S4E5: Steplab + Teach Like a Champion with Doug Lemov, Josh Goodrich, and Peps Mccrea
Oct 12, 2024
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Doug Lemov, an expert in instructional coaching and author, joins Josh Goodrich, CEO of StepLab, and Peps Mccrea, an educational writer and coach, to delve into innovative strategies for enhancing teaching. They discuss the transformational power of personalized coaching and observational learning, emphasizing the importance of classroom management and adaptive practices. Techniques like 'turn and talk' are highlighted for boosting student engagement, while the role of rehearsal in teaching is explored as a key to effective learning outcomes.
Instructional coaching is a vital method for personalized professional development, enabling teachers to enhance their effectiveness through direct support and feedback.
StepLab serves as an innovative platform that facilitates structured coaching cycles, promoting collaborative improvement among educators in real classroom settings.
Drop-ins foster a collaborative culture among teachers, supporting regular feedback and insights, which lead to better student outcomes and enhanced teaching practices.
Deep dives
The Essential Role of Instructional Coaching
Instructional coaching is highlighted as a significant mechanism to support teachers in enhancing their skills and effectiveness. It serves as a personalized professional development strategy, allowing educators to improve their practice through direct support and feedback. Coaches work collaboratively with teachers, observing classrooms and providing tailored advice based on specific teaching challenges. This personalized approach contrasts with traditional professional development models, which often lack direct application and follow-up.
Introducing StepLab: A Solution to Coaching Challenges
StepLab is introduced as a pivotal platform designed to tackle the challenges teachers face in their practice and professional development. The platform incorporates structured coaching cycles, which facilitate regular drop-ins and reflective conversations between coaches and teachers. By utilizing data tools and actionable steps, StepLab aims to ensure that coaching is effective and transformative, significantly improving the likelihood of teacher growth in real classroom settings. This solution emphasizes collaboration among educators, promoting a culture of shared responsibility for improvement.
The Importance of Drop-Ins in Teacher Development
Drop-ins, or unannounced visits to observe teaching practices, are discussed as a crucial aspect of enhancing teacher development within schools. These brief observations foster a culture of collaboration, encouraging teachers to share insights and feedback on each other's practices. Research indicating that regular drop-ins lead to improved student outcomes and reduced behavioral issues supports their implementation in educational settings. This practice not only builds community among teachers but also initiates conversations around pedagogy and classroom strategies.
The Science of Effective Coaching: Rehearsal and Practice
Effective coaching is illustrated through the necessity of practice and rehearsal in teaching strategies. The discussion emphasizes the significance of teachers practicing new techniques in a supportive environment before applying them in the classroom setting. By using role-play methods and rehearsing specific teaching moments, coaches help teachers gain confidence and competency in their approaches. This preparation is crucial for teachers to implement new strategies successfully, minimizing the potential for failure when trying them for the first time in front of students.
Building a Collaborative Coaching Environment
Creating a collaborative atmosphere among coaches and teachers is essential for successful instructional coaching. The conversation stresses the need for coaches to connect with each other and share insights on effective practices. Professional learning communities can enhance coaches' skills and make teaching a more fulfilling experience. By prioritizing collaboration and knowledge sharing, schools can move away from isolation and foster an environment where both teachers and coaches consistently learn from one another.