Description

Andrea Capizzi, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of the Practice, Department of Special Education

Effective instruction is critical to promote access to the curriculum and promote successful school outcomes for every student according to his or her potential. By creating learning experiences that allow students to work at their optimal instructional level and incorporating effective instructional techniques, teachers can foster optimum learning for all students. In classrooms where instruction is differentiated, teachers assess individual student needs and present content and targeted instructional strategies geared toward student ability levels based on these needs (Tomlinson, 1999). Furthermore, effective instructional techniques in regards to how content is taught (rather than what curriculum is taught) are used to create varied learning opportunities catered to student needs (Hall, 2007). The focus of this presentation includes the essential elements of effective instruction. We discuss practical strategies teachers can use to prevent or minimize undesirable behaviors and increase student engagement, including supervision and proximity; appropriate use of praise and opportunities to respond (OTRs); choosing appropriate curricula; appropriate pacing; providing instructive feedback and engaging instruction; instructional delivery models (i.e., direct and explicit instruction, cooperative learning, strategy instruction); and incorporating opportunities for choice. We address potential challenges and solutions for making effective instruction work in your classroom.

This annual series of workshops provides training for school teams that include both general and special educators. Workshops focus on innovative evidence-based practices to improve the quality of education for students with diverse learning needs. Founded in 1996, the Britt Henderson Training Series is made possible at no cost to participating educators through an endowment from the Robert and Carol Henderson family in memory of their son Brett.

Individuals and school teams are welcome.

For more information, contact Mary Crnobori at (615) 343-0706 or mary.crnobori@vanderbilt.edu.