Elliot Morgan, experienced in teaching and leading, shares insights on task-design, planning, professional development, and his teaching career. They discuss the importance of task design, exploration of dual coding and retrieval practice, and the need for individualized task design to suit specific classes and cohorts.
In task design for foundational subjects, it is crucial to prioritize depth and continuity to promote effective learning experiences.
Teachers should invest time in building their subject knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge to confidently plan and deliver high-quality lessons.
Engaging in reflection and ongoing professional development can lead to continuous improvement in task design and instructional approaches.
Deep dives
The Importance of Depth and Continuity in Task Design
When it comes to teaching foundational subjects, the key focus should be on depth and continuity. Some common pitfalls in task design include a lack of depth in content, a lack of continuity between topics and concepts, and a lack of systematic assessment. To address these issues, teachers should spend more time planning and building their subject knowledge, particularly in areas where they may feel less confident. They should also prioritize meaningful cross-curricular links and consider using high-quality models and resources. Additionally, teachers should ensure that tasks are designed to promote long-term learning rather than just short-term engagement or enjoyment. Overall, task design plays a crucial role in creating effective and impactful learning experiences.
The Importance of Subject Knowledge and Pedagogical Content Knowledge
In teaching foundational subjects, having in-depth subject knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge is crucial. Teachers should invest time in building their understanding of the subjects they teach, particularly in areas where they may have less expertise. This includes reading, engaging with resources, and seeking support from colleagues and experts. By deepening their subject knowledge, teachers can confidently plan and deliver high-quality lessons that effectively engage students and facilitate their learning.
The Role of Reflection and Professional Development
Engaging in reflection and ongoing professional development is essential for teachers. Reflecting on task design, instructional approaches, and the effectiveness of assessments can lead to continuous improvement as educators. It is important for teachers to critically consider the impact of their instructional choices and make adjustments based on the needs and progress of their students. By actively seeking out opportunities for professional development, such as reading educational resources and participating in discussions with colleagues, teachers can stay updated on best practices and further enhance their teaching skills.
Understanding the Depth and Assessment of Knowledge
A key aspect of teaching is gauging the depth of knowledge in students. By having students write about a specific topic, teachers can assess their understanding and depth of knowledge. For example, in history, teachers can ask questions about the causes and effects of historical events. The amount and quality of information students provide can indicate their level of comprehension. This approach can be used with students of different ages and can be scaffolded to meet their learning needs.
Task Design: Connecting Instruction and Understanding
Task design plays a crucial role in facilitating learning. A task is an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and practice what they have learned. It serves as an extension of the instructional phase, linking back to the content taught by teachers. Well-crafted tasks have clear desired end results and can focus on either the process or the product. Teachers consider the subject-specific methodology and aim to design tasks that promote engagement, challenge, and retrieval of knowledge. It is important for teachers to devote time to task design and for school leaders to value and support this process.
Elliot Morgan shares his experience of teaching and leading in the nation's capital, his thoughts on task-design and discusses his approach to planning and preparation in the foundation subjects.
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