CSTP 1: Engaging and Supporting All Students in Learning
Teachers know and care about their students to engage them in learning. They connect learning to students’ prior knowledge, backgrounds, life experiences, and interests. They connect subject matter to meaningful, real-life contexts. Teachers use a variety of instructional strategies, resources, and technologies to meet the diverse learning needs of students. They promote critical thinking through inquiry, problem solving, and reflection. They monitor student learning and adjust instruction while teaching.
1.1 - Using knowledge of students to engage them in learning
1. Understanding Students as People and Learners
Example: A teacher may notice that a student named Maria is particularly interested in art. To engage Maria, the teacher incorporates more visual art activities in lessons and encourages Maria to illustrate her assignments. This personalization helps Maria feel valued and more interested in her studies. Resource: Edutopia: How to Build Relationships with Students
2. Understanding Reasons for Behavior
Example: When a student, Jamal, starts acting out in class, the teacher investigates and learns that Jamal is dealing with family issues at home. By understanding Jamal's situation, the teacher can offer support and adjust classroom expectations to accommodate his needs. Resource: American Psychological Association: Understanding Student Behavior
3. Recognizing Atypical Behavior in Students
Example: A teacher notices that a usually active student, Emma, has become withdrawn and is not participating in class. The teacher contacts the school counselor to discuss potential interventions and support for Emma. Resource: National Association of School Psychologists: Behavioral and Emotional Needs
4. Building Trust and Fostering Relationships
A teacher notices that a usually active student, Emma, has become withdrawn and is not participating in class. The teacher contacts the school counselor to discuss potential interventions and support for Emma. Resource: Edweek: Building Trust with Students
5. Adapting Teaching to Reflect Knowledge of Students
Example: A teacher learns that many students in her class come from agricultural backgrounds. She incorporates agricultural science into the curriculum, making the content more relevant and engaging for these students.
Resource: https://www.edutopia.org/article/connecting-lessons-students-lives
6. Differentiating Instruction
Example: In a math class, the teacher uses tiered assignments to cater to different learning levels. Students who excel are given more complex problems, while those who need extra help work on foundational skills with the teacher's support.
Resource: Reading Rockets: Differentiated Instruction
7. Getting to Know Parents and the Community
Example: Mrs. Lee hosts monthly parent-teacher meetings to discuss student progress and get feedback from parents. She also participates in community events to better understand the cultural context of her students.
Resource: Harvard Family Research Project: Building Family-School Partnerships
1.2 - Connecting learning to students’ prior knowledge, backgrounds, life experiences, and interests.
1. Help Students See the Connections Between What They Already Know and the New Material?
• Strategy: Start lessons with a discussion or activity that activates prior knowledge. Use KWL charts (Know, Want to Know, Learned) to connect new content with what students already know.
• Example: Before starting a unit on ecosystems, ask students to share what they know about their local environment and relate these observations to broader ecological concepts.
• Resource: Teaching Channel: Activating Prior Knowledge
2. Connect Classroom Learning to Students’ Life Experiences and Cultural Backgrounds?
• Strategy: Incorporate culturally responsive teaching practices. Use examples, case studies, and references that reflect the diverse cultural backgrounds of students.
• Example: In a history lesson, include perspectives from different cultures and encourage students to share stories or traditions from their own backgrounds that relate to the topic.
• Resource: Edutopia: Culturally Responsive Teaching
3. Support All Students to Use First and Second Language Skills to Achieve Learning Goals?
• Strategy: Encourage the use of bilingual resources and allow students to demonstrate understanding in their first language before translating to the second language.
• Example: In a language arts class, allow English Language Learners (ELLs) to write a draft in their first language and then work with a peer or teacher to translate it into English.
• Resource: Colorín Colorado: Strategies for ELLs
4. Open a Lesson or Unit to Capture Student Attention and Interest?
• Strategy: Use hooks such as intriguing questions, relevant stories, multimedia resources, or hands-on activities to grab students’ attention at the beginning of a lesson.
• Example: Begin a science unit on space with a video of recent space missions or an interactive simulation of the solar system.
• Resource: ReadWriteThink: Engaging Lesson Openers
5. Build on Students’ Comments and Questions During a Lesson to Extend Their Understanding?
• Strategy: Create a classroom environment where student questions are encouraged and valued. Use their comments and questions as a springboard for deeper exploration of the topic.
