Better Feedback, Improved Lessons


Book Description

Good teaching does not just happen during classroom instruction. The instructional design practices teachers participate in outside of instruction can have impact on potential learning opportunities that take place during class time. Lesson planning is one of those practices that can improve a teacher’s instruction; however, it needs to be supported. Although there are a plethora of lesson plan models to assist teachers, there are no concrete strategies to help principals, teacher educators and mentors give constructive feedback on lesson plans that can impact teachers’ content, pedagogy or classroom management. This book addresses it, and provides specific strategies that supervisors can use. The goal is to use lesson plans as an educative tool.




Understanding by Design


Book Description

What is understanding and how does it differ from knowledge? How can we determine the big ideas worth understanding? Why is understanding an important teaching goal, and how do we know when students have attained it? How can we create a rigorous and engaging curriculum that focuses on understanding and leads to improved student performance in today's high-stakes, standards-based environment? Authors Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe answer these and many other questions in this second edition of Understanding by Design. Drawing on feedback from thousands of educators around the world who have used the UbD framework since its introduction in 1998, the authors have greatly revised and expanded their original work to guide educators across the K-16 spectrum in the design of curriculum, assessment, and instruction. With an improved UbD Template at its core, the book explains the rationale of backward design and explores in greater depth the meaning of such key ideas as essential questions and transfer tasks. Readers will learn why the familiar coverage- and activity-based approaches to curriculum design fall short, and how a focus on the six facets of understanding can enrich student learning. With an expanded array of practical strategies, tools, and examples from all subject areas, the book demonstrates how the research-based principles of Understanding by Design apply to district frameworks as well as to individual units of curriculum. Combining provocative ideas, thoughtful analysis, and tested approaches, this new edition of Understanding by Design offers teacher-designers a clear path to the creation of curriculum that ensures better learning and a more stimulating experience for students and teachers alike.




The Feedback Fix


Book Description

Highly recommended by bestselling author Marshall Goldsmith The secret to giving better feedback isn’t what we say – it’s what others hear. Too often, people hear about a past they can’t control, not a future they can. That changes with “feedforward” – a radical approach to sharing feedback that unleashes the performance and potential of everyone around us. From managers and coaches trying to energize their teams, to teachers hoping to motivate their students, to parents looking to empower their children, people from all walks of life want others to hear what they have to say. Through a lively blend of stories and studies, The Feedback Fix shows them how by presenting a six-part REPAIR plan that spreads feedforward across boardrooms, classrooms, and even dining rooms. Even with drastic changes in how we work and live, the experiences we create for others – joy or fear, growth or decline, success or failure – still hang on the feedback we share. The Feedback Fix makes a compelling argument for getting what we want by giving others what they need – all while rebuilding the way we lead, learn, and live.




Using Student Feedback to Improve Learning Materials


Book Description

The use of self-instructional learning materials, presented through a wide range of media, was becoming an increasingly pervasive and important part of the educational scene at all levels, from infant school to university. Much had been written, both theoretical and practical, about various aspects of the techniques for developing such materials. However, one phase of the development process, while generally recognised to be critical in producing materials of high quality and educational effectiveness, had been relatively neglected in the literature. This is the phase of trying out the materials in draft form on students, collecting feedback and undertaking revision in the light of the ensuing data. Based on considerable practical experience, this book, originally published in 1980, examines the planning and executing of the collection of feedback from students, on self-instructional learning materials concerned with various subject-matters and presented through various media, both printed and audio-visual. A brief survey of the development of materials-based learning is provided in order to set the use of student feedback in context, and to sort out some of the terminology in common use. The main part of the book illustrates a step by step method through all the stages of the try-out process, from initial planning of the project to final revision of the materials. Thus a particular approach to the process of trying out draft materials is advocated, which is outlined by means of a case study. Finally, there is an examination of whether using student feedback to revise learning materials can actually improve their educational quality and effectiveness, with particular reference to the approach described earlier. Incorporating a full bibliography, this study combines a comprehensive review of what is known about this crucial phase of developing learning materials, with an original ‘how to do it' guide for practitioners which has itself been subject to extensive try-out.




Using Lesson Observation to Improve Learning


Book Description

This book focuses on the most common areas for improvement in teaching, learning and assessment that are regularly identified in lesson observations, including beginning and ending lessons, differentiation, assessment for learning, giving feedback and effective questioning. Many of the observations about these key topics are not fully understood by teachers, who remain unclear about what can they can do to improve. Specifically written for use within vocational contexts, Sharrock helps you to fully understand these common areas for improvement, unpicks what good and poor practice might look like, and provides practical activities and strategies for you to use and adapt in your teaching. It therefore addresses the strong government drive to improve standards and the need to help FE colleges and other post-16 providers achieve this aim.




Improving Student Learning One Principal at a Time


Book Description

This book's breakthrough approach to supervision, built on the Teaching Schema for Master Learners introduced in the ASCD best-seller Improving Student Learning One Teacher at a Time, is a simple way to help teachers make the right adjustments in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and feedback—the four areas of practice that make the most difference in how learners learn. Here you'll find clear, practical guidelines designed to complement and enhance your school's existing observation and evaluation models. Jane E. Pollock and Sharon M. Ford explain how to Focus classroom observations and feedback on the critical classroom decisions that promote meaningful, lasting learning. Guide teachers toward the most effective curriculum, teaching, assessment, and feedback strategies for each stage of the lesson. Support teachers' efforts to align the plan book and the grade book for better instructional decisions and higher student achievement. Along with these research-based recommendations, the book also features the voices of working administrators who share the difference this approach has made for them, their teachers, and their students. You too may find it's the tool you've been looking for to revitalize yourself as instructional leader, shift your focus from inspecting teaching to improving learning, and build a more positive and more successful school.




