Teacher Growth - It All Starts with a Common Language of Instruction
Marzano (Interview, 2008) has suggested that the educational field is lacking a common language/model of instruction to describe effective teaching. Having a comprehensive model in which everybody talks about teaching in the same way communicates a message that “we are serious about good teaching…”
Watch as Dr. Marzano Explains the Power of a Common Language of Instruction
How Does a Common Language Improve Teacher Growth?
- Provides a framework for a way to talk about instruction that is shared by everyone
- Principals and teachers use it to discuss effective teaching, give and receive feedback, collect and act upon data
- Informs professional development needs aligned to the framework
iObservation’s Role in Supporting Your Common Language
| Key Elements- Common Language of Instruction | iObservation |
|---|---|
| Common framework identifies aspects of teaching that everyone agrees on | Supports the development of a common vocabulary, clear expectations, and shared understanding of effective practices |
| Curriculum and assessments that support meaningful instruction | Helps clarify expectations for teaching and learning using research based instructional frameworks. |
| Availability of high-quality materials that are on-demand and readily available | Provides evidence-based professional learning. Access the online library 24/7 for maximum convenience and offers flexibility without interrupting teachers’ classroom instructional time. Each item is connected to Dr. Marzano’s 41 key strategies of the appropriate lesson segments |
| Connected to collaborative work in professional learning communities. Supported by coaching and mentoring | Provides 21st Century technologies for learning, communicating, collaborating and reflecting within professional learning communities. |
It all comes down to improving student achievement, which is directly correlated to teacher growth. A common language of instruction is essential in achieving that goal.
To read more regarding the importance of a common language of instruction, see page five on Marzano’s White Paper on Race to The Top (PDF)
Contact us or sign up for a demonstration to learn more about iObservation’s teacher growth solutions.