• Example: During a math lesson, if a student asks why a particular formula works, use that question to delve into the underlying principles and provide additional examples.
• Resource: TeachThought: Promoting Inquiry-Based Learning
1.3 - Connecting subject matter to meaningful, real-life contexts
1. Establish a Connection Between Subject Matter and Purpose for Learning?
• Strategy: Begin each lesson by explaining why the subject matter is important and how it can be applied in real life. Use clear, relatable examples to illustrate the purpose of learning the material.
• Example: When teaching algebra, explain how algebraic equations are used in various professions such as engineering, economics, and computer science.
• Resource: Edutopia: Making Learning Relevant
2. Make Connections Between the Subject Matter and Real-Life Contexts?
• Strategy: Use project-based learning (PBL) to create opportunities for students to apply what they are learning to real-world scenarios. Incorporate case studies, current events, and real-life problems that require students to use their skills and knowledge.
• Example: In a science class, have students design and build a sustainable garden, applying principles of biology, ecology, and environmental science.
• Resource: Buck Institute for Education: Project-Based Learning
3. Seek Feedback from Students Regarding the Relevance of Subject Matter to Their Lives?
• Strategy: Regularly ask students for feedback on how the material relates to their interests and experiences. Use surveys, reflection journals, and class discussions to gather insights and adjust instruction based on student input.
• Example: At the end of a unit, have students complete a survey about how the content applies to their lives and what aspects they found most engaging or useful.
• Resource: TeachThought: Student Feedback Forms
4. Engage All Students in a Variety of Learning Experiences That Accommodate the Different Ways They Learn?
• Strategy: Differentiate instruction by using a mix of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities. Provide options for students to demonstrate their understanding in different ways, such as through presentations, written reports, or hands-on projects.
• Example: In a history lesson, offer students the choice to create a video documentary, write an essay, or build a model to demonstrate their understanding of a historical event.
• Resource: Understood: Differentiated Instruction
5. Provide Opportunities for All Students to Acquire and Practice Skills in Meaningful Contexts?
• Strategy: Design activities that allow students to practice skills in real-life contexts. Use role-playing, simulations, and community-based projects to make learning experiences authentic and practical.
• Example: In a language arts class, organize a mock trial where students practice public speaking, argumentation, and critical thinking by playing the roles of attorneys, witnesses, and jurors.
• Resource: Edutopia: Authentic Learning
1.4 - Using a variety of instructional strategies, resources, and technologies to meet students’ diverse learning needs
As teachers develop, they may ask, “How do I…” or “Why do I…”
1. Select and Utilize a Range of Instructional Approaches to Engage Students in Learning?
• Resource: Edutopia’s Comprehensive List of Teaching Strategies
• Edutopia offers a wide range of articles and videos on different teaching strategies that can engage students effectively.
• Resource: The Teaching Center - Washington University in St. Louis
• This resource provides strategies for active learning, which can help keep students engaged.
2. Use a Variety of Strategies to Introduce, Explain, and Restate Subject Matter Concepts and Processes So All Students Understand?
• Resource: Reading Rockets: Classroom Strategies
• This site provides specific strategies for introducing and explaining concepts in ways that are accessible to all students.
• Resource: Khan Academy
• Khan Academy offers video tutorials and exercises that can help introduce and explain subject matter in a clear and engaging way.
3. Help All Students Learn, Practice, Internalize, and Apply Subject-Specific Learning Strategies and Procedures?
• Resource: The Learning Network - The New York Times
• This resource provides real-life examples and exercises that can help students apply what they have learned.
• Resource: Scholastic: Strategies for Teaching Science
• Scholastic offers strategies for teaching subject-specific content, especially in science.
4. Use Differentiated Instruction to Meet the Assessed Learning Needs of Students and Increase Active Participation in Learning?
• Resource: Differentiation Central
• This site is dedicated to providing resources and strategies for differentiated instruction.
• Resource: Understood.org
• Understood.org offers a variety of resources on how to implement differentiated instruction for diverse learners.
5. Adapt Materials and Resources, Make Accommodations, and Use Appropriate Assistive Equipment and Other Technologies to Support Students’ Diverse Learning Needs?
