Postsecondary CTE Instructor how-to

How to Teach a Hands-On Skill in Four Steps

Show, tell, do, review.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Show, tell, do, review. In short: explain; demonstrate; demonstrate, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Explain why the skill matters.

  2. Demonstrate slowly.

  3. Demonstrate again while explaining.

  4. Have the student try.

  5. Correct right away.

  6. Repeat until consistent.

Safety reminders for postsecondary CTE instructors

  • Teach shop safety before every lab
  • Require PPE
  • Inspect equipment
  • Keep emergency procedures posted

CTE · Perkins funding · Advisory board · Competency-based · Industry credential · Apprenticeship: see the full postsecondary CTE instructor glossary.

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