Some bits a pieces from the course I attended last week:
Using VERBS in questions to ensure students CAN respond. Instead of 'why do we need to stretch?' state, 'Explain the reasons why you need to stretch.' I think the underlying point, is that, verbs give students a 'road sign' as to what they are required to do. Without the verb, students have nothing to hang their response on, essentially. Bloom's Taxonomy is key to developing effective questions. I think most teachers have come across Bloom's Taxonomy at some point, but it is great to have a refresher every now and again and I think it definitely provides teachers with a support when writing effective teaching and learning activities.
Activities:
Elimination Draw - could be used to develop students' awareness of key ideas. It was interesting working through this activity, it allowed us to get to the core of what we were truly thinking and feeling about certain elements. Adding a 'Discuss' and 'Evaluate' to the end of the activity can really elevate it and provide a great prompt and support for extended writing. ITC have provided a master and an overview for use in the classroom.
Think, Pair, Share - I have used this a great deal with classes who are reluctant to speak up in front of their peers. It ensures that they are able to confer with a peer before sharing and feel more confident to contribute to the group discussion. Ideas could then be popped into an Elimination Draw!
Pros, Cons, Questions
Lesson Observations:
So the key points when thinking about effective lesson observations are:
- Reflection
- Respect
- Energy (but not to the point of arrogance, arrogance = INERTIA)
- Humility
- Growth
The ultimate goal of lesson observations, and PDPs (Performance and Development Plans) is to focus on teacher improvement, regardless of experience level. I think the idea of lifelong learning is something we all want to instil in our students, so it is definitely something we should endeavour to maintain in our professional lives. Staying engaged in current research around pedagogical approaches also means staff are empowered and feel confident to approach challenges in their classrooms.
So in observing lessons, consider where are teachers sitting, are they competent or EXTRAORDINARY? How do we move all staff into the category of 'Extraordinary'? by providing insightful and immediate feedback and by being confident to address areas where a teacher may improve in a respectful and proactive way.
Thanks to ITC and Eric Frangenheim for a wonderful and engaging Professional Learning workshop.
The Verb:
Resources from ITC Publications:
Teacher Performance and Development Template:
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