• Resource: CAST: Center for Applied Special Technology
• CAST provides resources on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to help educators create accessible learning environments.
• Resource: Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA)
• ATIA offers information on various assistive technologies that can support diverse learning needs.
6. Utilize Multiple Types of Technology to Facilitate Learning?
• Resource: Common Sense Education
• This site provides reviews and recommendations for educational technology tools that can facilitate learning.
• Resource: EdTechTeacher
• EdTechTeacher offers resources and training on integrating technology into the classroom.
7. Examine and Use Resources That Minimize Bias?
• Resource: Teaching Tolerance
• Teaching Tolerance provides resources on how to create inclusive and equitable learning environments.
• Resource: Zinn Education Project
• This project offers materials that provide diverse perspectives and help minimize bias in teaching.
1.5 - Promoting critical thinking through inquiry, problem solving, and reflection
As teachers develop, they may ask, “How do I…” or “Why do I…”
• Resource: Edutopia: Multiple Approaches to Problem Solving
• Description: This article provides strategies for encouraging students to use various approaches to solve problems, fostering creativity and adaptability in learning.
• Resource: Cult of Pedagogy: The Power of Multiple Solution Paths in Math
• Description: Focused on math instruction, this resource emphasizes the benefits of allowing students to explore multiple solution paths to develop deeper understanding and flexibility.
2. Encouraging Students to Ask Critical Questions and Consider Diverse Perspectives About Subject Matter
• Resource: Teaching Tolerance: Encouraging Critical Thinking About Diverse Perspectives
• Description: This resource outlines strategies for encouraging critical thinking and incorporating diverse perspectives into classroom discussions.
• Resource: Critical Thinking Foundation: Strategies for Teaching Critical Thinking
• Description: Offers a comprehensive approach to teaching critical thinking, with practical strategies for encouraging students to question and analyze information critically.
3. Providing Opportunities for Students to Think About, Discuss, and Evaluate Content
• Resource: Harvard Project Zero: Visible Thinking
• Description: Visible Thinking routines promote deep thinking and encourage students to reflect on content. The resource provides various thinking routines to facilitate this process.
• Resource: National Council for the Social Studies: Structured Academic Controversy
• Description: This teaching strategy encourages students to engage in thoughtful discussions and debates on controversial issues, fostering critical evaluation and discussion skills.
4. Asking Questions to Facilitate Discussion, Clarify, and Extend Students’ Thinking
• Resource: TeachThought: 100 Questions That Help Students Think Critically
• Description: A list of 100 questions designed to promote critical thinking in students, useful for sparking discussions and clarifying thinking.
• Resource: ASCD: Questioning for Classroom Discussion
• Description: Discusses effective questioning techniques that promote deeper understanding and student engagement in classroom discussions.
5. Supporting Students to Think and Communicate with Clarity and Precision
• Resource: AVID: Socratic Seminars and Tutorials
• Description: Provides a framework for Socratic Seminars, which help students articulate their thoughts clearly and listen actively to others.
• Resource: Project-Based Learning: Writing and Communication Skills
• Description: Explores how project-based learning can help students improve their writing and communication skills through clear articulation of their ideas.
6. Helping Students Apply Previous Learning to New Situations
• Resource: Transfer of Learning: Applying Knowledge in New Contexts
• Description: Strategies for helping students transfer knowledge and skills from one context to another, promoting deeper understanding and adaptability.
• Resource: Understanding by Design: Teaching for Transfer
• Description: Focuses on designing curriculum that encourages students to apply learned concepts to new and varied situations.
7. Encouraging Students to Create, Imagine, and Innovate
• Resource: International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE): Creativity and Innovation Standards
• Description: ISTE standards promote creativity and innovation in education, with resources and tools for fostering these skills in students.
• Resource: Maker Education: Fostering Creativity Through Making
• Description: Offers resources and guidance on incorporating maker education into the classroom to encourage creativity, innovation, and problem-solving.
8. Helping Students to Develop and Use Strategies and Technologies for Accessing Knowledge and Information
• Resource: Common Sense Education: Digital Literacy and Citizenship Curriculum
• Description: Provides a comprehensive curriculum for teaching digital literacy and responsible technology use, including strategies for accessing and evaluating information.
