Time is of the essence
by Michael Beckwith, Instructional Coach
Embedded Files
We are dauntless in the task that lies before us. To educate our students to be leaders of their own learning, we must employ every available asset. Time, perhaps, is our most precious resource because we have so little of it. Time matters to the students we have now and they deserve to have us invest it well. Professional Techniques Indicator 2h (maximizing available instructional time) is often overlooked but it is one we should examine closer as we have much knowledge to impart.
Here are some “look-fors” that indicate we are effective in meeting our student’s needs:
- Appropriate instructional time for content:
- Allocation of time matches grade level expectations and student needs with accommodations/modifications as appropriate
- Incorporates appropriate pacing:
- Maximizes instructional time by effectively prioritizing tasks, organizing data, preparing materials, delegating tasks and scheduling
- Smooth transitions between activities:
- Puts procedures in place to avoid interruption to instructional time
- Transitional procedures are in place to expedite progression of learning
- Engages students in learning:
- Ensures that all students participate with a high level of frequency
- Appropriate balance of teacher talk and student talk
- Accesses and employs appropriate materials, services to facilitate student engagement
A generic period*
A generic period*
Warm up: 3 - 5 minutes
Whole Class Instruction: 10 – 15 minutes
Independent/Small Group Work Time: 30 – 35 minutes
Closure: 3 – 5 minutes
*For a block schedule, try splitting the block into two cycles – cycle 1, followed by a short mental break, transition into cycle 2. The second cycle can have its own learning goal, warm up and activities.
In a nutshell
In a nutshell
To ensure our students learn what is required in our C-CAP documents, or for them to shine on a MAP, PSAT, AP or SAT test, we need to maximize our teaching time. Ricardo Montalbán said, in a super cool movie, “time is a luxury you don’t have.” Interrupted to mean, in our case, we must take full advantage of the time allotted. Yes, we still need to build and maintain positive learning environments and time must be set aside to nurture. However, every attempt should be made to intentionally plan so we are purposely using every valuable minute.
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