~ In order to determine if students are "getting it," immediate assessment needs to take place. The most effective is authentic assessment through conferencing with students. This formative assessment technique provides feedback for the students as well as data for the teacher.
~ The best time for this to take place is during the time that students can put into practice what was taught. As students are applying their understanding through active engagement, teachers can confer with students during this student independent practice time.
~ The teacher can then learn what strengths and weaknesses the students have, as well as provide the students with immediate feedback.
~This can drive instruction in a variety of ways: - immediate interventions can take place. - teachers can determine readiness, interest, and learning styles to differentiate. - strategy groups can be formed to address students with similar needs. - teachers can modify their next day'slesson based on data collected.
In a 45 minute period, lesson planning using a model similar to the workshop model could look like this:
5-8 Minutes- Do Now/Connect - Students complete a review from the day before or a warm up for the day’s lesson while the teacher checks for homework completion. - Teacher reviews 1-3 problems/questions from the homework. - Teacher identifies the teaching point of the day and how it connects to the students’ learning.
7-12 Minutes- Mini-Lesson - Instruction takes place - Teacher exemplifies concept to students: ~model ~show examples ~guided practice ~inquiry-based discussion - Teacher gives students a quick chance to practice concept together (Turn and Talk). - Teacher listens in to verify understanding.
20-25 Minutes- Active Engagement -Students are given the chance to practice and apply what has just been taught. -Teacher then confers with students, either individually, in pairs, or in strategy groups, to monitor understanding and proper application of concepts. -Anecdotal notes are taken.
3-5 Minutes- Closure -A student or two may share work. - The teacher reviews the day’s concept and connects it to past and future lessons. - An exit ticket may be given. - Homework is provided.