Essential Attributes of Excellent Teaching
 

 

Over the past 100 years of educational research, a specific set of teacher behaviors have been identified as closely linked to improved student achievement.

These behaviors , or essential attributes-- Clear Learning Goals, Congruency of Action, Task Analysis, Diagnosis, Overt Responses, and Mid-course Corrections, represent the core of teaching competence.

 While great teachers apply strategies above and beyond these basic six, the link to student achievement for these six core skills has become more and more apparent, especially in reading and math instruction, and particularly for students at or below grade level. When innovations such as brain science are applied in tandem with these powerful classics, student learning is further accelerated.

The Six Big Ideas Study Program is a stand-alone selection from the award-winning 15 part Creating the Learning Centered School Media Series. It presents the key ideas that all teachers should know (or be reminded of ) to expand the learning capacity of their school.
   
 

CLEAR LEARNING GOALS
The principle Clear Learning Goals examines the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage time in the classroom.

CONGRUENCY
In a learning situation, Congruency communicates the ability to achieve an exact match or agreement between the clear learning goal and the chosen learning activity.

DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis is determining what a student already knows and can apply to a learning goal.
TASK ANALYSIS
Once a goal is created, Task Analysis supplies step-by-step directions to achieve the objective.

OVERT RESPONSES
An Overt Response is a demonstration of learning targeted to the level of thinking/doing contained in the clear learning goal.

MID-COURSE CORRECTIONS
Success in reaching the learning goal depends on the ability to make Mid-Course Corrections, to remain flexible, adapt and adjust to the learner's responses.

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