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Effective Instruction

This page is about effective teaching in a high school classroom. The ideas presented here are my own interpretation of educational ideas and theories.

The Effective Instruction framework
Teaching models (for each key element)
The GOOD, the GREAT, and the EXCELLENT
Becoming a GOOD TEACHER

EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTION

The schematic below represents my ideas about Effective Instruction. I believe there are three main categories of instruction and these are the three "domains" - Feedback, Content, and Context which are borrowed from the new ASOT model. These three domains are particularly relevant to high school classrooms and the ideas I have around effective Instruction. Each domain has one or more sub-category where each domain is categorised in more detail as "key elements". Each key element forms the basis for a teaching model. The teaching models are where I describe what good teaching looks like. Each teaching model is less than a page long - making my description of good teaching less than nine pages.

Teaching models

Intro

Each key element (there are nine) of Effective Instruction is described in some detail by a teaching model which is less than one page in length. Downloadable copies are over on the right. The format of one model (Critical and Creative Thinking skills) is shown below and all the models follow this basic structure.







The GOOD, the GREAT, and the EXCELLENT

The Good, the Great, and the Excellent - In two pages, my views on good (and getting better) teaching. Only two pages (maybe 11 if you count the nine teaching models above)... you gotta be kidding! How easy is this job?


How to become a GOOD TEACHER


Will get to this part soon








Intro / Disclaimer

What is "effective Instruction"? For me it is effective teaching and learning in a high school setting (i'm a high school teacher).

I do not claim to have any particular original or innovative ideas about what makes instruction "effective". My ideas borrow from current research methodologies such as ASOT, Hattie's work, Aust. professional standards from AITSL, and more importantly - 30 yrs of teaching experience. I have put together a simple framework and series of teaching models that allow any high school teacher to easily identify some simple things they can do to become a good teacher. I have learnt that there is no gospel and no perfect model of good teaching. Every single student needs their teacher to be excellent in slightly different ways, so I encourage all teachers to identify parts of these models which they can use to become better teachers.



















Below is an example of me introducing the skills of evaluating which was one of two cognitive verbs for this lesson. 5+ mins. Using cognitive verbs to teach Chemistry


DOWNLOADS

Teaching models for FEEDBACK
LGs and SC - teaching model


Teaching models for CONTENT

Direct Instruction - teaching model

Practice and Deepening - teaching model

Checking for Understanding - teaching model

Critical Creative Thinking - teaching model


Teaching models for CONTEXT

Engagement - teaching model

High Expectations - teaching model

Relationships - teaching model

Routines - teaching model



LINKS

ITCthinkdrive. A broad overview of layers of learning and thinking tools to go with each type of learning.

Gary Turner Science
QLD Alan Druery Excellence in Teaching Award (QCT)
QLD Secondary Teacher of the year Award (AISTL)
QLD Centenary of Federation Teaching Award (RACI)
Peter Doherty Excellence in Science Teaching Award
Prime Minister Commendation for Science Education Award