Students are more motivated, and are more likely to learn, when they are pursuing their own ideas. In choice-based lessons, teachers act as guides and support students to take charge of their own learning. Teachers interact with students as if they were artists and offer them real choices for responding to their own interests.
Category: Instruction
Close reading: Developing deep understanding of texts
Close reading is thoughtful, critical analysis of a text that focuses on significant details or patterns in order to develop a deep, precise understanding of the text’s form, craft, meanings, etc. It is a key element of Maine’s English language arts and literacy standards and directs the reader’s attention to the text itself. Developing habits of close reading support a student’s growth as a reader, writer, speaker, and consumer of information.
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Effective teaching and learning in mathematics
An effective teacher of mathematics supports student learning by integrating teaching practices into their daily lessons. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) recently released current research supporting effective teaching practices in Principles to Actions: Ensuring Mathematical Success for All. This book is broken into 3 sections: Effective Teaching and Learning, Essential Elements, and Taking Action. The primary focus of this series of articles will be on supporting teachers in implementing the 8 Effective Teaching Practices outlined in the book.
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Inquiry Based Learning applied to health and physical education
The Inquiry Based Learning (IBL) process provides a model for educators to help make deeper connections to health education or physical education curriculum in the classroom. It is a strategic instructional process meant to produce and ignite questioning. Through this process, students gain deeper knowledge about the topic at hand and become more proficient with the skills involved.
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Science instruction in three dimensions
To understand science phenomenon and generate solutions to problems in science and engineering, students need to behave like scientists. Teachers can support this process through the way they organize lessons.
Social Studies DBQs: Not just for AP students
One highly effective instructional strategy that leverages student inquiry is the Document-Based Question (DBQ). The 2007 Maine Learning Results standards for Social Studies call for instruction in social studies content as well as the application of critical thinking, research, and discipline-based processes and knowledge. The College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies further emphasizes the importance of the acquisition of knowledge and skills through student inquiry.
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Learning Through Technology team on the road
Members of Maine’s Learning Through Technology Team have been traveling across the state in recent weeks to highlight new information, review policies, and a remind schools of the supports MLTI offers.
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Science professional development opportunity
The Maine DOE is offering science professional development for teachers of grades 6 -12 throughout the spring of the 2015-16 academic year. This professional development is intended to build a science teacher leader community that has a solid understanding of effective teaching practices including three-dimensional instruction as discussed in A Framework for K-12 Science Education. Two regional cohorts will be formed. Cohort members will be selected from across the state with a priority given to district teams which include one 9-12 science teacher and one 6-8 science teacher.
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MEA Alternate Science (PAAP) Task Bank opens
The Personalized Alternate Assessment Portfolio (PAAP) task bank opened for teacher and student registration on Dec. 1. Teachers may access the Task Bank at http://www.maine.gov/doe/paap/administration/index.html by clicking on the Task Bank link.
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Mid-Maine CTE promotes new student video production
Career and Technical Education media programs allow student to learn how to produce communication videos. The schools with these programs use their expertise and training to produce promotional videos that explain the benefits of CTE for all students. The following school is one example of this student work and showcases the value of CTE. The program offered to students in Mid-Maine Technical Center (MMTC) is a great example of what students can learn in a CTE program.
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Maine DOE Newsroom 