power teaching

Introduction to Power Teaching

  • Power Teaching is an interactive and engaging instructional strategy meant to enhance student participation and learning.
  • This session aims to teach the principles of Power Teaching through an engaging demonstration.

Classroom Interaction Techniques

Class Yes

  • Definition: A responsive call-and-response technique where the teacher says "Class" and students respond with "Yes."
  • Purpose: Engages students and gets their attention.
  • Variation: The way students respond can change based on the teacher's style but must remain consistent throughout the session.

Teach Okay

  • Process: When the teacher says "Teach," students respond with "Okay." This encourages them to engage actively.
  • Implementation: The teacher prompts students to look at visual aids or demonstration materials during this phase.

Scoreboard System

  • Definition: A visual representation to track class performance or behavior.
  • Focus: Creates a friendly competitive atmosphere, motivating students to learn and participate.
  • Types of Scoreboards:
    • Extra Credit: Earning marks that enhance students' grades.
    • More or Less Homework: Determines if students will receive more or less homework based on performance.
    • Smiley Face/Frowny Face: Represents positive or negative growth or understanding during the lesson.
  • Example Engagement: Students engage with peers by saying, "Oh, mama, I love extra credit!" to express enthusiasm about the scoreboard.

Rehearsal and Praise

Mighty Oh Yeah & Mighty Groan

  • Mighty Oh Yeah: Used when a student performs extremely well or earns extra credit.
  • Mighty Groan: Used when the scoreboard indicates a need for improvement; accompanied by a gesture (eye rub).
  • Community Learning: Students explain terms like "class yes," "teach okay," and scoreboard actions to their neighbors to reinforce understanding.

Importance of Speed

  • Point: The quicker students respond, the more engaged they remain, especially when competing for extra credit.
  • Reflection: Students are encouraged to discuss the importance of speed with their peers and how it affects their chances of earning extra credit.

Microlecturing

  • Definition: A teaching technique where the teacher delivers brief, concise segments of instruction, roughly thirty seconds long.
  • Purpose: Helps to maintain student attention and counters the tendency for students to disengage during lengthy lectures.
  • Gesture Integration: Students use gestures while discussing concepts to reinforce learning and engagement.

Hands and Eyes

  • Technique: When the teacher says "Hands and Eyes," students respond with the same phrase, focusing their attention back to the teacher.
  • Quality of Attention: This technique is said to dramatically improve the focus and attentiveness of students, especially during key points in the lesson.

Comprehension Checks

  • Definition: A strategy used to assess student understanding during the lesson.
  • Application: The teacher listens to pairs of students during the "Teach Okay" exercise to gauge their understanding through their discussions.
  • Purpose: To determine whether students grasp the content being delivered and to address any confusion promptly.

Conclusion

  • Summation of six key techniques used in Power Teaching to enhance student engagement and learning outcome:

    1. Class Yes
    2. Teach Okay
    3. Scoreboard System
    4. Rehearsal with Mighty Oh Yeah and Mighty Groan
    5. Microlecturing
    6. Comprehension Checks

  • Final Thoughts: Power Teaching provides a structured, engaging approach that encourages active learning and participation among students. Individual components must work together seamlessly for optimal classroom dynamics and student interaction.