During the months of January and February we highlighted a feature called Brandon's Brainwork. I hope it gave you the opportunity to reflect and think about a few aspects of your teaching. Our last series of the year will be based on The First Days of School by Harry & Rosemary Wong. Each week we will highlight a certain chapter in the book and provide resources to go with the chapters.Laying the Groundwork
According to Harry Wong, the three characteristics of an effective teacher are:
- Has positive expectations for students success.
- Is an extremely good classroom manager.
- Knows how to design lessons for student mastery.
Over the next couple months we will highlight different pieces of each of these three characteristics.
Positive Expectations
- AKA...High expectations.
- Means that the teacher believes in the learner and that the learner can learn.
- Whatever the teacher expects from the learner is what the learner will produce.
- It is essential that the teacher exhibit positive expectations toward all students.
Classroom Management
- Practices and procedures that a teacher uses to maintain an environment in which instruction and learning can occur.
- Discipline has very little to do with classroom management.
- The teacher must establish a productive and cooperative working environment.
Lesson Mastery
- Student's demonstration that a concept has been comprehended or a skill can be performed at a level of proficiency determined by the teacher.
- Student success in the subject matter of the class will be the result of how well the teacher designs lessons and checks for mastery.