• Resource: Tech Integration: Tools and Strategies for the Classroom
• Description: A guide to integrating technology in the classroom to enhance learning, providing practical strategies and tools for teachers.
These resources provide a wide range of strategies, tools, and methodologies to help teachers meet the diverse needs of students while promoting critical thinking through inquiry, problem solving, and reflection. They also support the development of a classroom environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and meaningful engagement with subject matter.
1.6 - Monitoring student learning and adjusting instruction while teaching
As teachers develop, they may ask, “How do I…” or “Why do I…”
1. Systematically Check for Student Understanding and Revise Plans Accordingly
• Resource: Edutopia: Formative Assessment Strategies for Every Classroom
• Description: This article provides a range of formative assessment techniques to check for understanding and adjust instruction in real-time based on student feedback.
• Resource: The Teacher Toolkit: Checking for Understanding
• Description: A collection of practical strategies for teachers to use to gauge student understanding continuously and revise instructional plans accordingly.
2. Incorporate a Variety of Strategies in a Lesson to Check for Student Understanding
• Resource: TeachThought: 10 Innovative Formative Assessment Strategies
• Description: A list of innovative formative assessment strategies that help teachers check for understanding in diverse ways, catering to different learning styles.
• Resource: ASCD: Classroom Assessment Techniques
• Description: Offers a variety of assessment techniques designed to provide feedback and measure student understanding effectively.
3. Monitor the Learning of Students with Limited English Proficiency or Students with Special Needs
• Resource: Colorín Colorado: Strategies for ELL Assessment
• Description: Provides strategies specifically tailored for assessing English Language Learners (ELLs) to monitor their understanding and adjust instruction accordingly.
• Resource: Understood: Monitoring Student Progress for Special Education
• Description: Focuses on strategies to monitor the learning progress of students with special needs and make necessary instructional adjustments.
4. Adjust the Lesson Plan to Accelerate Instruction When the Pace is Too Slow
• Resource: Edutopia: Differentiating Instruction with Pace
• Description: Discusses strategies for differentiating instruction by adjusting the pace of the lesson to meet the needs of all students, including those who may be ready to move faster.
• Resource: Learning Sciences International: Adjusting Pacing to Keep Students Engaged
• Description: Offers techniques for teachers to monitor engagement and adjust lesson pacing dynamically.
5. Make “On the Spot” Changes in My Lesson Based on Students’ Interests and Questions
• Resource: Responsive Classroom: Strategies for On-the-Spot Adjustments
• Description: Provides strategies for teachers to make spontaneous changes to their lessons in response to student interests and questions to keep them engaged and motivated.
• Resource: Teach Like a Champion: Making Responsive Adjustments
• Description: Discusses techniques for making responsive adjustments during lessons to address immediate student needs and curiosities.
6. Provide Additional Support and Opportunities for Students to Learn When Some Have Mastered the Lesson Objectives and Others Have Not
• Resource: Differentiation Central: Tiered Instructional Activities
• Description: Offers guidance on designing tiered activities that provide varying levels of support, ensuring all students continue to learn and are appropriately challenged.
• Resource: Reading Rockets: Scaffolded Instruction
• Description: Explains how to provide additional support for students who need it while offering challenges to those who have mastered the content.
7. Adjust My Lesson When I Don’t Have Enough Time to Complete Everything I Planned to Do
• Resource: The Cult of Pedagogy: Pacing Guides for Teachers
• Description: Discusses how to effectively pace lessons and make necessary adjustments when time constraints prevent the completion of planned activities.
• Resource: ASCD: Prioritizing Learning Objectives
• Description: Provides strategies for prioritizing learning objectives and making informed decisions about what to cut or adjust when time is limited.
These resources provide strategies and tools for teachers to monitor student learning effectively and adjust instruction dynamically, ensuring that all students are engaged and supported in their learning process. They also help teachers respond to diverse student needs and classroom dynamics, fostering a more adaptive and responsive learning environment.
