EDU 512 Reading Notes:

Kathryn Woon
Teaching Literacy in the Visible Classroom
Chapter 3 - Direct Instruction
Application 1:
Relevance-
An important driver of learning is in understanding why the acquisition of a new skill or
concept is important. Relevance facilitates intrinsic motivation. Students will ask themselves
why a particular fact, skill or concept is or should be important to them. It is important for
teachers to try to connect knowledge acquisition with motivation.
Application-
As I plan out my lessons, the strategies I use should be used to motivate students to see the
importance of learning new information. One of the strategies important to teaching is
connecting background information with new information. When a student is able to see the
connection to their prior knowledge, they will see how their new knowledge can be put to
use. I want to give students an opportunity to ask, “Why is _____ important?”
Application 2:
Students Think Aloud-
Students leading the class through their solution paths can be very powerful, and the way this
is done shouldn’t be left to the pedagogical skills of an untrained child. Include a checklist as
a way to self-assess think-alouds as a student is leading.
Application-
Rather than giving students the answers, I want to write my lesson plans with built in
questions to give students time to talk and discuss with their partners. I believe this
opportunity is especially important during the Inquiry Lesson Plans. Students who are given
time to explore will leave the lesson with profitable hands on experiences with new
knowledge.
Application 3:
Guided Instruction-
Using focusing questions is an excellent way to begin guided instruction, because it has the
potential of expanding, rather than constricting student thinking. A teacher should scaffold as
much as needed using guided strategic questions, prompts, and cues. Guided instruction does
not give students the answer.
Application-
I know that I struggle with lag time between questions I ask my students. When there is new
information, I will need to plan ahead for lag time and prepare strategic questions to ask
students that will lead them to the correct answer.