Instruction is just as important as the curriculum we teach.
This so called "vehicle" consist of 5 key elements. They are:
- important- What we study is essential to the structure of the discipline.
- focused-Whatever we do is unambiguously aligned with the articulated and essential learning goals.
- engaging-Students most often find meaning in their work.
- demanding-The work is most often a bit beyond the reach of each learner.
- scaffolded- The teacher teaches for success.
Many of you might think this seems pretty obvious. How easy it is though to overlook these things though and this is something that you absolutely must not do.
When curriculum and instruction meet these elements students are able to soar. Teaching becomes phenomenal and individual as well as class achievement sky rockets.
It's also important to help your students understand why it is you are teaching specific curriculum. When students understand why you have having them learn about specific concepts they perform better and become more actively engaged. I've seen this from personal experience.
Remember you don't want a vehicle that doesn't run properly. Check it often and adjust where needed and you will be smooth sailing.
Happy Tuesday,
Laurel (like Carl)
It's hard to reflect deeply about short entries... perhaps you could combine some of these. They can easily start sounding like just regurgitating what the textbook says. (You're not there yet, but I'm hoping for some deeper reflection. Readers can go read the book for the information, but what makes a blog interesting is the addition of your own experiences, opinions, feelings, and questions. 4 pts.
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