EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR TEACHING Establishing the Foundations for Teaching and Learning

Activity Envision your very favorite middle school teacher. What personal qualities, knowledge, and skills made that teacher particularly effective? Draw a sketch or create a word collage that captures that person’s essence. Be ready to compare your view with classmates.

Theories That Shaped Teaching Rousseau Pestalozzi Froebel Dewey Montessori Vygotski Piaget Bruner

Constructivism It echoes the basic premise of this ancient Chinese proverb: “I hear and I forget; I see and I remember; I do and I understand.” In this student-centered approach, students are active participants in their own learning; teacher- centered strategies, such as lecturing, are minimized. Students’ minds are no longer seen as blank slates or as empty vessels that need to be filled. Constructivists believe that learners construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world based upon their experiences and reflection.

Constructivism Students construct their own meaning by negotiating that meaning with others, making connections with and modifying prior conceptions, and addressing content in a variety of contexts. Because students are active creators of their own knowledge, they are encouraged to ask questions, explore, and access what they know. Students construct understanding of concepts themselves by connecting new learning with prior knowledge and experiences.

Constructivism Instead of spending time memorizing material, filling in the blanks on worksheets, and repeating large numbers of similar problems, students learn to solve novel problems, integrate information, and create knowledge for themselves. Teachers facilitate learning by building upon students’ preexisting knowledge, urging them to use active techniques (experiments, real-world problem solving) to create more knowledge, and then providing time for reflections upon what they have learned.

Skills of Effective Teacher According to Danielson (2007), effective teachers: 1. Engage in quality planning and preparation, 2. Prepare a positive classroom environment, 3. Use proven instructional techniques, and 4. Exhibit professional behavior.

Quality Planning and Preparation Effective teachers spend considerable time and energy planning the activities, materials, and evaluation elements associated with teaching the content.

The Classroom Environment Effective teachers create and maintain a positive, student-focused learning environment. Furthermore, effective middle school teachers organize classroom materials, carefully schedule activities, and address inappropriate student behavior to increase time on task.

The Classroom Environment Six common dispositions and attitudes that effective teachers hold: First of all, effective teachers are genuine. Second, effective teachers have realistic, yet challenging, expectations for all of their students. Third, effective care about their students. Fourth, effective teachers are excited about teaching and learning. Fifth, effective teachers value diversity. Finally, effective teachers willing to collaborate.

Instructional Techniques Effective teachers establish open classroom communication, clearly articulate their ideas, actively engage students, use a variety of teaching strategies, promote students’ critical thinking, provide timely feedback and perceived needs.

Concept Description Teaching as art Teaching as science Organized classroom Transfer Effective teachers have natural instincts for teaching. Effective teaching comes from learned laws and principles of teaching. Classroom is structured around a businesslike atmosphere and well- planned appropriate lessons. The ability to use information acquired in one situation in new situations. Teaching Concepts

Brad Henry “A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love for learning.”