Effective Effective Block Block

Classroom Classroom InstructionInstruction

Lincoln County High SchoolLincoln County High SchoolJohn FanningJohn Fanning

Supervisor of Secondary Education/Graduation CoachSupervisor of Secondary Education/Graduation CoachJennifer TurpenJennifer Turpen

Lincoln County Schools Academic CoachLincoln County Schools Academic Coach

What is block scheduling?

Where did block scheduling originate from?

Who is the guru of block scheduling?

Why did schools move to a block schedule?

Questions of the DayQuestions of the Day

• Decreases passing time between classes• Decreased time teachers spend beginning and

ending classes• Increases time for instruction, cooperative

learning, and activities that appeal to student’s learning styles and intelligences.

• Focus shifts from the breadth of the curriculum to the depth of student knowledge

Highlights on BlockHighlights on Block

Robert CanadyRobert Canady

• Coined the term block scheduling twenty three years ago

• Regret: Block Schedule vs. Intensive Schedule• Suggestion for teachers: Teachers should

spend their days coaching instead of lecturing. A shift from talking all day to students to planning for students to work all day!

Canady’s 3-Step Lesson PlanCanady’s 3-Step Lesson Plan

• Lesson Plan Step One: Explanation

• Lesson Plan Step Two: Application

• Lesson Plan Step Three: Synthesis

The Most Important Phase?The Most Important Phase?

• A. Explanation

• B. Application

• C. Synthesis

Answer____________________

Step 1: ExplanationStep 1: Explanation

In this step, the teacher in in charge and on stage and lectures in a traditional teaching manner. Students are more passive; it’s the knowledge step on Bloom’s Taxonomy.

Step 2: ApplicationStep 2: Application

This is the heart of teaching on the block and should take the most time. Students become the workers and the teacher becomes the coach. (A move from teacher center to teacher facilitator)

Step 3: SynthesisStep 3: Synthesis

“Never let a class end without a class understanding the essential elements.”

Robert Canady

Three-Part Lesson-DesignThree-Part Lesson-Design

1. Explanation (20-25 Minutes)• Objective• Plan for the Day• Connections to Previous Learning• Homework Review• Teach New Material

2. Application (40-45 Minutes)3. Synthesis (15-20 Minutes)

• Assessment• Re-teaching• Connections and Relevance• Closure

Explanation PhaseExplanation Phase

The Mini-Lecture–Keep it short

–Use advance organizers

–Give an opportunity for a class set of notes

Application PhaseApplication Phase

• Cooperative Learning• Paideia Seminars• Laboratory• Simulation• Models of Teaching• Learning Centers• Technology• Content Area Literacy Strategies

Ideas for Synthesis: The Six R’sIdeas for Synthesis: The Six R’s• Reflection• Review• Re-teach• Relevancy• Record Notes• Recall for Tomorrow

Presentation (20-25 min)Presentation (20-25 min)• Interactive Lecture• CD Rom• Video Disc• Videotape• Socratic Seminars• Inquiry• Direct Instruction• Directing Reaching/Thinking

Activity• Etc.

Activity (30 – 35 Min)Activity (30 – 35 Min)• Role Play• Simulation• Science Laboratory• Computer Reinforcement• Inside-Outside Circle• Writing Lab• Team Games• Roundtable• Learning Center• Pairs-Check• Etc.

Homework Review Homework Review (10-15 Min) (10-15 Min)

• Inside-Outside• Pairs-Check• Team Interview• Roundtable• Think-Pair-Share• Etc

Designing Lessons for Block Schedule with Designing Lessons for Block Schedule with Active Learning StrategiesActive Learning Strategies

• Homework Review (10-15 Min)• Presentation (20-25 Min)• Activity (30-35 Min)• Guided Practice (10-15 Min)• Re-teach (10-15 Min)• Closure (5-10 Min)

History LessonHistory Lesson• TLW (Objective Posted)• Homework Review• Presentation (Lecture)• Activity/Assignment• Written or Reading Assignment• Review and Check• Reflection & Connection

ThoughtThought

When I die, I hope it’s during a lecture; the difference between life and death will be so small, that I don’t notice it!- Anonymous Student

Thought # 2Thought # 2

Teaching in a block schedule is like eternity, and eternity is spent in one or two places.- John Strebe

Question(s)Question(s)

John Fanningjfanning@lcdoe.org

Jennifer Turpenjturpen@lcdoe.org