1.1 - Using knowledge of students to engage them in learning
1. Understanding Students as People and Learners
Example: A teacher may notice that a student named Maria is particularly interested in art. To engage Maria, the teacher incorporates more visual art activities in lessons and encourages Maria to illustrate her assignments. This personalization helps Maria feel valued and more interested in her studies. Resource: Edutopia: How to Build Relationships with Students
2. Understanding Reasons for Behavior
Example: When a student, Jamal, starts acting out in class, the teacher investigates and learns that Jamal is dealing with family issues at home. By understanding Jamal's situation, the teacher can offer support and adjust classroom expectations to accommodate his needs. Resource: American Psychological Association: Understanding Student Behavior
3. Recognizing Atypical Behavior in Students
Example: A teacher notices that a usually active student, Emma, has become withdrawn and is not participating in class. The teacher contacts the school counselor to discuss potential interventions and support for Emma. Resource: National Association of School Psychologists: Behavioral and Emotional Needs
4. Building Trust and Fostering Relationships
A teacher notices that a usually active student, Emma, has become withdrawn and is not participating in class. The teacher contacts the school counselor to discuss potential interventions and support for Emma. Resource: Edweek: Building Trust with Students
5. Adapting Teaching to Reflect Knowledge of Students
Example: A teacher learns that many students in her class come from agricultural backgrounds. She incorporates agricultural science into the curriculum, making the content more relevant and engaging for these students.
Resource: https://www.edutopia.org/article/connecting-lessons-students-lives
6. Differentiating Instruction
Example: In a math class, the teacher uses tiered assignments to cater to different learning levels. Students who excel are given more complex problems, while those who need extra help work on foundational skills with the teacher's support.
Resource: Reading Rockets: Differentiated Instruction
7. Getting to Know Parents and the Community
Example: Mrs. Lee hosts monthly parent-teacher meetings to discuss student progress and get feedback from parents. She also participates in community events to better understand the cultural context of her students.
Resource: Harvard Family Research Project: Building Family-School Partnerships
1.2 - Connecting learning to students’ prior knowledge, backgrounds, life experiences, and interests.
1. Help Students See the Connections Between What They Already Know and the New Material?
• Strategy: Start lessons with a discussion or activity that activates prior knowledge. Use KWL charts (Know, Want to Know, Learned) to connect new content with what students already know.
• Example: Before starting a unit on ecosystems, ask students to share what they know about their local environment and relate these observations to broader ecological concepts.
• Resource: Teaching Channel: Activating Prior Knowledge
2. Connect Classroom Learning to Students’ Life Experiences and Cultural Backgrounds?
• Strategy: Incorporate culturally responsive teaching practices. Use examples, case studies, and references that reflect the diverse cultural backgrounds of students.
• Example: In a history lesson, include perspectives from different cultures and encourage students to share stories or traditions from their own backgrounds that relate to the topic.
• Resource: Edutopia: Culturally Responsive Teaching
3. Support All Students to Use First and Second Language Skills to Achieve Learning Goals?
• Strategy: Encourage the use of bilingual resources and allow students to demonstrate understanding in their first language before translating to the second language.
• Example: In a language arts class, allow English Language Learners (ELLs) to write a draft in their first language and then work with a peer or teacher to translate it into English.
• Resource: Colorín Colorado: Strategies for ELLs
4. Open a Lesson or Unit to Capture Student Attention and Interest?
• Strategy: Use hooks such as intriguing questions, relevant stories, multimedia resources, or hands-on activities to grab students’ attention at the beginning of a lesson.
• Example: Begin a science unit on space with a video of recent space missions or an interactive simulation of the solar system.
• Resource: ReadWriteThink: Engaging Lesson Openers
5. Build on Students’ Comments and Questions During a Lesson to Extend Their Understanding?
• Strategy: Create a classroom environment where student questions are encouraged and valued. Use their comments and questions as a springboard for deeper exploration of the topic.
• Example: During a math lesson, if a student asks why a particular formula works, use that question to delve into the underlying principles and provide additional examples.
• Resource: TeachThought: Promoting Inquiry-Based Learning
1.3 - Connecting subject matter to meaningful, real-life contexts
1. Establish a Connection Between Subject Matter and Purpose for Learning?
• Strategy: Begin each lesson by explaining why the subject matter is important and how it can be applied in real life. Use clear, relatable examples to illustrate the purpose of learning the material.
• Example: When teaching algebra, explain how algebraic equations are used in various professions such as engineering, economics, and computer science.
