Cognitive Strategy Instruction (CSI)

CSI is an instructional approach that focuses on developing thinking skills to improve outcomes.  Many students with learning difficulties are passive in the learning.  CSI helps to engage students making them more active in their learning.  CSI also helps to improve executive functioning, which is often reported with struggling students.  The approach is effective because it provides strategies for students whose problems go beyond the achievement areas.

Cognitive Strategy instruction is designed to help students learn strategies employed by successful students. Learning strategies provide a framework, or game plan, for the student to follow.

An example for reading comprehension (paraphrasing) is RAP.  RAP reminds students to:

1. Read the paragraph
2. Ask yourself, "What were the main ideas and details in the paragraph?"
3. Put the main idea and details into your own words

Source:  Essentials of Evidence-Based Academic Interventions, Wendling, B. and Mather, N.