Generalized Instructional Models (16)

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Generalized Instructional Models

B1. [What are] best practices for teachers? (x4)

B2. How to [best] work in a classroom with multilevel readers? (x2)

B3. What models work best with part-time instructors?

B4. Based on cultural backgrounds – is there research on how best to teach certain cultural groups? What are the best practices?

B5. Which reading programs show best results for adult learners?

• IN THEIR MOTHER LANGUAGE: from stories to real life subjects. But the main lectures are an answer to :”‘What doest it mean to my own life ?”
• Connections between reading and writing instruction. For my GED students I have been using AP levels of questioning (based on Bloom's taxonomy) as a way for them to organize their thinking when they are reading. I'd be glad to post the worksheet to the list, which I received from a Writing Project colleague, Chris Steele who teaches AP English in Elk Grove. Then, they have a tool to apply to whatever they read and this transfers back to their writing. I am working towards a less divided curriculum in terms of reading and writing. Reading is for finding out what someone else thinks or feels or knows. Writing is for telling someone else what you think or feel or know. I also think if they are reading something they are interested in, it is easier to improve their reading faster. But once they know how to think critically as they read, it is easier for them to read things they aren't interested in. I was struck today reading one article in the Writing issue of Focus on Basics. The author said that we, as instructors, need to be explicit about the idea that you can learn things by reading about them. Wow...sometimes I don't really think about it. I liked the survey they gave to their students about reading and writing. I would like to do this with my own students as well.”
• As an ESOL learner/teacher, it’s always a joy to find materials that are culturally appropriate or relevant to the reality of my life and my learners. I made up materials and selected reading based on conversations I had or overheard when learners are talking to each other. Readings that are appropriate in level and relevant to situations that learners have experienced or faced on a daily basis illicit reactions and show amazing result.

B6. Where is the research to determine impact of various curricula?

• AHS found so many resources through OTAN, ERIC, FED. Dept. of Education and others.

B7. What instructional strategies are most effective for basic skills learners in reading comprehension or basic math or writing?

B8. What are effective teaching strategies for writing instruction?

B9. What factors positively impact learning gains and other learning outcomes?

B10. What are the most effective strategies for teaching GED?

B11. How do we help students retain what they learn?

B12. How do I make my students better readers, writers, math problem solvers?