• Resource: Edutopia: Making Learning Relevant
2. Make Connections Between the Subject Matter and Real-Life Contexts?
• Strategy: Use project-based learning (PBL) to create opportunities for students to apply what they are learning to real-world scenarios. Incorporate case studies, current events, and real-life problems that require students to use their skills and knowledge.
• Example: In a science class, have students design and build a sustainable garden, applying principles of biology, ecology, and environmental science.
• Resource: Buck Institute for Education: Project-Based Learning
3. Seek Feedback from Students Regarding the Relevance of Subject Matter to Their Lives?
• Strategy: Regularly ask students for feedback on how the material relates to their interests and experiences. Use surveys, reflection journals, and class discussions to gather insights and adjust instruction based on student input.
• Example: At the end of a unit, have students complete a survey about how the content applies to their lives and what aspects they found most engaging or useful.
• Resource: TeachThought: Student Feedback Forms
4. Engage All Students in a Variety of Learning Experiences That Accommodate the Different Ways They Learn?
• Strategy: Differentiate instruction by using a mix of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities. Provide options for students to demonstrate their understanding in different ways, such as through presentations, written reports, or hands-on projects.
• Example: In a history lesson, offer students the choice to create a video documentary, write an essay, or build a model to demonstrate their understanding of a historical event.
• Resource: Understood: Differentiated Instruction
5. Provide Opportunities for All Students to Acquire and Practice Skills in Meaningful Contexts?
• Strategy: Design activities that allow students to practice skills in real-life contexts. Use role-playing, simulations, and community-based projects to make learning experiences authentic and practical.
• Example: In a language arts class, organize a mock trial where students practice public speaking, argumentation, and critical thinking by playing the roles of attorneys, witnesses, and jurors.
• Resource: Edutopia: Authentic Learning
1.4 - Using a variety of instructional strategies, resources, and technologies to meet students’ diverse learning needs
As teachers develop, they may ask, “How do I…” or “Why do I…”
1. Select and Utilize a Range of Instructional Approaches to Engage Students in Learning?
• Resource: Edutopia’s Comprehensive List of Teaching Strategies
• Edutopia offers a wide range of articles and videos on different teaching strategies that can engage students effectively.
• Resource: The Teaching Center - Washington University in St. Louis
• This resource provides strategies for active learning, which can help keep students engaged.
2. Use a Variety of Strategies to Introduce, Explain, and Restate Subject Matter Concepts and Processes So All Students Understand?
• Resource: Reading Rockets: Classroom Strategies
• This site provides specific strategies for introducing and explaining concepts in ways that are accessible to all students.
• Resource: Khan Academy
• Khan Academy offers video tutorials and exercises that can help introduce and explain subject matter in a clear and engaging way.
3. Help All Students Learn, Practice, Internalize, and Apply Subject-Specific Learning Strategies and Procedures?
• Resource: The Learning Network - The New York Times
• This resource provides real-life examples and exercises that can help students apply what they have learned.
• Resource: Scholastic: Strategies for Teaching Science
• Scholastic offers strategies for teaching subject-specific content, especially in science.
4. Use Differentiated Instruction to Meet the Assessed Learning Needs of Students and Increase Active Participation in Learning?
• Resource: Differentiation Central
• This site is dedicated to providing resources and strategies for differentiated instruction.
• Resource: Understood.org
• Understood.org offers a variety of resources on how to implement differentiated instruction for diverse learners.
5. Adapt Materials and Resources, Make Accommodations, and Use Appropriate Assistive Equipment and Other Technologies to Support Students’ Diverse Learning Needs?
• Resource: CAST: Center for Applied Special Technology
• CAST provides resources on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to help educators create accessible learning environments.
• Resource: Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA)
• ATIA offers information on various assistive technologies that can support diverse learning needs.
6. Utilize Multiple Types of Technology to Facilitate Learning?
• Resource: Common Sense Education
• This site provides reviews and recommendations for educational technology tools that can facilitate learning.
• Resource: EdTechTeacher
• EdTechTeacher offers resources and training on integrating technology into the classroom.
7. Examine and Use Resources That Minimize Bias?
• Resource: Teaching Tolerance
• Teaching Tolerance provides resources on how to create inclusive and equitable learning environments.
