Small Teaching K-8 - Igniting the Teaching Spark With the Science of Learning

Cognitive science research-based teaching techniques any educator can implement in their K-8 classroom
 
In Small Teaching K-8, a team of veteran educators bridges the gap between cognitive theory and the K-8 classroom environment, applying the same foundational research found in author James Lang's bestselling Small Teaching: Everyday Lessons from the Science of Learning to the elementary and middle school setting. Via clear descriptions and step-by-step methods, the book demonstrates how to integrate simple interventions into pre-existing pedagogical techniques to dramatically improve student outcomes.
 
The interventions consist of classroom or online learning activities, one-time additions, or small modifications in course design or communication. Regardless of their form, they all deliver powerful, positive consequences.
 
In this book, readers will also find:
* Foundational concepts from up-to-date cognitive research that has implications for classroom teaching and the rationales for using them in a K-8 classroom
* Concrete examples of how interventions have been used by faculty in various disciplines
* Directions on the specific timing of each intervention, backed by evidence-based reasons
 
An essential resource for K-8 educators seeking ways to improve their efficacy in the classroom, Small Teaching K-8 offers teachers intuitive and actionable advice on helping students absorb and retain knowledge for the long-term.

List of contents

About the Author xi
 
Foreword xiii
 
Introduction xvii
 
Part I Knowing: The Six-Minute Fix 1
 
1 Retrieving 7
 
What's the Theory? 10
 
In Short 15
 
Models 15
 
Three-Two-One 16
 
Closing Questions 17
 
Big Basket Quizzes 19
 
Multi-Part Quizzes 19
 
Polling 21
 
Principles 22
 
Frequency Matters 22
 
Align Practice and Assessment 22
 
Require Thinking 23
 
Small Teaching Quick Tips: Retrieving 23
 
Conclusion 24
 
2 Self-Explaining 27
 
What's the Theory? 29
 
In Short 34
 
Models 35
 
Think Aloud 36
 
How Does This Connect to Our Goal? 37
 
Turn-and-Talk 38
 
Discussion Protocols 40
 
Principles 43
 
Scaffold Self-Explanation 43
 
Point to Principles 43
 
Utilize Peer Power 44
 
Small Teaching Quick Tips: Self-Explaining 44
 
Conclusion 45
 
3 Predicting 47
 
What's the Theory? 49
 
In Short 53
 
Models 53
 
Predict during Do Nows 54
 
Pretesting 57
 
Anticipation Guides 59
 
Tea Party 60
 
Closing Predictions 62
 
Principles 63
 
Stay Conceptual 63
 
Provide Fast Feedback 63
 
Leave Time for Reflection 64
 
Small Teaching Quick Tips: Predicting 64
 
Conclusion 65
 
4 Putting It All Together: Jennifer Hedrington, Grade 7 Teacher 67
 
Part II Thinking: Strength and Conditioning 73
 
5 Synthesizing 77
 
What's the Theory? 79
 
In Short 81
 
Models 82
 
Synthesis Sentence Starters 83
 
Knowledge Dumps 86
 
Finding the Main Idea 88
 
Concept Maps 90
 
The Minute Thesis 92
 
Principles 93
 
Provide the Framework 94
 
Facilitate Synthesis 94
 
Leverage Peer Learning 94
 
Small Teaching Quick Tips: Synthesis 94
 
Conclusion 95
 
6 Practicing 97
 
What's the Theory? 99
 
In Short 103
 
Models 104
 
Unpack Your Assessments 104
 
Parcel Them Out and Practice Them 106
 
Provide Feedback 109
 
Principles 111
 
Make the Time for In-Class Practice 111
 
Space It Out 111
 
Practice Mindfully 112
 
Small Teaching Quick Tips: Practice 112
 
Conclusion 113
 
7 Mapping 117
 
What's the Theory? 119
 
In Short 125
 
Models 125
 
Year-Long Theme 126
 
Writing an Objective 131
 
Post an Agenda 133
 
Principles 134
 
Set a Timer 134
 
Utilize Strong Verbs 135
 
Don't Be Afraid to Dipstick 136
 
Small Teaching Quick Tips: Mapping 136
 
Conclusion 137
 
8 Putting It All Together: Jennessa Burks, Grade 4 Teacher 141
 
Part III Transforming: Balance and Agility 147
 
9 Growing 151
 
What's the Theory? 154
 
In Short 157
 
Models 157
 
Reward Growth 157
 
Give Growth-Language Feedback 160
 
Promote Success Strategies 162
 
Principles 163
 
Design for Growth 164
 
Communicate for Growth 164
 
Feedback for Growth 164
 
Small Teaching Quick Tips: Growing 165
 
Conclusion 165
 
10 Motivating 167
 
What's the Theory? 172
 
In Short 175
 
Models 176
 
Positive Recognition 178
 
Tell Great Stories 180
 
Invoke Self-Transcendent Purpose 181
 

About the author

SARAH CONNELL SANDERS is an accomplished educator and writer with a master's degree in education from Boston College. She is a regular correspondent for Worcester Magazine and the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. JAMES M. LANG is a former professor of English and director of the D'Amour Center for Teaching Excellence at Assumption University. He is the author of six books, including the bestselling Small Teaching: Everyday Lessons from the Science of Learning.

Product details

• Authors: James M Lang, James M. Lang, Lang James M., Sarah Connell Sanders, Sarah Connell (Boston College Sanders
• Publisher: Wiley, John and Sons Ltd
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 21.11.2022
• EAN: 9781119862796
• ISBN: 978-1-119-86279-6
• No. of pages: 272
• Subjects: Guides > Self-help, everyday life > Family; Humanities, art, music > Education > Education system; Schule, Education, Bildungswesen, K-12, K-12 / Lehren u. Lernen, Teaching & Learning (K-12)