Curriculum & Instructional Strategies Session 2 The most damaging phrase in the language is: “It's always been done that way.” Rear Admiral Grace Hopper Write your reflections in your Idea Cookbook, and we’ll discuss it when everyone is finished.

Beginning Class Items Announcements (Rachel’s Challenge)Announcements (Rachel’s Challenge) Book shareBook share Article shareArticle share General thoughts or commentsGeneral thoughts or comments Anyone change any personal information?Anyone change any personal information? Anyone have a job to report?Anyone have a job to report?

I wonder… 1.Should teachers give a student the grade earned? 2.Can standards be too high? 3.Should teachers be judged by student performance?

While examining Mary’s school file, Ms. Foster observes that Mary’s grades have been generally good, with some variation. Mary’s social studies grades have been more variable than grades in other subjects. As she interprets these grades, which of the following points should Ms. Foster keep in mind? A.Some variation in course grades is normal because different teachers may apply different standards in assigning grades to students B.Minor fluctuations in a student’s course grades over time often indicate the presence of stress related to factors outside of school C.Course grades in a given content area tend to be stable because they are based on student work completed over an extended period of time D.Students’ grades in a subject area should be expected to vary widely over time due o differences in course content from year to year

While examining Mary’s school file, Ms. Foster observes that Mary’s grades have been generally good, with some variation. Mary’s social studies grades have been more variable than grades in other subjects. As she interprets these grades, which of the following points should Ms. Foster keep in mind? A.Some variation in course grades is normal because different teachers may apply different standards in assigning grades to students B.Minor fluctuations in a student’s course grades over time often indicate the presence of stress related to factors outside of school C.Course grades in a given content area tend to be stable because they are based on student work completed over an extended period of time D.Students’ grades in a subject area should be expected to vary widely over time due o differences in course content from year to year

A parent calls Ms. Henry, a 9th grade teacher, to complain about the amount of work Ms. Henry requires of the students in her class, which the parent describes as “excessive and unrealistic.” Ms. Henry suggests that the parent meet with her to discuss the issue, and the parent agrees. Ms Henry can best ensure a productive meeting with the parent by: A.clarifying what changes the parent would like to see occur in the class B.examining why this parent’s child is complaining about work in the class while other students are not C.listening to the parent’s concerns and explaining reasons for assigning the work D.comparing the amount of work Ms. Henry requires with the amount of work by other teachers

A parent calls Ms. Henry, a 9th grade teacher, to complain about the amount of work Ms. Henry requires of the students in her class, which the parent describes as “excessive and unrealistic.” Ms. Henry suggests that the parent meet with her to discuss the issue, and the parent agrees. Ms Henry can best ensure a productive meeting with the parent by: A.clarifying what changes the parent would like to see occur in the class B.examining why this parent’s child is complaining about work in the class while other students are not C.listening to the parent’s concerns and explaining reasons for assigning the work D.comparing the amount of work Ms. Henry requires with the amount of work by other teachers

Write down the following: 1.What is your most positive memory of a teacher? 2.What is your most negative memory of a teacher? After…let’s discuss how these might impact you as a classroom teacher. Curriculum & Instructional Strategies Sessions 2

“Student Teacher Talks…” (p. 207) Discussion Curriculum & Instructional Strategies Sessions 2

Backward Design If you were to plan any of the following, how might you go about it? a.Wedding b.Party c.Professional goals d.Vacation Curriculum & Instructional Strategies Sessions 2

“Backward Design” (pp ) Three groups Group #1 – What is Backward Design? (p. 17) Group #2 – The Backward Design Process (p. 18) Group #3 – Application of Backward Design (p. 25) Formulate three questions for further discussion Overall Session 11 Curriculum & Instructional Strategies Session 2

Constructivism (p. 21) Curriculum & Instructional Strategies Sessions 1

Constructivism  A theory on how one learns  Understandings are constructed based on one’s reflection on experiences  New experiences are reconciled with past experiences to form new understandings

Constructivism in the Classroom Constructivist educators believe… 1.In encouraging real-world problem solving, experiments, and creative thinking 2.In fostering students’ ability to reflect on past knowledge and experiences to shape new meanings 3.In promoting students to assess how new learning experiences are helping them 4.In discussing the learning after the instructional activity (reflection)

How does it differ from traditional approaches? a.Focus shifts from the teacher to the student(s) b.Teacher is no longer the expert pouring knowledge into the students’ brains c.Students are actively involved in their own learning d.Teacher is facilitator, coach, mediator, and helper e.Teacher’s most important role is asking good questions f.Both teacher and student think of knowledge as dynamic, ever-changing views of the world rather than inert facts to be memorized

Comparison Chart on p. 23

“Backward Design” (pp ) Three groups Group #1 – What is Backward Design? (p. 17) Group #2 – The Backward Design Process (p. 18) Group #3 – Application of Backward Design (p. 25) Formulate three questions for further discussion Overall Session 11 Curriculum & Instructional Strategies Session 5

Constructivism (pp ) Backward Design (pp ) 32 Mistakes Teachers Make and Want to Avoid (p. 30) Curriculum & Instructional Strategies Session 2

Wong video Cris Tovani video “Stupid in America” continued Curriculum & Instructional Strategies Session 2

Articles (that I sent you) “Learning From What Doesn’t Work” “Strategies For Teen Readers” “Seven Literacy Strategies That Work” “What Matters To Students” “A Skill For Life” “Teacher Leader” Curriculum & Instructional Strategies Session 2

“32 Mistakes Teachers Make and Want to Avoid” (p. 30) Four groups – eight mistakes Best Practices (pp ) Find positive ways to avoid the mistakes Report Curriculum & Instructional Strategies Session 2

Further discussion of the lesson plan and Tickets #17 Teaming time to work together in like content areas Curriculum & Instructional Strategies Session 2

Please return from break within 15 minutes