Isn't this the truth for all of us who do staff development? How do we get it to stick? When you say you are asked to create "think alouds" does this mean you are creating lesson plans with samples of how you would think aloud? I found, as you suspect, that only goes so far in actually making it into practice. What we need to do is build teacher capacity and those one-shot staff development sessions only go so far. I am not sure what your situation is, but I am trying to find more time to plan and teach side by side with teachers...show them the thinking process behind my planning. I try to teach with colleagues and talk about what I notice the kids do and share what I am thinking about as I make teaching decisions. The lesson study process, while it only was with two other colleagues, deepened both my understanding and my colleagues understanding of what it looks like when kids really do understand. We started lesson study as a way to develop great strategy lessons for K-3. What we got was real and lasting changes in our practice that move beyond 'designer lessons'. Let's keep up the dialogue...it is so hard to make real changes in the classroom! Jennifer In a message dated 6/1/2008 11:24:01 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
The above remind me of the importance of crucial staff development. I have been asked to create think alouds for teachers for next year. While I am flattered that someone thinks I can even do that task, I have serious concerns about it. How will teachers understand the thinking behind the lesson? How will they realize the idea that students need to use certain tools to come to understanding and not as an end? Without the discussion and thinking about what it really means to understand, to use comprehension strategies, will the lessons be any better than a basal? I feel that much of the lessons will be misunderstood especially because I'm not sure I'll get time with teachers to talk about my thinking behind the lesson and text selected. As a language arts content specialist, staff development is my biggest obstacle. **************Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch "Cooking with Tyler Florence" on AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/tyler-florence?video=4?&NCID=aolfod00030000000002) _______________________________________________ Understand mailing list [email protected] http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/listinfo/understand_literacyworkshop.org
