S02E22 - Dr. Leslie Laud - Implementation Science Meets Writing Instruction: ThinkSRSD's Journey to Scalability and Impact
Nov 30, 2024
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Dr. Leslie Laud, Founding Director of ThinkSRSD, brings nearly two decades of experience in writing education. In this engaging conversation, she delves into the transformative Self-Regulated Strategy Development framework, emphasizing effective mnemonics and structured routines. Dr. Laud discusses the pressing need for professional development tailored to teachers' unique contexts and shares strategies for smoothly implementing writing instruction. She also highlights how self-assessment and genre understanding can empower students, paving the way for innovative writing practices across grade levels.
The ThinkSRSD program utilizes effective mnemonics like POWER and TIDE to enhance students' writing across various genres and grades.
Successful implementation of new writing strategies requires a collaborative approach among educators to overcome common challenges in classrooms.
Continuous professional development tailored to teachers' unique contexts is essential for improving writing instruction and empowering educators effectively.
Deep dives
Acknowledging Cultural Contexts in Education
The podcast emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting the cultural contexts surrounding education. It highlights the region's traditional custodians and discusses the significance of including Indigenous perspectives in teaching practices. By acknowledging these contexts, educators can create a more inclusive learning environment that honors diverse cultural backgrounds and fosters mutual respect among all students. This approach ultimately enhances the relevance of the curriculum and supports students' sense of belonging.
The Importance of Evidence-Informed Practices
The episode dives into the concept of evidence-informed practices in education, which underpin effective teaching strategies. It discusses how these practices, particularly self-regulated strategy development (SRSD), have shown strong evidence of improving writing skills among students. The discussion points out that despite its evidence base, SRSD remains underutilized in many educational settings. By promoting its integration, teachers can facilitate better writing outcomes and empower students to take charge of their learning.
Strategies for Effective Writing Instruction
The key strategies of the Think SRSD program are explored, focusing on the use of mnemonics to aid in teaching writing across different genres. Techniques like POWER and TIDE are highlighted as essential tools that help students structure their writing effectively. These strategies not only promote better writing skills but also support the development of students' self-regulation and executive functioning. Implementing these strategies can significantly enhance students' ability to express their ideas coherently and confidently.
Implementation Challenges and Teacher Collaboration
The podcast addresses the challenges that teachers face when implementing new writing strategies in their classrooms. It stresses the need for gradual integration and emphasizes the importance of collaboration among educators. By working together and sharing resources, teachers can overcome common implementation hurdles and create a supportive environment for adoption. This collaborative approach leads to the successful incorporation of evidence-informed practices and helps sustain long-term changes in instructional methods.
Focus on Continuous Professional Development
Continuous professional development (CPD) is highlighted as a crucial aspect of improving writing instruction and overall classroom practices. The episode suggests that effective CPD should be tailored to meet the specific needs of teachers and their contexts. Providing resources such as e-learning modules, coaching, and real classroom demonstrations can enhance teachers' understanding and execution of writing strategies. By investing in ongoing professional development, schools can empower educators to become more effective in their teaching practices and improve student outcomes.
In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Leslie Laud. She is the founding Director of ThinkSRSD, a writing program built upon Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD). The discussion covers ThinkSRSD's key strategies, including mnemonics and how to apply them across different grade levels and writing genres. Furthermore, Dr. Laud addresses implementation challenges and provides advice for teachers, emphasising a gradual release of responsibility, the significance of teacher collaboration and the need for professional development that respects teachers' unique contexts.