• Resource: Zinn Education Project
• This project offers materials that provide diverse perspectives and help minimize bias in teaching.
1.5 - Promoting critical thinking through inquiry, problem solving, and reflection
As teachers develop, they may ask, “How do I…” or “Why do I…”
- encourage students to use multiple approaches and solutions to solve problems?
- encourage students to ask critical questions and consider diverse perspectives about subject matter?
- provide opportunities for students to think about, discuss, and evaluate content?
- ask questions to facilitate discussion, clarify, and extend students’ thinking?
- support students to think and communicate with clarity and precision?
- help students apply previous learning to new situations?
- encourage students to create, imagine, and innovate?
- help students to develop and use strategies and technologies for accessing knowledge and information?
• Resource: Edutopia: Multiple Approaches to Problem Solving
• Description: This article provides strategies for encouraging students to use various approaches to solve problems, fostering creativity and adaptability in learning.
• Resource: Cult of Pedagogy: The Power of Multiple Solution Paths in Math
• Description: Focused on math instruction, this resource emphasizes the benefits of allowing students to explore multiple solution paths to develop deeper understanding and flexibility.
2. Encouraging Students to Ask Critical Questions and Consider Diverse Perspectives About Subject Matter
• Resource: Teaching Tolerance: Encouraging Critical Thinking About Diverse Perspectives
• Description: This resource outlines strategies for encouraging critical thinking and incorporating diverse perspectives into classroom discussions.
• Resource: Critical Thinking Foundation: Strategies for Teaching Critical Thinking
• Description: Offers a comprehensive approach to teaching critical thinking, with practical strategies for encouraging students to question and analyze information critically.
3. Providing Opportunities for Students to Think About, Discuss, and Evaluate Content
• Resource: Harvard Project Zero: Visible Thinking
• Description: Visible Thinking routines promote deep thinking and encourage students to reflect on content. The resource provides various thinking routines to facilitate this process.
• Resource: National Council for the Social Studies: Structured Academic Controversy
• Description: This teaching strategy encourages students to engage in thoughtful discussions and debates on controversial issues, fostering critical evaluation and discussion skills.
4. Asking Questions to Facilitate Discussion, Clarify, and Extend Students’ Thinking
• Resource: TeachThought: 100 Questions That Help Students Think Critically
• Description: A list of 100 questions designed to promote critical thinking in students, useful for sparking discussions and clarifying thinking.
• Resource: ASCD: Questioning for Classroom Discussion
• Description: Discusses effective questioning techniques that promote deeper understanding and student engagement in classroom discussions.
5. Supporting Students to Think and Communicate with Clarity and Precision
• Resource: AVID: Socratic Seminars and Tutorials
• Description: Provides a framework for Socratic Seminars, which help students articulate their thoughts clearly and listen actively to others.
• Resource: Project-Based Learning: Writing and Communication Skills
• Description: Explores how project-based learning can help students improve their writing and communication skills through clear articulation of their ideas.
6. Helping Students Apply Previous Learning to New Situations
• Resource: Transfer of Learning: Applying Knowledge in New Contexts
• Description: Strategies for helping students transfer knowledge and skills from one context to another, promoting deeper understanding and adaptability.
• Resource: Understanding by Design: Teaching for Transfer
• Description: Focuses on designing curriculum that encourages students to apply learned concepts to new and varied situations.
7. Encouraging Students to Create, Imagine, and Innovate
• Resource: International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE): Creativity and Innovation Standards
• Description: ISTE standards promote creativity and innovation in education, with resources and tools for fostering these skills in students.
• Resource: Maker Education: Fostering Creativity Through Making
• Description: Offers resources and guidance on incorporating maker education into the classroom to encourage creativity, innovation, and problem-solving.
8. Helping Students to Develop and Use Strategies and Technologies for Accessing Knowledge and Information
• Resource: Common Sense Education: Digital Literacy and Citizenship Curriculum
• Description: Provides a comprehensive curriculum for teaching digital literacy and responsible technology use, including strategies for accessing and evaluating information.
• Resource: Tech Integration: Tools and Strategies for the Classroom
• Description: A guide to integrating technology in the classroom to enhance learning, providing practical strategies and tools for teachers.
