Click on keywords to see similar products: http://education.nationaljournal.com/2010/07/defining-effective-teachers.php#1603144, http://education.nationaljournal.com/2010/07/defining-effective-teachers.php#1604499. Fs. On a purely academic level, many students struggled from the outset with the readings, the length and topics of journal assignments, the etiquette of large-group discussions, and the pacing and workload of the course itself. What is obsessive compulsive disorder? Again, to do this, teachers must have a great deal of independence. Alexandria, VA 22311-1714. Christenbury, L. (1996). Most people outside the classroom, especially those who want to regularize and routinize teaching and learning, do not. The ARMA International Center for Educationoffers the following guidelines to express the focus of interactive educational teaching styles: 1. The public discussion no longer ignores teachers and their centrality; now it lays most of the onus of blame for student failure on the individual teacher. Sometimes being flexible is kind of like being a chameleon. And it must be reiterated that in these days of high-stakes testing, student success is mostly determined by only one measure: test scores. The following resources were adapted from Blackboard content utilized in Spring 2020 by the Institute for Leadership Studies, developed by one of CTE's Faculty Consultants for Online and Flexible Teaching, Amy Leyerzapf. Kate Walsh responds: The bottom line [blog comment]. However successful this assignment had been in the past, I knew that it would most likely be a failure with these students because their interest in the teaching of writing was not central, and the detailed nature of the work relied heavily on a pedagogical focus. When I previously taught the course, the students were relatively able academically and most of them were taking the course as part of their preparation to teach. Because of a scenario that has become common during these recession-plagued days, my university instituted a new round of budget cuts, and I found myself unexpectedly teaching an undergraduate writing course that is cross-listed in English and in education. Flexible seating is about more than simply having a variety of different, fun seats in the classroom. Another way in which flexibility is important for a teacher is the need to respond to different learner abilities, needs and interests. Can the individual teacher bear this responsibility alone? I take the time to get to know my students as individuals, which allows me to tailor my instruction according to their unique learning goals. Kids who struggle with flexible thinking can have trouble seeing that there’s more than one way to do things. I ramped up the classroom intensity to the level I usually reserve for one- or two-day inservice workshops in which I need to instruct—and motivate—busy and often tired practicing teachers. One example I said was explaining what would have to happen if we had something fun planned as a family but someone else called us and might really need our help. I have certainly seen inspiring examples from other teachers; I have written and reflected extensively on the topic; and occasionally in my own practice I exemplify effective teaching myself. Flexible seating is a wonderful thing — especially in the special ed classroom. Here’s one example that can be implemented five days in a row—or for five days over a two-week period. The teacher would then provide support and encouragement for the students to hone their reading comprehension skills throughout the … Here’s one example that can be implemented five days in a row—or for five days over a two-week period. Over the course of the semester, nine final draft papers were unacceptable; these students were given an R grade (revise) and the opportunity to rewrite and resubmit without penalty, and every student took advantage of that opportunity. And I found that the students were smart—perhaps not smart in the way I had assumed they would be, but in terms of their own interests. Such teachers are close to their students in intellectual as well as psychological ways, and they must be empowered to use their judgment to make classroom decisions. Good teachers understand this. I initiated one-on-one conferences, and during the class break I praised students for making progress with behavior and attention. One strategy was to address the elephant in the room; I talked to the students explicitly about what I perceived was going on in the class, and I proposed solutions. These nerves make sense, as this is a big shift, but there are some things you can do to help you become more comfortable with the change. Flexibility and Adaptability in the classroom are two of most important qualities that every teacher must possess. A flexible learning design customizes learning environments to meet the needs of learners, using both technological and non-technological tools. Carter, C. (2009, October). Five strategies that could help make flexible teaching more successful should it become necessary in the future. QiGong ("chee" gong) is an ancient movement and breath-based practice intended to move the qi (vital energy) throughout the body. In a tiered activity, all students are working on the same activity but the activity is … What is obsessive compulsive disorder? A learning plan for an internship may be developed by an internship program to pitch the … 77–81). Effective teachers are not so devoted to their practice that they ignore the students in front of them. Christenbury, L. (2005). The goal was to balance brief and audience-appropriate research-based articles with critical University and COVID information and a variety of enrichment, engagement, and perhaps even a little evasion opportunities. In an online forum on teacher effectiveness, Kate Walsh (2010) points out that these "superstar" teachers are relatively rare. Flexible learning approaches are often designed using a full range of teaching and learning theories, philosophies and methods to provide students with opportunities to access information and expertise, contribute ideas and opinions, and correspond with other learners and mentors. Effective teaching must be somewhat autonomous. FlexJobs’ category for flexible education and training jobs lists five subcategories: college and university, K-12, online teaching, teaching, and tutoring. Some have argued that teachers are so vital that they must be strictly regulated; they must follow scripted curriculums and be tracked, rewarded, or punished for the performance of their students (again, as measured by test scores). After almost 35 years in secondary and university classrooms, I know something about effective teaching. Retrieved from National Journal Expert Blogs: Education at 23 April 2019. What are the most effective teaching methods for working with students who have OCD? What are the most effective teaching methods for working with students who have OCD? You become more flexible to go with the flow. They have both high seating and low seating for engagement and reward. STATUTORY REQUEST FOR FLEXIBLE WORK. Retracing the journey: Teaching and learning in an American high school. Effective teaching is variable. Flexibility requires that the teacher modify their course plan or lesson plan to suit the students needs. Following the university’s decision to move courses online in response to COVID-19, LDST courses created a “Self Care” content area on the navigation pane of all departmental Blackboard sites. A least three students, early in the semester, routinely missed assignment deadlines despite an explicit syllabus and reminders. EXAMPLE. 