Riverside - Teacher Framework

7/29/2019 Riverside - Teacher Framework

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Riverside Teacher Training Program:How to Put Common Sense into Common Practice

Overview

The Riverside School is an amalgamation of a world-class primary school and a

vibrant research centre for school education. Insights from cutting-edge research are

turned into working models ofpedagogical practices with a single-minded focus:

better student learning. Over the last seven years, Riverside has developed,

implemented and shared a unique curriculum that is proving to be the benchmark for

providing a no compromise primary school education ofthe highest quality.

The Riverside Training Program is designed to foster the personal and professional

growth and development of teachers, to enhance their teaching effectiveness and the

effectiveness of students learning. It aims to provide teachers with the capacity, skills

and knowledge to ensure the success and well-being of their students. Participants

engage with like-minded individuals for in-depth learning on issues that make a

difference in the lives of students.

This program will provide opportunities for participants to become reflective

practitioners, develop new skills, and apply skills learned into practice. Through a

variety of learning techniquesworkshops, discussions, immersion, and practice-

participants gain new perspectives on teaching, deepen their repertoire of problemsolving skills, engage in personal reflection and build strong professional networks.

Participants will undergo over140 hours of intensive training in the journey from

enablement to empowerment.

Upon completion of the program, Riverside will continue to support the participants as

they begin to apply what is learnt in the program in their classroom.


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Candidates

Candidates for the Riverside Teacher Training Program should have:

Framework

The Leaders Training Program is divided into 8 modules, held over2-3 consecutive

days every month, from July to March.

Module Topics

Common Sense Model

Examine the 3 components of the model:

1. Whythe foundation and framework (as it relates to the 3 Rs) 2. How the processes and behaviors3. What the content and assessment (as it relates to the Beacons)

Riverside Processes and Practices

Introduction to the numerous process and practices of Riverside

Relevance and how they relate to the Big Ideas and the Common Sense Model

Multiple Intelligences (MI)

Minimum 3 to 5 yearsteaching experience

Basic computer skills

(including Internetand Powerpoint)

Accessible email id.Basic English

languagecompetency


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In-depth discussion of theory where participants learn about each of the eight

intelligences and discover the impact MI has on the classroom

Pathways Model, an approach that connects the theory to classroom practice.

Application of MI at Riverside through Interest Centers and Clubs: why and how

Differentiated Instruction (DI)

Detailed examination of DI theory

Specific classroom strategies based on DI

Making Learning Visible (MLV)

Purpose of MLV and how it is implemented at Riverside

TimeTabling

Connection to the 3 Rs (Relevance, Rigor, Relationships).

Why and how timetables are created at Riverside

Planners

Important questions to be asked and answered in a planner

How a planner aids the teacher to plan a curriculum to ensure that all the 3 Rs

are being met

How daily / monthly / weekly planning connects to the Big Ideas

How the students voice is reflected in the planner

Lesson Planning

Importance and nuances of a detailed lesson plan

Evaluation and Assessment


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Information about the definitions of evaluation and assessment

Differences between the two

Types of evaluations

How to evaluate

Classroom Management

Different aspects of classroom management

Best practices

Effective strategies

High Quality Adult Learning

Adult Learning Model (acquire, practice, develop, share)

Importance of adult learning and how it directly impacts student performance

Brain Workshop

Information on a new theory of learning, based on the knowledge of the basic

inner workings of the brain, where different approaches to the design of

curriculum, teaching, and assessment are utilized

Art of Questioning

Importance of questioning in the classroom

Different types of questions with examples

Thinking Routines

How to introduce the culture of in the classroom, Role of the teacher in developing a thinking culture

Examples and demonstrations of various thinking routines

Components


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Sessions**

ModuleComponents

Inspiration

CommonSense Model

CommonSense

Practices

Calender

Providing motivation and inspiration

to make the necessary changes

keeping in mind the needs of the

students

Relating the session topic to the

Common Sense Model

Connecting the session topic to

processes, practices, and strategies

n the teachers own classroom

Linking the session topic to the

practices implemented at Riverside


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** hours are approximations

Plenary

All participants attend plenary sessions in which major theories and ideologies practiced

at Riverside are introduced and discussed.

Study Group

Participants are divided into small, intimate study groups where they are able to

synthesize and personalize information introduced during plenary sessions and mini-

courses. It is an opportunity for one to one interaction with senior Riverside faculty to

reflect, review and clarify new information.

Mini-Course

Teacher'sProgram

Plenary

(30 hrs)

Study Group

(20 hrs)

Mini-Course

(20 hrs)

Observations

(20 hrs)

Demo Sessions

(10 hrs)

Assignments

(10 hrs)

Implementation

(10 hrs)

Visits

(5 Hrs)

Reflection

(15 hrs)


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Mini-courses are short, intensive sessions to help increase and/or hone a repertoire of

skills. Participants can select from a range of mini-course options being offered.

