Precision Teaching in the Primary Classroom Viewer's Guide

Writing Conferences: Student-Teacher
During the writing block, the teacher meets with students to check for understanding
and to provide differentiated support to move their learning forward.
Part of the dialogue is devoted to developing the student’s understanding of
himself/herself as a writer. The teacher offers a choice of strategies the writer
might consider trying and debriefs with students what he/she perceives to be
their needs. Students monitor their progress since the last conference and
help to determine next steps. Conversations are respectful and are focused
on improving the student’s writing.
• What did you notice about the teacher’s strategies that you might try
with your students
• What did you notice about the students’ behaviour during the conference
that reflected essential prior learning or experiences How might this
knowledge of important prior learning impact on your instructional
decisions
“Learners need information and guidance in order to plan next steps in their learning.
Teachers should: pinpoint the learner’s strengths and advise on how to develop them;
be clear and constructive about any weaknesses and how they might be addressed;
provide opportunities for learners to improve upon their work.”
(Assessment Reform Group, 2002, p. 2)
Learning Centres
The class gathers around the organizational chart to review their commitments
during learning centres time. During this block, students independently apply
and practise previously taught skills and strategies. Some of the tasks are
mandatory and others are free choice. While students are engaged in a variety
of open-ended tasks, the teacher is free to assess their progress, offer support
to small groups or individuals and plan for next steps to push the learning
forward for all students.
• What do you see as the greatest benefit of learning centres
• In your opinion, what might be the greatest challenge to implementing
learning centres
• How might you address the challenge and build on the benefits of this
approach to independent practice
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