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Given the requirements of the teaching timetable, and the core responsibilities of classroom teachers and support staff flexible working for teachers and education workers is more likely to take the form of part-time work or job sharing. Use a high ratio of praise to corrections. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann. Flexible teaching and learning involves delivery in a number of forms. Flexible Teaching Strategies In a traditional course, some activities are synchronous, like listening to lectures or participating in discussions, labs and small group work. For example, have players slide down ladders and walk up slides in Chutes and … Effective teachers put a priority on student needs rather than on the strictly interpreted demands of the school district curriculum guide or the year-end test. How did students react, and how well did they do in Teaching Writing Skills? Apply to Tutor, English Teacher, Administrative Director and more! A student’s classmates for ELA class, for example, remains static all year. Here are some sample answers: ... so you might be asked whether you are flexible when teaching. Some of these changes may appear to have weakened the rigor of the original course; from my perspective, however, not making these changes ensured that most students who had signed up for Teaching Writing Skills would falter in the assignments if not fail the course itself. Another way in which flexibility is important for a teacher is the need to respond to different learner abilities, needs and interests. For the attention of Jane Smith. Good teaching comes not from following a recipe, but from consistently putting student needs first. Consider allowing people to work from home to help them achieve a better work/life balance. http://education.nationaljournal.com/2010/07/defining-effective-teachers.php#1604499. Flexible Student Grouping Traditionally, students are grouped together for a specific class at a specific time at the beginning of the year, and that grouping doesn’t change. Regardless of the path taken, however, the vacuum cleaner gets fixed. 2 of "Four Quartets"). This is a request under section 80F Employment Rights Act 1996. Frankly, a number of issues caught me by surprise. Not surprisingly, then, early discussions and assignments that addressed teaching scenarios were not successful. (From my experience, this was not the usual course audience, and I wondered whether recent enrollment pressures in the English department had made this course attractive to English majors who needed the upper-level credits.) Flexible grouping is going to look different in each classroom depending on grade level, class size, and a number of other factors. Making a flexible working request. As you well know, telling is not teaching and listening is not learning. What are the symptoms of OCD? These two characteristics also go hand-in-hand with one another. The ARMA International Center for Educationoffers the following guidelines to express the focus of interactive educational teaching styles: 1. Practice seeing alternatives by helping kids make up new rules for games. Similarly, students’ variations in processes for and speeds of learning […] More information on these forms of working can be found on the National Education Union (NEU) website. Find Ways to Learn About Flexible Classroom Configurations and Teaching Styles. Christenbury, L. (2007). Many teachers are nervous about moving from their current classroom configuration to a completely flexible classroom. In recent years, I had taught almost exclusively graduate students, and returning to teach this favorite undergraduate course would, I thought, be interesting. Ultimately, effective teaching is fearless. The term ‘flexible working’ can cover a range of different working patterns, or location. Examples of Self Care Resources for Students. Although, from a legal perspective, it’s long been something headteachers are required to consider, it wasn’t always an easy thing to negotiate. First, it was variable. For example, I might teach myself how to fix a vacuum cleaner using different resources and at a different pace than you might. In many cases, when a student can’t identify with the material, it’s harder for them to gather meaning. Despite their own skill, knowledge, and experience, effective teachers neither patronize nor condescend to students of any age. Flexible learning is a method of learning where students are given freedom in how, what, when and where they learn. Aim for 4 praises for every 1 correction. Finals Schedule | GPA Calculator. The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Use a high ratio of praise to corrections. Here are some sample answers: ... so you might be asked whether you are flexible when teaching. For some kids, this skill comes naturally. I teach preservice teachers at the university level, and one of the hardest messages I try to impart to them is that there is no definitive recipe, no immutable formula, no simple list of do's and don'ts to ensure effective teaching. When I gave them directions or asked them a question in discussions, some students routinely needed the question repeated; their minds were clearly wandering. Day 2/Grouping 2: Students receive a playing card and form “same suit” trios Social distancing becomes easier as an element of it is built into student teaching schedules. Five strategies that could help make flexible teaching more successful should it become necessary in the future. Should it become necessary, for example, to shift all teaching online in response to a new outbreak, this would be relatively easy. Make it fun. One student was obviously frustrated with the class and dealt with the situation by repeatedly coughing so loudly and persistently in a number of class meetings that class conversations and work had to stop. If you are applying for a job teaching younger students, you might be asked what you would do to prepare