"Sage on the Stage" or "Guide on the Side?"

Below are examples of two classrooms working on the same lesson using different approaches:

In Classroom 1, the teacher is up front and students are at their desks. The teacher reads a passage aloud to kids from the overhead (not all students can read the fine print) then asks a few individual students to answer comprehension questions. Students write a summary paragraph at their desks, and a couple of kids get to share ideas from what they wrote. The teacher has done most of the talking during this lesson and is not sure about the comprehension of each student. Some students are not engaged for most of the lesson, and many are bored.

In Classroom 2, students sit in pairs around the room and take turns reading from copies of the story they each have. Some groups may choose to read silently. Pairs then discuss questions the teacher has on the board while the teacher walks around to each group and listens to their ideas. The teacher identifies key points s/he overhears that can be shared during the whole group conversation. Students write summary paragraphs and trade to read their partner’s when done. After kids discuss both paragraphs with their partners, the teacher asks kids to share their ideas with the whole group. Students have done most of the talking and the teacher has some ideas about the understanding of most students. Students are active, not passive, learners and it didn't take additional prep on part of the teacher.

The May edition of Better Teaching Elementary includes ideas for outdoor lessons, using flashcards, role playing for reading comprehension, and using diamantes for poetry. There are also suggestions for communicating lack of student success to parents, developing responsibility in students, and keeping students on task. Look for quick tips on encouraging boys to read, boosting vocabulary for ELL students, and for managing homework.

The Better Teaching Secondary Edition includes lesson ideas for map-reading skills, making predictions for novels, motivating kids to appreciate reading, and teaching vocabulary using word walls. There are suggestions for helping kids solve math word problems, checking for student learning in different ways, and for giving specific directions to kids. Look for quick tips on stress management, connecting with kids, and assuring that kids are ready for tests.