1.  2008 Danka Increasing Engaged Time, Decreasing Down Time Strategies for getting and keeping students focused.

2.  2008 Danka Objectives Gain an understanding of how time is broken down into categories Describe ways to increase both engaged time and actual learning time Share ideas on effective daily routines and practices

3.  2008 Danka Agenda The time factor – allotted time – scheduled instructional time – engaged time – actual learning time

4.  2008 Danka Agenda continued Increasing engaged time – establishing routines – leaving NOTHING OUT! Warm-up activities – PSSA focused – “Student Starters” Discussion of what works

5.  2008 Danka A Case Study Please refer to the first page of your study guide.

6.  2008 Danka Problem: Classroom Interruptions Engaged time can be interrupted by – student lateness and dismissal – make-up work – students leaving classroom – distribution and collection of material

7.  2008 Danka The Time Factor Allotted time – the maximum amount of time, as determined by the state Scheduled instructional time – amount of time actually spent on instruction

8.  2008 Danka The Time Factor, continued Engaged time – the portion of scheduled instructional time that a student is paying attention Actual learning time – the amount of time a student grasps the concept (Suarez 1991) Our goal: Find ways to increase engaged time!

9.  2008 Danka Recognizing the Problem Does it take several minutes to get class settled? Are there repeated interruptions? Are your lessons often cut short due to time? Do you have frequent ODRs for minor classroom disruptions?

10.  2008 Danka If you answered yes, you may experience… Frustration with yourself and your planning Frustration with your students Parent questions and concerns Intervention by administration

11.  2008 Danka Contributing Factors: How did things get so out of control? Content knowledge + preparedness + lack of classroom management = Ineffective Teaching (and less student engaged time)

12.  2008 Danka Is Classroom Management EVERYTHING? NO! But without it, engaged time decreases, and education becomes nearly impossible. (Palumbo, A. and J. Sanacore, 2007)

13.  2008 Danka If You Ever Feel… Overwhelmed by the number of students in your classes Overwhelmed by the content you’re expected to teach Overwhelmed by the expectations for standardized tests You need to …

14.  2008 Danka Put A Little Work Into Your Routines and Procedures And Soon They’ll Work For YOU!

15.  2008 Danka Problem: Getting Students Started On Time Routines and procedures – You start the class, NOT the bell (Wong 2001) – Opening activities that work PSSA –math warm-ups –writing (find the mistake) “Student Starters” (Ducharme, 1997) journal responses: personal connections

16.  2008 Danka Problem: Students returning from an absence Establish procedures for make-up work – designate an area for assignment sheets train students to go straight there when they return – sign-up sheet have students sign up for a time when they are available to stop in and catch up

17.  2008 Danka Problem: Distributing and Collecting Material Student work table including – inbox – outbox – stapler – tape – pencils Include anything a student might ask YOU for! Save time and teach self-sufficiency

18.  2008 Danka Problem: Transitions Write the agenda on the board – students know what to expect – students know what is expected of them (fewer surprises = fewer interruptions)

19.  2008 Danka Where You Can Get Help See the Reading List on the study guide for helpful resources.

20.  2008 Danka Case Study Revisited Read over the case study again – What could have been done to make the lesson more efficient?

21.  2008 Danka References Ducharme, Jodeen. (1997). Student starters: using a student-read announcement or article as a classroom management strategy. 5pp. Palumbo, A. & Sanacore, J. (2007). Classroom management help for the beginning secondary school teacher. Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues, and Ideas, v80 n4 p 163-166 Mar-Apr. Suarez, T., Torlone, D., McGrath, S., & Clark, D. (1991). Enhancing effective instructional time: a review of research. Policy Brief. V1 n2.11pp. Wong, HK and Wong RT. (2001) The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher (2 nd ed.). Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications.

22.  2008 Danka Contact Information For further information about this presentation, please contact: Jenny Danka, University of Pittsburgh