and relearn concepts.

Template Breakdown

Learning Competency: Clearly state the DepEd competency (e.g., Write problems involving addition of similar fractions).
21C Skill: Collaboration, critical thinking, communication, or creativity.
Sub 21C Skill: Narrow down to specifics like problem-solving, teamwork, or digital literacy.
Time Frame: Short sessions (15–30 minutes) integrated into class time.

How to Answer the Task (Explicit Instruction)

Take one item from the previous assessment and model how the correct answer is derived. Walk students through your thought process clearly.

Let’s Read (Guided Instruction)

Provide a short text or explanation for students to read.

• English Example: A passage showing how to use a concept map before writing.

• Science Example: A short text explaining photosynthesis in simple steps.

• Math Example: A written guide showing how to line up fractions before adding.

Let’s Watch (Visual Scaffolding)

Use visuals, infographics, or videos.

• Infographic showing plant parts.

• Short clip on how fractions can be applied in recipes.

• Concept map diagram as a model for planning a composition.

Let’s Work (Collaborative Practice)

Engage students in group or hands-on work.

• English: Small groups create their own concept maps.

• Science: Learners observe a real plant and identify parts.

• Math: Students create their own fraction word problems in pairs.

Feedforward (Encouragement)

Close with a forward-looking reminder.
“Next time, try to check if your fractions have the same denominator before solving. You’re on the right track—practice will make you faster!”

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Round 2: Instructional Mastery

The second round deepens mastery. Here, learners take more responsibility, applying skills independently.

Template Breakdown

Learning Competency: Same as Round 1, but expect higher independence.
21C Skill & Sub-skill: Still embedded, but focus more on application.
Time Frame: Slightly longer tasks (30–45 minutes).

How to Answer the Task (Explicit Instruction)

Briefly review one item again, but let learners explain the reasoning this time.

Let’s Read (Independent Reading)

Provide short readings that extend the lesson.

• English: A sample student essay built from a concept map.

• Science: A passage linking photosynthesis to climate change.

• Math: A solved example of a fraction word problem.

Let’s Watch (Elaboration)

Assign visuals or online resources for students to explore.

• Interactive simulations.

• Diagrams with questions.

• Short video lessons.

Let’s Work (Independent Practice)

Now learners show independence.

• English: Write a full composition using their own concept map.

• Science: Conduct a mini-experiment and record observations.

• Math: Write and solve their own fraction problem without help.

Feedforward

Encourage learners to transfer mastery beyond the classroom.
“As you create your next word problems, think of real-life scenarios where fractions are used—like sharing food, dividing money, or measuring materials.”

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Practical Tips for Teachers

• Mix modalities: Always combine at least two of the three (Read, Watch, Work) in each round.

• Keep it short: Correctives are focused, not full-length lessons.

• Be student-centered: Gradually release responsibility so students own their learning.

• Use real-life connections: Whether it’s plants, recipes, or stories, anchor lessons in everyday life.

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Final Thoughts

Instructional correctives are not about reteaching everything—it’s about teaching smarter. By following the MATATAG-aligned structure, you give students multiple chances to succeed, build confidence, and strengthen their foundation for future learning.

Remember: correctives are not the end, but the bridge to mastery.

So, next time your learners struggle, don’t just mark their answers wrong. Guide them through the journey of understanding—and watch them grow.