Curriculum and Instruction
Contact:
Kristie Gorman
Assistant Superintendent
High Yield Strategy
Definition: The ability to break a concept into its similar and dissimilar characteristics allows students to understand complex problems by analyzing them in a more simple way or by comparing new knowledge to prior knowledge.
What does that look like in the Classroom? T-charts, Venn diagrams, classifying, analogies, cause and effect links, compare and contrast organizers, QAR (questions/answer/relationship), Etch-a-Sketch, Frayer Model
Definition: Summarizing and note-taking skills promote greater comprehension by asking students to analyze a subject to expose what’s essential and then put in their own words. Verbatim note-taking, however, is ineffective because it does not allow time to process the information. Teachers should encourage and give time for review.
What dos that look like in the Classroom? Cornell notes, teacher models summarization techniques, identify key concepts, bullets, outlines, clusters, two and three column notes, gallery walk posters, quick writes, collaborative summarizing, learning log and graphic organizers, Interactive Lecture, TPTs (total participation techniques), request
Definition: Effort and recognition speak to the attitudes and beliefs of students, and teachers must show the connection between effort and achievement. Recognition is most effective if it is contingent on the achievement of a certain standard. Intrinsic and symbolic recognition is most effective- not tangible rewards.
What does that look like in the Classroom? High expectations, student norms and non-negotiables, display finished products with rubrics, praise students’ efforts, prescriptive feedback to student, encourage students to share ideas and express their thoughts, honor learning styles, conference individually, recognition system, classroom PDSA (plan, do, study, act), PBIS, and student data notebooks
Definition: Research shows that knowledge is stored in two forms: linguistic and nonlinguistic (representing knowledge in a form other than words- visually, kinesthetically, smells, tastes, etc.) The more students use both forms in a classroom, the more they achieve.
What does that look like in the Classroom? Visual tools and manipulatives, choice menus, problem-solution organizers, diagrams, concept maps and webs, drawings, charts, rank order ladder, priority pyramid, consensogram, thinking maps, graphic organizers, Mind’s Eye, Etch-A-Sketch, storyboards, fold-ables, make physical models, Project based learning, pictographs, creating designs
Definition: Cooperative learning yields a positive impact on overall learning. Be systematic and consistent in this approach. Clear roles and guidelines need to be established to function as a group or team.
What does that look like in the Classroom? Reader’s Theatre, Think-Pair-Share, Socratic Circle, Literature Circles, shared reading and writing, plays, science projects, debates, jigsaw, group reports, choral reading, integrate content and language through group engagement, Kagan strategies, learning stations
Definition: Setting objectives can provide students with a direction for their learning. Goals should integrated throughout all parts of the lesson; not only at the beginning of a lesson. Feedback that is specific to content and student will produce positive results.
What does that look like in the Classroom? Student data notebook, embedded learning target, students personalize learning objective, articulating, displaying, referencing, assessing and revisiting learning goals, standards-based grading, KWL, anticipation guide, setting classroom and individual goals, PDSA (plan-do-study-act)
Definition: A deductive approach (using a general rule to make a prediction) works best. Students should clearly explain their hypotheses and conclusions.
What does that look like in the Classroom? Problem solving, historical investigation, project based learning, experimental inquiry, decision making, anticipation guide, advance organizers, learning quests
Definition: Students can use what they already know about a topic to enhance further learning. These tools should be highly analytical, should focus on what is important, and most effective if presented before a learning experience.
What does that look like in the Classroom? Read around the text, skimming, guiding questions before each lesson, graphic organizers, think alouds, inferencing, predicting, drawing conclusions, skim and scan, foldabales, Word Walls, ABC vocabulary, CODE, word spiral, TIP (term, information, picture), request
Resources:
Classroom Instruction that Works:Research Based Strategies for Increasing Student Achievement- Robert Marzano
Kagan Cooperative Learning Strategies- Dr. Spencer Kagan
How to Teach Academic Vocabulary-Dr. Sharon Faber
Thoughtful Education: Tools for Promoting Active, in Depth Learning
Total Participation Techniques- Persida and William Himmele
Project Based Learning- William Bender
Classroom Assessment for Learning (CASL)- Chappuis, Stiggins, Arter
The Strategic Teacher- Silver snd Strong
Charlotte Danielson Framework for Teaching and Teachscape
Jim Shipley Systems Training