Phase 2:  Develop the Guided Experience Approach

Professional Development

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The key to short term improvement, long term mastery, and to using resources effectively, is to follow a well-founded path of professional development. We recommend a gradual approach over a period of at least two years.

We use our Process Learning Circles® format to introduce educators to the Caines’ 12 Brain/Mind Learning Principles, one principle at a time. In this way they gain a much deeper understanding of the learning capacities that all students have.  At the same time, they work together to develop better instructional strategies.

The circles are supplemented by:

• classroom visits;
  

• mentoring; and
  

• guidance.
  

Enriched direct instruction helps students master factual information, develop basic skills and routines, and gain deeper understanding of concepts and ideas.  This will be reflected in higher test scores.

Process Learning Circles® are used to introduce educators to the guided experience approach, and to provide a means to experiment with it, reflect on it and master it. This approach leads to higher order functioning and sustained academic excellence over time. There are many examples - they use different lables but the same underlying philosophy. 

Phase 1:  Enrich Direct Instruction

For instance, teachers can learn to

• Use more creative presentations
  

• Use more creative practice and rehearsal
  

• Engage students in analysis of core ideas
  

• Have groups of students work together to solve problems - and explain their results.
  

• Use more complex activities that engage the body and the emotions as well as the mind
  

• Use more sophisticated questioning to help students actively process material
  

Project based learning. (Visit Edutopia.org for many more examples)

Expeditionary learning (One of the programs, and podcasts sponsored by the Anne E Casey Foundation on Schools that Work)

Caution:  Sometimes people talk the talk but do not walk the walk.  The test is whether the three fundamental elements of great teaching are present.