Explicit Teaching: Best Practice
Someone recently asked me to explain the term, ‘best practice’, and as he was changing year levels, asked what he should teach his new class. Here is a quick guide linking his two queries:
- Best practice is always informed. It is drawn from specific data and observation about what students can do, are attempting to do and neglecting to do. It is guided by expectations about what students should be doing at particular stages in their learning.
- Best practice means gathering data, teaching, practising, monitoring, possibly re teaching, and so the cycle continues.
- Best practice occurs when we have identified clear goals about what we are doing and why we are doing it.
- Best practice is explicit. The message is stated in clear terms and the teaching remains focused on the instructional goal.
- Best practice is sharp and to the point. It is not long and drawn out. It holds students’ attention.
- Best practice involves selecting texts or resources that are both pertinent to the instructional goaland are interesting and engaging to students.
- Best practice involves modeling or demonstrating, and guided and independent practice for all students.
- Best practice means teaching for assured success!
What does ‘best practice’ mean for your teaching?