Lesson Design: An Overview of Key Tools for Flexible Math Instruction

Think about Ms. Christiansen—the teacher in the video. What helps a teacher plan for and

facilitate this kind of lesson?

Key Themes

Multiplicity and Flexibility

Multiplicity

“Multiplicity” has to do with having knowledge of a variety of teaching and learning topics: curriculum, instructional models, lesson types, engaging learners, assessment strategies, representing mathematical ideas, . . .

Flexibility

Flexibility has to do with the ability to use the knowledge of techniques, strategies, and ways of thinking in ways to provide several avenues of access to learning or a special approach that improves access for everyone.

Considerations for Designing Lessons

Basic Principles and Best Practices

Tools for Flexible Math Instruction

Types of Math Lessons

“Layers” of Planning

Basic Principles

Begin with Concrete Representation Develop Understanding Encourage Communication Make Connections Take Time to Motivate Children Provide Opportunities for (Meaningful)

Practice

Best Practice: Interlocking Ideas

Student-Centered Experiential Holistic Authentic Expressive Reflective Social

Collaborative Democratic Cognitive Developmental Constructivist Challenging

Tools for Flexible Math Instruction

Multiple Means of Engagement

Multiple Means of Representation

Multiple Means of Communication

Multiple Means of Assessment

Multiple Means of Engagement

Such as:

Multiple Means of Representation

Such as:

Multiple Means of Communication

Such as:

Multiple Means of Assessment

Such as:

Types of Math Lessons Before Teachers begin planning for lessons, they

must know what “type” of lesson they will be teaching.

The type of lesson influences many decisions a teacher makes in planning for teaching: The instructional model that guides the lesson The type of mathematical task Mathematical representations of ideas Grouping Assessment

Introductory Lesson:

The first time a concept, skill, procedure has been taught.

Maintenance/Extension Lesson:

A continuation or practice of a previous lesson’s concept, skill, or procedure—perhaps taking it to a

deeper level or making connections.

Review Lesson:

A concept/skill/procedure that was taught previously, but the

students need to revisit.

“Layers” of Planning

Planning for the Year Planning for the TermPlanning of a UnitPlanning for the Week Planning for the Day

Planning for the Year

Tasks What is the purpose of the class? Do you need to write

a course description? What are the main teaching units within the curriculum

for the grade level or course? What guides the curriculum? [school, district, or state

curriculum guides; department?] Approximately when will you teach each unit? How do you plan to determine end-of-term student

grades?

Useful Resources:

Planning for a TermTasks

Given the main teaching units for the year, what units will be focused on during each marking term?

How much time will each unit need? Will some units cross disciplines or involve team teaching? Will any special activities be part of certain units—guest

speakers, field trips? What do students already know? What school activities might impact the amount of time you have

for each term?

Useful Resources:

Planning for a UnitTasks

What are the overarching learning goals for the unit (the “big ideas”)? What are the specific student-centered objectives that define and clarify

each learning goal? What else would students like to learn or know? What task ideas does the textbook offer related to each learning

goal/objective? Do you have task ideas for each of the unit objectives you identified? What is a tentative sequence of the tasks ? What assessment strategies will be important for monitoring student

progress and informing your teaching? (formative assessment) What ideas do you have for assessing cumulative student progress

towards the learning goals for the unit? (summative assessment)

Useful Resources:

Planning for the Week

The weekly planning could be considered a “thumb-nail” sketch of lessons for the week.

Tasks How will you organize your plan book? What activities do you know must be scheduled

around within the week? [such as SEP’s, unit test, field trip in another class, fire drills, . . . ]

Useful Resources:

Planning the Day’s Lesson: Components to Consider

Activity Title Grade Level Core Standard and

Objective Specific Lesson Objective Intended Learning

Outcomes Lesson Type Instructional Model Connections

Key Terms/Symbols Key Questions Materials Warm-Up Invitation to Learn Instructional Procedures Adaptations and

Differentiation Assessment Closure