I am excited to announce the launch of a new video series on YouTube called “Virtual Coaching.” I have the privilege of working with thousands of educators every year who are expanding their teaching toolboxes to include blended learning models, UDL, and student-led instructional strategies. I understand how challenging it can be to shift practice. I encourage the educators I work with to reach out if they hit bumps, have questions, or need support as they implement new instructional models. Every year, I field hundreds of questions from the educators I work with and people who read my blog or listen to my podcast.
Having a reliable resource to ask questions and receive timely, practical responses when trying something new is crucial. That’s the goal of my new video series, “Virtual Coaching.” I want to answer your questions, tapping into my experiences and resources as a teacher, coach, and professional learning facilitator. I hope these videos will be valuable as you strive to design and facilitate engaging, effective, and equitable learning experiences.
Each virtual coaching video is designed to provide you with actionable advice that you can apply immediately. These videos cover various topics, including implementing new teaching strategies, overcoming classroom challenges, and exploring innovative ways to engage students. Time is a limited commodity, so I keep my videos short and sweet. The goal is to provide my community of educators with support, insights, and inspiration without overwhelming you or consuming too much of your time.
Let’s Check Out an Example Coaching Video!
One of the common questions I get from teachers implementing the station rotation model is, “How do I keep students focused and completing tasks in a station rotation?” It’s a great question many teachers have when shifting from whole-group, teacher-led lessons to the station rotation model. Blended learning models are designed to shift control over elements of the learning experience (e.g., pace and path) to students. Yet, as we release control to students, giving them more autonomy and agency, it is helpful to put structures in place to support this gradual release of responsibility to students. Many students may not have much experience managing their time, monitoring their progress, or completing tasks without a teacher guiding the entire experience.
To address this question, I shared a simple checklist strategy I have used as a coach to support teachers in implementing this model.
Key Takeaways from the Video
In this video, I addressed the common challenge of keeping students focused and productive at their stations during the station rotation model. I encourage teachers to use a checklist to help students stay focused and on-task at each station. The benefits of this simple strategy include:
- Task Clarity: The checklist clearly identifies what students need to do at each station, helping them stay focused on each task.
- Metacognitive Development: It encourages students to reflect on their learning, strengthening their metacognitive muscles.
- Formative Assessment Data: It provides the teacher with valuable formative assessment data, encouraging them to use data to inform their design work.
- Documentation: The checklist documents the work students did or did not complete in the lesson, making it easier for the teacher to follow up with students and their families about the quality of their work.
- Reduced Grading Load: It eliminates the pressure on teachers to grade everything students do in a station rotation.
- Self-Regulation Skills: Using a checklist supports the development of self-regulation skills, helping students manage their time and progress more effectively and independently.
I highly recommend that teachers print out the checklists. That way, digital checklists don’t get lost in the shuffle of online learning tasks.
Example of a Station Rotation Lesson Checklist
The station rotation checklist below is an example of how teachers can format their checklists. My email list subscribers will receive my collection of checklists to adapt and use with their students!
Wrap Up
My virtual coaching videos, combined with the resources I share on my blog and in my weekly emails, are designed to create a supportive space where you can find answers, feel heard, and continue to grow professionally. The goal of these videos is to provide you with practical, actionable insights that address the real challenges you face in the classroom.
Stay curious, and keep those questions coming! If you have questions or need further support, please feel free to post them in the comments section of this blog or complete the inquiry form on my website. Your feedback and inquiries guide the content I create, ensuring it is relevant and impactful. Together, we can continue to inspire and uplift one another, fostering a community of educators dedicated to excellence and innovation.
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