Through years of lived educator experiences, and classroom research, we have identified four key areas of classroom teaching that educators should be proficient in; we call them the Big Four and offer them as starting points for workshop topics. This is a dynamic list; we keep adding popularly demanded session topics every week.
Accomplished teachers base their teaching practices on sound knowledge of subject content and conceptual underpinnings, selecting appropriate content delivery strategies based on students’ learning needs, and aligning all this to specific grade-level learning outcomes. Planning for Classroom Teaching enables teachers to efficiently plan lessons and leverage technology to amplify student learning. Recommended topics under this area include, but are not limited to:
● Basics of designing strong learning outcomes
Session examples: How to use learning outcomes for goal-setting, Learning Outcomes & Skill Building
● Basics/Advanced primers on Instructional Models
Session examples: Inquiry-based classrooms, Metacognitive Learning; Project-based Learning
● Entry points for unit planning
Session examples: Using Key Concepts for Unit Planning
● Developing lesson plans and sequences
Session examples: Strategies for Designing Effective Lesson Plans
● Choosing the right Tech Tools for effective instruction
Session examples: Tech Tools to Improve Student Collaboration
Teachers are required to rethink traditional teaching and learning methods to adapt to the changing classroom and student needs. A teacher needs to be prepared to address challenging behaviour situations and be familiar with child safety protocols. Delivering Instruction encompasses understanding and addressing diverse student needs, inculcating 21st-century skills, designing inclusive activities and spaces, modeling positive behaviour, and designing relevant learning spaces and learning time to foster student learning. Recommended topics under this area include, but are not limited to:
● Optimising learning spaces & seating
Session examples: Designing Working Walls, Setting up Working Stations