Classroom Observation

Classroom observation, as the name suggests, is an opportunity to study how aclassroom functions as various theories and strategies are implemented concurrently.

The focus of each observation will vary depending on topics covered during plenary and

mini-courses.

Demo Sessions

Experienced teachers hold sessions to showcase best practices. This allows

participants to observe and gain clarity on content, classroom management and

processes implemented in a classroom or school setting.

Assignments

Application of theories/ strategies/ practices observed and discussed at Riverside is an

important component of the Riverside Training Program. Reviewing and reflecting upon

the assignments helps to refine and improve the participants skills.

Implementation

Participants will be required to implement the theories, strategies, and practices

discussed at Riverside in the classroom setting. Senior Riverside faculty will provide

feedback so practitioners continue to hone their skills. This is essential as it is a direct

application of what is learnt in the Training Program.

Visits

Visits to institutes and heritage sites in and around Ahmedabad help participants make

connections to the value of utilizing the city as a resource.

Reflection

Time will be allotted for Reflection as it is an important component of the Riverside

program. Reflections help participants to review, reflect and refine their practitioners as

we review and refine our practice.

Certification


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Certification will be granted upon completion of all of the above components in a

satisfactory manner.

Certification

Attendance80 % of allsessions

Assessement

Implementation

Portfolio

Presentation

Readings


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Sample Training Schedule

Module One:Introduction to Riverside - Common Sense to Common PracticeDay 1

Ice Breaker and School Tour

Classroom Observation: Similarities and differences between Riverside

classroom and practitioners classroom

Study Group: What was observed? What was understood of learning? What

were learning moments? Match to own context any changes / conflicts / big

shifts?

Reflections

Day 2

Participants and organizations introduction; what are needs and concerns of

teachers?

Introduce Common Sense to Common Practice Model

Riverside Processes and Practices

Reflection / Closing the Loop

Module Two: PlanningDay 1

Establish the 3 Rs: Relevance, Rigor, and Relationship

Planner as a Conscience: How do you plan for high student learning in context of

3 Rs?

Brain workshop

Reflections

Day 2

Lesson Planning: Components of a well-planned lesson

Classroom Observation: How does a lesson planned on paper translate into

practice?

Design a lesson plan in groups; review and provide feedback

Timetabling

Reflections


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Assignment: Individually design and implement a lesson (provide evidence

through photographs, video, student work, etc.)

Module Three: Multiple Intelligences TheoryDay 1

Review of assignment

Multiple Intelligences Theory

Interest Centers and Clubs workshop

Reflections

Day 2

Interest Center and/or Clubs observation

Pathways Model workshop

Demo Session: MI in the classroom

Study Group: Review MI sessions; Fill out MI observation sheets

Reflections

Assignment: Design and implement an MI based lesson plan (provide evidence)

Module Four: MI (contd) and Classroom PracticesDay 1

Review of MI theory: clear any misconceptions; answer questions; fill in gaps

Review of assignment

Art of Questioning

Reflections

Day 2

Classroom Management

Classroom Observation

Image of a Competent Teacher: Adult Learning Model Mini-Course: Primary and Secondary Math Use of Manipulatives as a Learning

Tool

Assignment: Design a 40-minute session to be implemented in a Riverside

classroom (keep in mind classroom management, lesson planning, MI, Common

Sense Model)


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Module Five: Teaching PracticeDay 1

Implementation of assignment (Group 1)

Reflect / Review / Feedback

Visit of Gandhi Ashram with Grade 2 teacher and students

Day 2

Implementation of assignment (Group 1)

Reflect / Review / Feedback

Evaluation and Assessment

Module Six: Differentiated Instruction (DI)Day 1

Mini-Course: Knowing your Students Developmental Milestones

Principles of DI

Reflections

Day 2

DI Strategies

Demo Session: DI in the Classroom

Study Group: Linking MI and DI and how they are both integrated in the

classroom

Reflections

Module Seven: Making Learning Visible (MLV)Day 1

Practice of Making Learning Visible: how and why

Different forms of communication with parents: diaries, newsletters, workshops,school events, emails, etc.

One-on-One interaction with parents

Day 2


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Thinking Routines

Demo Session of Thinking Routines

Study Group: Practice and review of Thinking Routines

Reflections

Module Eight: Closing the LoopDay 1

Review and reflect on training program

o Make connections to teachers schools and classrooms.

o Discuss paradigm shifts.

o Any gaps left? What questions still exist?

If necessary, revisit previous topics

Day 2

Graduation ceremony

Documents

Riverside - Teacher Framework