April 17, 2006

Improving the Practice of Teaching

WEAC members and school districts can now participate in training focused on "quality teaching" by attending various ETS/Pathwise programs offered through the WEA Professional Development Academy.

Long recognized on a national level for its research-based approach to improving the practice of teaching, ETS PATHWISE, is centered on the intersection of four domains: (1) planning and preparation, (2) the classroom environment, (3) instruction, and (4) professional responsibilities. Training begins with an understanding of these domains, and continues to expand into areas such as observing and coaching, classroom management, induction, and more.

In its partnership with Pathwise to provide this training, the Academy is able to offer the programs at a reduced cost. It has established a cadre of WEAC members and staff who provide the training, with each one having met rigorous certification standards established by Pathwise.

The two most popular Pathwise programs offered through the Academy at this point are Introduction to the Framework and Framework Observation. Individual school districts or CESAs can host the trainings, and information about how to schedule a session can be obtained by contacting Debra Berndt, Academy Director, at berndtd@weac.org

Give the iPods and Xboxes a Run for Their Money

Learning is hard work. Therefore, keeping students engaged in learning has always been one of the most challenging aspects of teaching. And in this new century, with video games, the web, text messaging, and iPods all competing for kids' attention, teachers who keep students focused on the class and subject matter are to be commended.

Studies show that the following are bases for student engagement: a) the fundamental human need to develop and express competence; b) school membership; c) authentic academic work. Students who experience fairness, caring, success, support and who identify with the school community's expressed purpose are most likely to be engaged, if the work assigned is "authentic," requiring the student to construct meaning and produce knowledge that has value and relevance beyond the classroom.

Students who consistently feel disconnected from what is happening in school often go into a downward spiral of low grades, behavior problems, and truancy; and eventually some drop out of school altogether. Therefore, teachers must constantly hone their skills to keep kids involved and eager to learn.

Research shows that the following are necessary to engage students regardless of grade level:

• Maintain appropriate classroom behavior.
• Reinforce and encourage the efforts of learners to maintain involvement.
• Use teaching methods appropriate for the lesson objectives, pupils' cognitive ability, and the classroom environment.
• Channel students' intrinsic need for competence toward academic work.
• Provide consistent social support.
• Maximize student ownership of learning.
• Teach discrete, isolated subskills within a larger context such as readings, situations, or community research.
• Help students relate their prior knowledge to the new material.
• Relate the material to the students' cultural norms.


For additional information, and a PDF file containing a brief summary of research in student engagement with references to sources summarizing research. Go to: https://www.weac.org/resource/learningdispatch/2005-6/StudentEngagement.pdf