Teach students how to analyze something. This is a crucial skill and often lacking - you shouldn't assume that students automatically have developed strong analysis strategies. Ask "What is AUTHOR's stance towards SUBJECT?" - but ensure that students know how to break the question down. If students don't have a handle on how to start with what you're asking, their hesitation or reluctant expressions will tell you so. In teaching analytic skills, you are also shaping the classroom culture.
Engage both theory and practiceJump between specific example and abstract meaning and get students used to doing this too. Students should be able to take a general principle and apply it to a situation, and take a situation and see how it fits in with what they know. Don't just do this behind the scenes; make it explicit so students are aware of what they're doing.
Establish strong feedback sourcesEstablish natural flows for feedback so you know what students are thinking and learning. Understand that students will not automatically grasp the importance of feedback, even when it helps them very directly.
Avoid student indigestionDon't expect students to digest multiple layers of information from the same reading. Introduce content in class, or assign recon work, before expecting an in-depth reading of a new topic.
Don't get lazy with presentationsIf you teach using a powerpoint or other display, leave breadcrumbs so your students know what each section or bullet is about. A topic title for each slide is useful; each slide should have a definite purpose and be clearly organized so that students understand what's meant to go on it. Don't read from the presentation. Use noun phrases as a topic reminder and as a student outline.
Establish reliable structureStructure is crucial in the classroom so that students know what to expect from me and know what will be expected of them.
A structure can be open-ended and flexible and still be reliable. If I deviate from expectations, I still need to acknowledge them ("OK, I know we usually go outside on Fridays. But today...") and validate them by justifying the change.
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