Step 5 - Teaching the Research Lesson
Imagine the thrill of really understanding how your teaching affects each member of your class. If one could only be at every work group or every
desk for every step of the lesson, a teacher might absorb enough feedback to
meaningfully improve his or her teaching methodology quickly and efficiently.
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Module 4: Teaching and
Debriefing the Research Lesson |
That’s precisely what happens when the Research Lesson is taught, as team
observers carefully listen to, and watch, student reactions to the lesson.
The observers collect data on student thinking, learning, engagement, as
well as verbal and behavioral responses. They may circulate freely among
students or observe from the perimeter of the classroom.
They are usually armed with a clipboard that outlines the Lesson’s steps,
anticipated student reactions and planned teacher responses, as well as a
checklist of items to observe. The team may also have in hand a seating chart
and any student worksheets for quick reference.
The observer’s checklist may include such things as individual student
conversations or comments, collaborative episodes (or lack thereof), problem
solving methodologies, errors, intuitive leaps and the like. It may also
include such questions as:
- Did the lesson’s activities support its goals?
- Did the lesson flow appropriately?
- What roadblocks or problems did students encounter?
- Were chosen examples or problems appropriate and promote student
understanding?
- Were directions clear and concise?
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