Adapted from Online Forums in the Classroom Debbie K. Locklear Curriculum Specialist

Step 1 Engage: Spark students interest with an activity (Class Starter) that the learners can relate to their previous experiences. Students share what they know about the topic – concept. Teachers connect previous knowledge to new topics - concepts the learner will discover.

Step 2 Explain (Sage on the Stage): Teachers formally provide instruction, definitions, and models desired outcomes (if applicable). Teachers lead students to construction of formal labels, definitions, and deeper understanding of topic – concept being presented. Students are encouraged to listen to and interpret the information presented (notes). Students will use the information gathered to explore.

Step 3 Explore (Guide on the Side): Students explore, predict, experiment, observe, discover, and discuss through hands-on or minds-on activities. Teachers act as a facilitator of learning by encouraging, listening, observing, and questioning students throughout Step 3.

Step 4 Evaluation: Teachers assess the learners’ comprehension of the topic/concept - students demonstrate comprehension/mastery through class participation (observable) and/or independent practice (application - assessment).

Step 5 Enrichment (Acceleration or Remediation): Students can apply what they have learned to similar activities or situations (acceleration). OR Students are provided additional support in order to close the achievement gap (remediation).