Supporting Teachers: Improving Instruction


Book Description

In the last decades, progress in the field of pre-service and in-service teacher education has been evident. Despite the developments of curriculum programs, models and designs, various challenges are shaping the field. Models of teacher education are usually presented as 'research-based', but related research is often invisible or fragmented. The 'support for teachers' and the 'improvement of instruction' are only loosely coupled and their interdependence is not highlighted. These challenges were the impetus to initiate this publication. Individual approaches, models or designs of pre-service and in-service teacher education developed by the authors (action research, video clubs, lesson studies, and others) are introduced and their impact and shortcomings for further development are specified. In the concluding chapter, a reflective discussion across individual approaches to reveal particular issues that are shaping the field is provided. Practitioners as well as researchers in the field of teacher education can benefit from this book.




Improving Adult Literacy Instruction


Book Description

Virtually everyone needs a high level of literacy in both print and digital media to negotiate most aspects of 21st century life-succeeding in a competitive job market, supporting a family, navigating health information, and participating in civic activities. Yet, according to a recent survey estimate, more than 90 million adults in the United States lack the literacy skills needed for fully productive and secure lives. At the request of the U.S. Department of Education, the National Research Council convened a committee of experts from many disciplines to synthesize research on literacy and learning in order to improve instruction for those served in adult education in the U.S. The committee's report, Improving Adult Literacy Instruction: Options for Practice and Research, recommends a program of research and innovation to gain a better understanding of adult literacy learners, improve instruction, and create the supports adults need for learning and achievement. Improving Adult Literacy Instruction: Supporting Learning and Motivation, which is based on the report, describes principles of effective instruction to guide those who design and administer adult literacy programs and courses. It also explores ways to motivate learners to persist in their studies, which is crucial given the thousands of hours of study and practice required to become proficient.The booklet concludes with a look at technologies that show promise for supporting individual learners and freeing busy adults from having to be in a particular place in order to practice their literacy skills. Although this booklet is not intended as a "how to" manual for instructors, teachers may also find the information presented here to be helpful as they plan and deliver instruction.




Lesson Study to Improve Teaching Skills


Book Description

In "Lesson Study to Improve Teaching Skills," Dr. Drs. MARSONO, M. Pd. H introduces educators to a transformative approach to professional development. This comprehensive guide navigates through the intricate landscape of Lesson Study, offering insights, strategies, and real-world case studies to enhance teaching skills through collaborative practices. Delving into the historical origins of Lesson Study in Japan and its global evolution, the book lays a solid foundation for understanding its theoretical framework. From collaborative planning processes to reflective practices and feedback mechanisms, each chapter equips teachers with practical tools to deepen their learning and foster a culture of inquiry and collaboration. With a focus on addressing common challenges in teaching and learning, the book explores innovative strategies for designing rigorous and engaging lessons, integrating technology effectively, and building inclusive learning environments. It also emphasizes the importance of culturally responsive teaching practices and involving families and communities in the educational journey. Packed with actionable insights and backed by research, "Lesson Study to Improve Teaching Skills" serves as a roadmap for educators seeking to enhance their professional growth and make a meaningful impact on student learning in today's diverse world.




The Teacher's Guide to Successful Professional Learning Networks: Overcoming Challenges and Improving Student Outcomes


Book Description

“The establishment of professional learning networks can be transformational for you personally and professionally. This book takes you step by step through the process of developing an effective Professional Learning Network (PLN) to create and realise a new status quo!” Catherine Carden, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK “The book impressively underscores the relevance and opportunities of Professional Learning Networks for innovation in school, while also addressing the challenges and pitfalls of successfully establishing, running and sustaining PLNs from the perspective of teachers.” Colin Cramer, University of Tuebingen, Germany “This book is a must read for practitioners, policy makers and researchers interested in Professional Learning Networks! [It] provides readers with concrete recipes with all the necessary ingredients, including leadership, trust and collaboration, to ensure PLN success.” Prof. Dr. Kim Schildkamp, University of Twente, the Netherlands The Teacher’s Guide to Successful Professional Learning Networks supports educators with practical guidelines developed from the authors’ practical and research-based experience in this area. Taking a step-by-step approach, the book guides readers through the different stages of inquiry and influencing factors involved with successfully running a PLN. The authors explore how teachers can participate in networks to achieve deep reflective inquiry and make positive changes in teaching and learning. The book: -Builds on international research into professional learning networks (PLNs) -Uses illustrative case studies from a range of contexts across the world -Provides step-by-step guidance to help readers establish sustainable PLNs Drawing from a diverse range of international contexts and with content stretching from early years to secondary, this book is essential reading for any educator looking to create, expand or enhance their Professional Learning Network. Cindy Poortman is Associate Professor at the University of Twente in the Netherlands. Her research and teaching focus is teacher and school leader professional development in PLNs. She has co-founded and is coordinating the PLN network within the International Congress for School Effectiveness and Improvement (ICSEI). Chris Brown is Professor and Director of Research at the Department of Education Studies at the University of Warwick, UK. He has co-edited two books on Professional Learning Networks, is co-editor of the Professional Learning Networks Book Series, and is co-founder and co-convener of the ICSEI Professional Learning Networks research network.