your classroom for the first day of school. I also deleted a quarter of the journal entry assignments, doubled the time allotted to writing-group revision, and initiated rewards for completion of minor assignments. For the final exam, the study guide must have been helpful: 14 of the 18 students received As or Bs; there were only one C, one D, and two It’s about utilizing student voice, creating buy-in, heightening collaborative learning, and prioritizing students’ needs concerning the environment in which they learn. For example, a flexible teacher would be ok extending the deadline on an essay if the entire classes wanted it. The directing style promotes learning through listening and following directions. Leila Christenbury is Commonwealth Professor of English Education at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia; a former high school English teacher; and past president of the National Council of Teachers of English; 804-828-1306; At the end of the course, for the first time in my university teaching career (although I did this regularly as a high school teacher), I provided a two-page, detailed study guide for the exam. Other activities might be asynchronous, like readings and homework assignments. My current working pattern is Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5 pm, with one hour’s lunch per day (28h). Flexible Learning. About half a dozen students had real difficulty with basic expectations: They did not come to class on time; return promptly from the break; or bring the necessary materials, books, and writing journals. I am not yet where I want to be, but as T. S. Eliot (1952) reminds us. ), Oops: What we learn when our teaching fails Encourage lifelong learning. Flexible learning environments address how physical space is used, how students are grouped during learning and how time is used throughout teaching. The public, he contends, expects teachers to work miracles and blames them when the miracles somehow do not materialize. Flexible working has become an increasingly hot topic for teachers in recent years. Obsessive compulsive disorder is … Flexibility is the idea that your plans can change very quickly, sometimes with notice and sometimes without. (Original work published 1943), Finn, C. E., Jr. (2010, July 12). Address Only recently has it occurred to a number of otherwise bright people that effective teaching is central to education success. Students will always learn more, less, or differently than "what they should." Make it interesting. Hours & locations | They do not teach the same way and use the same instructional repertoire year after year. Flexible Grouping “Warm Up” Day 1/Grouping 1: Students line up according to birth date (month/day) and the teacher divides them into partners. Aim for 4 praises for every 1 correction. Making a flexible working request. Volunteer to cover a colleague's work while he is on leave. I truncated some readings from the two textbooks and skipped other parts of the books entirely. Make it exciting. Many of the issues were familiar to me from high school teaching, but I did not expect to find them at my university. I design adaptable lesson plans, exciting hands-on activities, and engaging thematic units to spark students’ interest, attention, and imagination. EXAMPLE. All of this I provided. For the attention of Jane Smith. Making the journey: Being and becoming a teacher of English language arts (3rd ed.). This is the scene: A teacher stands in front of the class, telling her … Workplace flexibility is a strategy of responding to changing circumstances and expectations. Alexandria, VA 22311-1714, December 2010/January 2011 | Volume 68 | Number 4 Whereas students often lose interest during lecture-style teaching, interactive teaching styles promote an atmosphere of attention and participation. Flexible learning environments address how physical space is used, how students are grouped during learning and how time is used throughout teaching. In my classroom, which is a self-contained, first-grade classroom, many of my flexible groups are what I call “pull-back groups”. Flexible groups can and will most likely change from day to day. 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. cohorts that experience flexible learning environments achieve significant growth above and beyond the excellent results already achieved in stand alone classrooms … lchriste@vcu.edu. Internship. In this context, what did effective teaching look like? Peter the Great (1672–1725) was taught by Russia’s best scholars but … This is a key … First, it quickly became clear that my 18 students were not prepared for the requirements of the course as I had designed it. It’s about utilizing student voice, creating buy-in, heightening collaborative learning, and prioritizing students’ needs concerning the environment in which they learn. My teaching in this course was also contextual. Flexible grouping is a data-driven teaching practice.It puts students into temporary groups to work together for only as long as is needed for them to develop an identified skill or to complete a … Flexible teaching techniques help a child with OCD succeed in a classroom setting. Changing the patterns of school days and school years, establishing a common core curriculum, linking assessments to that curriculum, holding schools accountable for student test scores, altering administrators' preparation and responsibilities, incorporating new technologies into instruction, empowering community groups and school boards—these have all been and continue to be topics on the education reform discussion board. As I made writing assignments more relevant to those interests, students often revealed the kind of intellectual curiosity that I knew was there. In this topic we will look at a few examples and consider the methods used to achieve flexibility. Writing Center | Math help room Students designed original writing tasks, exchanged and completed them, and then evaluated the final products. Flexible Learning is closely related to Blended Learning and Distributed Learning. … magazine and save up to End-of-class anonymous student comments were generally positive ("encourages passionate discussions," "willing to help anyone who needed it," "establishes great working environment among all her students") as were instructor and course rankings (on a scale of 1 to 5, high 4s in almost every category). Encourage lifelong learning. This article stems directly from my years of experience and reflection and from my stubborn and consistent aspiration to be a better teacher. Clearly, what I had done before in this course was not going to work with these students. Flexible teaching techniques help a child with OCD succeed in a classroom setting. The Flexible Teacher. 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