Chapter 6:

Planning the Instruction

Michael Giorgio

June 11, 2008

The Instructional Unit

Standard Unit A series of lessons centered on a topic, theme, major concept or block of subject matter

Integrated Thematic Unit A standard unit that is centered on a central theme and integrates the two throughout each lesson

Building a Unit

1. Select a suitable theme, topic, issue, or problem.

2. Select the goals of the unit and prepare the overview.

1. Become as familiar as possible2. Consult the curriculum 3. Decide the content and procedure4. Write the overview5. Align with goals and standards

Building a Unit

3. Select instructional Objectives1. Include understandings, skills, attitudes,

appreciations, and ideals2. Be specific3. Write them in performance terms4. Be certain that they contribute to the major learning

Building a Unit

4. Detail the Instructional procedures1. Gather ideas for learning activities and be sure they

contribute to the learning2. Be sure the activities are feasible3. Be certain the resources are available to support

your activities4. Plan an Introductory Activity 5. Plan a Developmental Activity6. Plan a Culminating Activity

Building a Unit

5. Plan for preassessment and assessment of student learning.

6. Provide for the materials and tools needed to support the instruction.

Specifics for Thematic Unit

Agree on the nature or source of the unit Discuss subject-specific standards and goals Choose a theme and develop a time line Establish two timelines Develop the scope and sequence for content and

instruction Share goals and objectives Field-test the unit Reflect, assess, and perhaps adjust and revise the unit

Elements in a Lesson Plan

Description of course data Goals and objectives Rationale Procedure Assignments Materials and equipment A section for assessment

Format Duration

What’s best? How long? Identification factors Statement of rationale Objectives of the unit Materials and

resources Lesson plans Assessment strategies Differentiated

Instruction

No set time Check curriculum

guides A few days to a few

weeks Be sure you have the

time available Anchor activities

Degrees of Directness

Delivery mode of instruction Vs Access mode of instruction

Didactic instruction Vs Facilitative teaching

Direct instruction Vs Indirect instruction

Direct teaching Vs Direct experiencing

Expository teaching Vs Discovery learning

Teacher-centered instruction Vs Student-centered instruction

Delivery Mode

Strengths Much content can be covered within a short span of time

The teacher is in control of the content and time allotted

Strategies are consistent

Student achievement is predictable and manageable

Potential WeaknessesLittle student motivation

Students have little control over the pacing and decisions of their learning

Offers little opportunity for divergent or creative thinking

Access Mode

Strengths Students learn content in more depth

Sources of student motivation are more likely intrinsic

Students have more control over the pacing and decisions of their learning

Students develop a sense of personal self-worth

Potential WeaknessTime consuming

Teacher has less control over time, procedures, and content

Student learning is less preictable

Learning Modalities

Sensory Portal Modality preference- the way a student prefers to

receive sensory reception Modality adeptness- the actual was a student learns

best Visual modality Auditory modality Kinesthetic modality Tactile modality

Learning Styles

Imaginative Learner Perceives information concretely and processes it

reflectively

Analytic Learner Perceives information abstractly and processes it

reflectively

Common Sense Learner Perceives information abstractly and processes it actively

Dynamic Learner Perceives information concretely and processes it actively

Three-Phase Learning Cycle

1. The Exploratory Hands-On Phase1. Explore Ideas2. Experience Assimilation3. Develop questions and tentative answers

2. The Invention or Concept Development Phase1. Invent concepts and principles under guidance of

teacher

3. The Expansion or Concept Application Phase1. Apply ideas to situations

The Experience Ladder

Verbal

Visual

Vicarious

Simulated

Direct