These resources provide a wide range of strategies, tools, and methodologies to help teachers meet the diverse needs of students while promoting critical thinking through inquiry, problem solving, and reflection. They also support the development of a classroom environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and meaningful engagement with subject matter.
1.6 - Monitoring student learning and adjusting instruction while teaching
As teachers develop, they may ask, “How do I…” or “Why do I…”
- systematically check for student understanding and revise plans accordingly?
- incorporate a variety of strategies in a lesson to check for student understanding?
- monitor the learning of students with limited English proficiency or of students with special needs?
- adjust the lesson plan to accelerate instruction when I determine that the pace of the lesson is too slow?
- make "on the spot" changes in my lesson based on students' interests and questions?
- provide additional support and opportunities for students to learn when some students have mastered the lesson objective(s) and others have not?
- adjust my lesson when I don't have enough time to complete everything I planned to do?
1. Systematically Check for Student Understanding and Revise Plans Accordingly
• Resource: Edutopia: Formative Assessment Strategies for Every Classroom
• Description: This article provides a range of formative assessment techniques to check for understanding and adjust instruction in real-time based on student feedback.
• Resource: The Teacher Toolkit: Checking for Understanding
• Description: A collection of practical strategies for teachers to use to gauge student understanding continuously and revise instructional plans accordingly.
2. Incorporate a Variety of Strategies in a Lesson to Check for Student Understanding
• Resource: TeachThought: 10 Innovative Formative Assessment Strategies
• Description: A list of innovative formative assessment strategies that help teachers check for understanding in diverse ways, catering to different learning styles.
• Resource: ASCD: Classroom Assessment Techniques
• Description: Offers a variety of assessment techniques designed to provide feedback and measure student understanding effectively.
3. Monitor the Learning of Students with Limited English Proficiency or Students with Special Needs
• Resource: Colorín Colorado: Strategies for ELL Assessment
• Description: Provides strategies specifically tailored for assessing English Language Learners (ELLs) to monitor their understanding and adjust instruction accordingly.
• Resource: Understood: Monitoring Student Progress for Special Education
• Description: Focuses on strategies to monitor the learning progress of students with special needs and make necessary instructional adjustments.
4. Adjust the Lesson Plan to Accelerate Instruction When the Pace is Too Slow
• Resource: Edutopia: Differentiating Instruction with Pace
• Description: Discusses strategies for differentiating instruction by adjusting the pace of the lesson to meet the needs of all students, including those who may be ready to move faster.
• Resource: Learning Sciences International: Adjusting Pacing to Keep Students Engaged
• Description: Offers techniques for teachers to monitor engagement and adjust lesson pacing dynamically.
5. Make “On the Spot” Changes in My Lesson Based on Students’ Interests and Questions
• Resource: Responsive Classroom: Strategies for On-the-Spot Adjustments
• Description: Provides strategies for teachers to make spontaneous changes to their lessons in response to student interests and questions to keep them engaged and motivated.
• Resource: Teach Like a Champion: Making Responsive Adjustments
• Description: Discusses techniques for making responsive adjustments during lessons to address immediate student needs and curiosities.
6. Provide Additional Support and Opportunities for Students to Learn When Some Have Mastered the Lesson Objectives and Others Have Not
• Resource: Differentiation Central: Tiered Instructional Activities
• Description: Offers guidance on designing tiered activities that provide varying levels of support, ensuring all students continue to learn and are appropriately challenged.
• Resource: Reading Rockets: Scaffolded Instruction
• Description: Explains how to provide additional support for students who need it while offering challenges to those who have mastered the content.
7. Adjust My Lesson When I Don’t Have Enough Time to Complete Everything I Planned to Do
• Resource: The Cult of Pedagogy: Pacing Guides for Teachers
• Description: Discusses how to effectively pace lessons and make necessary adjustments when time constraints prevent the completion of planned activities.
• Resource: ASCD: Prioritizing Learning Objectives
• Description: Provides strategies for prioritizing learning objectives and making informed decisions about what to cut or adjust when time is limited.
These resources provide strategies and tools for teachers to monitor student learning effectively and adjust instruction dynamically, ensuring that all students are engaged and supported in their learning process. They also help teachers respond to diverse student needs and classroom dynamics, fostering a more adaptive and responsive learning environment.