Sessions by Theme - Classroom Connections

Active Learning With Technology ll

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In the original Active Learning With Technology, participants learned how to introduce technology into the school curriculum. In this updated version, we move to the next step in the use of technology in the classroom: immersion. Using proven methods and the latest trends in technology, participants will discover, explore, and immerse themselves in the creation and use of technology tools. Using the power of Web 2.0 applications, social networking, multimedia tools, and their own creativity, participants will begin to chart the path of the next phase of the technology revolution. Learn more

Adolescent Literacy: How to Access and Comprehend Text

This interactive session on adolescent literacy will focus on helping all middle/high school teachers see their roles not as teachers of reading, but as teachers of how to access information from the different kinds of text used in their classes. Participants will briefly examine their own reading/literacy strategies, review scientifically based reading/literacy approaches, and learn how to restructure learning tasks that emphasize both content and access of text and comprehension as essential goals. Learn more

Beyond “Good Teaching”: Recognizing Deep Mathematical Learning

American students perform well at the elementary school level in mathematics. However, an alarming decline in mathematics mastery often occurs at the middle school level. Some of this decline may be related to the premise that teachers tend to teach not only how they were taught but what they were taught. Although many principals recognize generally effective instructional practices, a deep understanding of key fundamental mathematics topics is essential to effectively support high-quality mathematics instruction in the classroom. This professional learning opportunity will focus on instructional leadership for mathematics by middle school administrators. Materials will include tools and resources for use with teachers on your campus when you return home. Learn more

Beyond ELL: Addressing Language-Based Problems in Mathematics Instruction

This professional learning opportunity will focus on inadvertent and often undetected problems in mathematics instruction caused by inattention to the role of language, representation, and symbolism. These practices affect all students, particularly English language learners. Participants will link deep conceptual understanding of key mathematics concepts with the associated language and symbolism that often create barriers to student learning. Come prepared to experience “aha!” moments in this highly interactive session. Learn more

Developing Deeper Thinking and Understanding Through Effective Questioning

One of the crucial factors of deeper thinking and understanding is questioning. But what kinds of questions should teachers be asking to help students develop deeper thinking and understanding? And, are teachers helping students generate questions for themselves?

This interactive seminar focuses on the following essential question: How can teachers improve their questioning skills to create a thinking and learning environment in all classrooms for all students?

During this seminar, participants will learn the types of questions and questioning strategies teachers should use along with how to scaffold student responses to promote deeper thinking and understanding across all content areas and all grade levels. Through modeling and guided and independent practice, participants will have opportunities to learn effective questioning strategies and talk with others regarding the impact of various questioning behaviors on student learning.

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The Professional Teaching and Learning Cycle

The Professional Teaching and Learning Cycle (PTLC) is an ongoing, job-embedded professional development approach in which teachers collaborate to plan and implement standards-based lessons. This Train the Trainer session will introduce participants to the six-step cycle, the leadership roles that support the approach, and the contextual conditions necessary to implement the approach effectively. Also included will be a discussion of an innovation configuration designed to promote and measure the implementation of each component of the PTLC. Participants will receive a training manual and the ability to implement and/or train others to implement the PTLC. Learn more

What Does It Mean to Teach Reading Explicitly?

The National Reading Panel identified five components—phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension—as necessary for effective early reading instruction. However, effective reading instruction requires more from teachers than just mastery of the five reading components. Teachers also need to develop the art, and language, of teaching reading explicitly.

This interactive, hands-on seminar teaches the process of explicit instruction by using the five components of reading as examples. Participants will understand “the what,” “the why,” “the when,” and “the how” of explicit instruction as they are provided ample modeling and practice through the concepts, sequences, and lesson components for explicit instruction.

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Please contact The SEDL Center for Professional Learning at 800-476-6861 or e-mail services@sedl.org to learn more about how we can help your school, district, or agency meet your needs. We can provide customized, on-site training and consultations.

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