Informed teaching and inspired teaching: Is there a place for both in general education instruction?

Presented by: Gary Greene, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Special Education California State University, Long Beach Special Needs Consultant, U.S. State Department, Division of Overseas Schools

Definition of “informed” Based on possession of information; educated; knowledgeable; having or prepared with information or knowledge.

Definition of “inspired” To affect, guide, or arouse by divine influence; stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity; to be stimulated to influence, move, or guide.

Critical guiding questions? What information guides teaching? What scientific evidence do we have about teaching? Is teaching a science (e.g., based on empirically derived information)?

Critical guiding questions? Is there an inspiration or art to teaching? What do we know about inspirational and artistic people? Is inspiration and art innate or learned behavior? Can one teach in an inspirational and artful manner?

What is the information/knowledge base of teaching? 1.Curriculum 2.Instruction 3.Student characteristics and motivation 4.Assessment/Measurement/Feedback

What do we know about curriculum? 1.Varies from multiple subjects to single subjects. 2.Varies from basic to advanced skill levels. 3.Often tied to mandated standards. 4.It is the “what” to teach (versus the “how” to teach).

What do we know about instruction? 1.Multiple methods exist for delivering instruction (e.g., constructivist approach versus direct instruction). 2.Multiple variables must be taken into account when designing and delivering instruction (e.g., student characteristics, whole or small group, lecture or discussion). 3.Physical space, materials, technology, etc. affect instruction.

What do we know about student characteristics and motivation? 1.High degree of variability within within the general population. 2.High degree of variability within any given classroom. 3.All children can learn; we just have to find the right way to motivate and teach them!

What do we know about assessment and measurement? 1.Essential to the teaching/learning process (e.g., evidenced-based practices). 2.Used to help plan, guide, evaluate, and refine curriculum and instruction (e.g., data-based decision making). 3.Wide number of variables can be assessed and measured in a classroom (e.g., Bloom’s Taxonomy, active participation, understanding, motivation).

1.It is difficult to operationalize and measure, but “passion” is a common word used to describe it. 2.We know when we see it! 3.Unknown whether it is innate or learned. 4.A knowledge base does exist on the elements of inspired teaching (e.g., Teach Like a Champion, 2010). What do we know about inspired teaching?

Let’s look at the science of teaching (a.k.a. Effective Instruction) 1.Based on research conducted in the 1980’s (e.g., Brophy & Good; Goodlad; Hunter). 2.Specific teaching behaviors associated with higher academic achievement in students in general education classrooms.

Direct/Effective Instruction 1.Highly structured, teacher directed lesson. 2.Warm but businesslike classroom atmosphere. 3.High teacher expectations for all students. 4.High student time on task/active participation or all learners (ELT/ALT=1.00).

Direct Instruction 5 Step Lesson Plan: Anticipatory Set (Purpose/Objective) Instruction with frequent checks for understanding/whole group responding Guided Practice Independent Practice Closure

Teach Like a Champion (Lemov, 2010): The Essential Techniques 1.Set high academic expectations. 2.Planning that insures academic achievement. 3.Structuring and delivering your lessons. 4.Engaging your students in your lesson. 5.Creating a strong classroom culture.

Teach Like a Champion (Lemov, 2010): The Essential Techniques 6.Setting and maintaining high behavioral expectations. 7.Building character and trust. 8.Improving your pacing. 9.Challenging students to think critically.

Demonstration of Direct/Effective Instruction “Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to present to you the cups and balls!”

1.Capturing and maintaining student attention throughout the lesson. 2.Teacher creativity and flexibility (e.g., number of different ways you can design and present content so that all students learn). 3.Air of passion, expertise, confidence, and authority. 4.Fun factor. Elements of inspired teaching

Demonstration of Inspired Teaching The 3 Branches of Government

Informed and Inspired teaching: How do you accomplish both? 1.Study, practice, master evidence-based effective teaching. 2.Implement effective teaching in an inspired way and to the point of automaticity. 3.Engage in ongoing evaluation of your teaching, using feedback and data to hone and perfect your skill. 4.Evaluate if students in your classroom are having fun but also learning key content and standards. 5.Maintain ongoing commitment to professional growth.

In closing: How do I know if I’m an informed and inspired teacher? “One plus one and the son of a bitch is two!”