Demonstrating some aspect of the work of teaching, under authentic circumstances, for a specific purpose.
'I model practices for my novice all the time, but I do have to tell them what to watch, otherwise it is just one vague performance' —Mentor, 2018
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A 3-minute guide to Modeling the Work of Teaching
Tools to Use Today
Check out the guide to this practice and tools you can print and use together.
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Mentor’s guide: Modeling the work of teaching
What is this practice? Modeling the work of teaching refers to demonstrating some part of the work of teaching under authentic circumstances for a specific purpose. We usually think of mentors modeling instruction by standing in front of the class while the teacher candidate observes....
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Tool: Observation protocol for mentor or TC
This is a tool that will help you and your TC discuss: What specific moves or routines will the teacher (mentor or TC) use? What should the observer focus on or watch for? It includes a T-chart to document your observations, and then suggests 2-3 points...
So, What's This All About?
A short video to show you the basics of the practice, examples from classroom life, and when to use it.
Why is it important? Modeling parts of teaching provides TCs with opportunities to experience and better envision how varied instructional strategies and interactions play out in practice, without simultaneously being responsible for figuring out how to respond to what happens. These are prime opportunities for TCs to notice, wonder, and draw connections between student learning/participation and instruction.