1. Identify desired results Interesting learning is not the same as effective learning. We want what’s going to stick. Why is it important for my students to know and be able to do? What big ideas and important understandings should my students retain? What is worthy of understanding? Establishing curricular priorities: Level 1 - enduring understanding (what should they retain after other details are forgotten - application and transfer of knowledge) Level 2 - important to know and do (important knowledge and skills - facts, concepts, strategies, processes, methods) Level 3 - worth being familiar with (broad knowledge - read, review, encounter) Small amount of knowledge will endure, mostly they’ll remember skills and overall impression of subject 2. Determine acceptable evidence How will you know if your students have reached the desired result? Use oral questions, observations, informal dialogue, quizzes, performance tasks/projects, open-ended prompts, etc. Test multiple ways and many times. Ensure your chosen methods reflect the step 1 desired results. 3. Plan learning experiences and instructions Successful understanding can rely on being able to transfer the skill/knowledge to a new situation. Questions for planning instruction/learning experiences - what do learners need, given the desired results? What is the best use of time spent in and out of the classroom given the performance goals? Good planning is engaging and effective. Engaging = pulled deeper into content, effective = learners are more competent and productive Expectations when using this model: - Orientation shift where students are centre. Teacher can still teach, but sometimes they are a coach/guide. Students should be given time to figure out information and what to do with it. - Assessments and activities may change. Make sure they still align with objectives. - With a focus on big picture, lesson may be more challenging and uncomfortable. Sharing the why/how up front will help, and explaining up front that mistakes are part of the learning process.
Great presentation! I especially appreciated the graphic related to establishing curricular priorities. This will help me to make this idea much more clear to the teachers I am working with. Thank you.
