-
Do WE Learn Alike?
75% of teachers are analytic, sequential learners
80% of students are not analytic, sequential learners
If given a choice what type of test would you take?
- Multiple choice
- Art, Music, drama, dance
- Speech
- Essay
- Project
Learning take most effectively in classrooms where knowledge is clearly and powerfully organized, students are active in the learning process, assessments are rich and varied and students fell a sense of safety and connection.
Typical Student
Advanced learners may be advanced in September, but not in May
- They can become lazy
- They can easily be hooked on grades
- They can become perfectionists
Shaking up What a Typical Classroom
- multiple options for taking in information
- many ways of making sense of ideas
- many ways expressing learning
- many avenues to acquiring content
- different ways of processing or making sense of ideas
- Engaging ways of developing products
- Different "time tables" for learning
- Proactive
- quality not quantity
- multiple approaches to content, process, and product
- student-centered
- A blend of whole-class, group, and individual instruction
- powerful curriculum
- engaging instruction
- modify instruction so is prepared for the next phase
- blends whole class, small group and individual instruction
- adjustments made constantly for learners
The Teacher
- Director
- Coach
- Jazz Musician
- Facilitator
- Learner
Best Practices
- Learning that is meaningful to the student
- Learning that is challenging
- Learning that is developmentally appropriate
- Learning that allows for choices
- Learning that is interactive
- Learning that provides feedback
- Learning that goes from known to unknown
- Learning that allows concentration on strategies
- Learning that is teaching process throughout
- Learning that provides an accepting emotional climate
- Learning that leads to a successful classroom
Instruction Flow
- Whole class reviews key idea
- Whole class extends learning
- Whole class introduced to skills
- Whole class listens to projects
- Whole class explores concept
- Varied materials based on readiness and learning style
- Teachers and students share materials
- Small groups applies key principles t solve problems related to study
- Students self select areas through which they will extend their understanding
Struggling Learners
- Be positive at all times
- Enhance strengths
- Scaffold for success
- Learn Key ideas and big concepts
- Teach up
- Don't limit
- Teach success
- Small steps
- Provide guidance
- Learn the way each child learns best and use it
How Well do You Know Your Students?
- Try to list five strengths and weaknesses for each child.
- Try having each child fill our a learning style inventory
- Which way does each child prefer to learn?
Is it Possible for You to Accept Different Ways of Doing Assignments?
- How often do you use flexible grouping?
- Do you give children a choice of how to deliver and assignment?
- Can you be flexible in grading?