Module 4: Identifying a Problem of Practice
This module assumes you know and can do the following: (click to open drop-down)
Identify the Universal Constructs
Understand the differences between the Universal Constructs, 21st Century Skills, and SEL Competencies
Identify a problem in need of solving in your classroom/context
Click here to receive additional resources related to this module to put in your educator toolbox.
Competencies
Customize the learning experience through assessments, supports, progressions, relationships and technology.
Scaffold, customize whenever possible and provide adequate supports and interventions to appropriately stretch each learner, informed by teacher expertise
Learning Outcomes
Determine the root cause of a problem of practice.
Make connections between my classroom and CCR, SEL competencies, and the 21st Century Skills.
Identify a Universal Construct that will work towards addressing a problem of practice.
What I will DO in this module:
Learn about identifying a problem of practice with root cause analysis.
Use a technique called the 5 Whys to identify a personal problem of practice.
Consider how the Universal Constructs can help us think about our problem of practice.
LEARNING PATHWAY
Start with the pre-assessment (below) to determine your path.
Use the Module Slide Deck in the Module Resources below to begin your learning pathway.
The learning tasks below are in a similar order to the order of the Module Slide Deck, and slide numbers are often referenced for your convenience.
Module 4 Universal Constructs Pre-Assessment.pdfLAUNCH
THINK ABOUT
Throughout this module you will be using portions of the Universal Constructs Design Process Guide. It is linked for your reference.
What is a problem of practice in your classroom that you’d like to solve?
Brainstorm several problems of practice. Examples could include:
My students struggle working in groups.
self-direction.
My students always produce the same products and are only concerned about requirements.
My students don’t do well with change or in new situations
During group projects one student often does most of the work.
Students don’t always meet project deadlines.
THINK ABOUT
How does each of your brainstormed problems of practice connect to your QFocus from Module 2?
How does each problem of practice connect to the
MAY DO:
If your district utilizes the Universal Tier Tools Guide (Preschool v5.0, Kindergarten - Grade 6 UTT v5.0, Grade 6 - High School UTT v5.0), consider how your brainstormed problems of practice connect to the UTT steps.
CONSIDER
Consider:
For which problem of practice would finding a solution most positively impact your classroom?
Prioritize the problem on which you would like to focus your efforts.
LEARN
LEARN ABOUT
To learn and reflect more about your problem of practice, you will be using the 5 Whys Technique.
Watch the video to understand the protocol.
DO
In specially designed instruction, it is important to DIAGNOSE what the real challenge is, DESIGN a plan to solve the problem, and DELIVER the solution.
In this portion of our learning you will dig deeper into your identified problem of practice and DIAGNOSE what is causing your students to struggle.
Use this template or another of your choosing to complete the “5 Whys” for your identified problem of practice.
Reflect
Is the root cause of the problem applicable for all students?
DO
Review the Universal Constructs (scroll down to the embedded PDFs).
Determine which construct you feel would best address your identified problem of practice and root cause.
REFLECT
REFLECT
How might identifying the root cause of your problem of practice help you as you DESIGN and DELIVER in the future?
How do you think matching the root cause of your problem of practice to a Universal Construct will help you in planning in the future?
MODULE RESOURCES
Definition of College and Career Readiness Flyer (1).pdfUniversal Constructs Design Process Guide Final (1).pdfCHECKPOINT
Use the Checkpoint to help you check your thinking and doing with the learning targets in this module, determine whether you are ready to move on to the next module, and select “must do” or “may do” content of this module that is needed for additional clarification and/or practice.
Connect with a local instructional coach and/or the instructor of the course you are taking for feedback.
If you completed this module on your own, ask a colleague to review your problem of practice and root cause analysis. Provide them with evidence to support your selected Universal Construct.
CELEBRATION OF LEARNING
Use the Celebration of Learning to synthesize key ideas gained, network with others inside and outside of your district, crowdsource knowledge and/or design ideas, and to extend your learning beyond this module.
SHARE: Post your goal with the learning community here. Use the praise, question, suggestion feedback technique (PDF overview and video example) to leave a comment for a colleague about their goal.
SHARE: Tweet one way the Universal Constructs will improve teaching and learning for all students to @MBAEA, @TheCenter_Iowa, and #IACompEd.
