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Unpacking the EFFECT Framework #causetheeffect
Apr 27, 2023
THE EFFECT FRAMEWORK
The EFFECT Framework
is a set of principles that aim to improve teaching and learning by making fundamental shifts in educational practices. By embracing these principles, educators can create a more engaging, collaborative, and student-centered learning environment that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and diversity and inclusivity. ENGAGE
The first principle of the EFFECT framework is to Engage
students through active learning and participation. This means moving away from traditional passive teaching methods towards a more dynamic and interactive approach that encourages students to take an active role in their own learning. By engaging students through active learning and participation, educators can create a more collaborative and student-centered approach to teaching that increases student motivation and engagement, improves critical thinking skills, and enhances the overall learning experience.
FOSTER
The second principle of the EFFECT framework is to
Foster creativity and critical thinking skills. This means equipping students with important skills that are essential in today's rapidly changing and complex world, such as problem-solving, innovation, communication, and collaboration. By fostering creativity and critical thinking skills, educators can prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the future, and help them become lifelong learners who are able to adapt and thrive in a constantly evolving world.
FACILITATE
The third principle of the EFFECT framework is to Facilitate
meaningful feedback and assessment practices. This means creating a culture of feedback that is focused on student growth and improvement, rather than on grades and performance. By facilitating meaningful feedback and assessment practices, educators can help students develop a growth mindset, and provide them with the tools and support they need to achieve their full potential.
EMBRACE
The fourth principle of the EFFECT framework is to Embrace
diversity and inclusivity in the classroom. This means creating a more welcoming and supportive learning environment for all students, regardless of their background, culture, or identity. By embracing diversity and inclusivity in the classroom, educators can help students feel valued and respected, and create a sense of community and shared responsibility for student success.
COLLABORATE
The fifth principle of the EFFECT framework is to Collaborate
with students, parents, and other educators. This means recognizing the importance of building strong partnerships and relationships with all stakeholders involved in the education process. By collaborating with students, parents, and other educators, educators can create a more student-centered and holistic approach to teaching that promotes a sense of community and shared responsibility for student success.
TRANSFORM
The sixth and final principle of the EFFECT framework is to Transform
traditional teaching methods with innovative approaches. This means using new technologies, methodologies, and pedagogies to create a more engaging, adaptive, and student-centered approach to teaching and learning. By transforming traditional teaching methods with innovative approaches, educators can create a more personalized and adaptable approach to teaching, which is better suited to the needs and interests of today's learners.
The EFFECT framework provides educators with a set of principles and strategies that can help them transform their teaching practices and create a more engaging, collaborative, and student-centered learning environment. By embracing the principles of the EFFECT framework, educators can help students develop the skills and competencies they need to succeed in a rapidly changing and complex world, and create a brighter future for all.
This is just the beginning of a series of posts that will expand upon the EFFECT framework and provide anyone who reads it with sound resources, strategies, and practices that are grounded in research-based best practices and from classroom-tested systems. This is our opportunity to redefined and reimagine what teaching and learning can be for our students. It is our chance to be the cause for the effect that we want to see happen. #causetheeffect
In this blog post, we explore the concept of productive struggle and how it can benefit students in school. We discuss the importance of striking the right balance between challenge and support, and provide strategies for educators and parents to promote productive struggle in their students. From developing a growth mindset to fostering resilience, we explore the many ways in which productive struggle can help students push their limits and achieve their full potential. Join us as we unlock the power of productive struggle and discover the many benefits it can offer students in their academic journey.
This blog post provides practical tips for educators looking to engage their students through active learning and participation, with a focus on the EFFECT framework. By incorporating these tips into their teaching practices, educators can create a more dynamic and student-centered learning environment that promotes student success and achievement.
Are you passionate about education and want to be an effective leader of change in your school or district? Then, you need to possess the CORE characteristics that enable you to lead your organization through the process of change.
I am beyond thrilled and stoked to announcement my partnership with #RtA. It is a journey that I have been working towards for a number of years and finally have the chance to bring my words, strategies, and practices to life with this book publishing contract. Thank you to Darrin and the team for the opportunity to learn and grow as a new author! More information to come, so be sure to follow our progress on this site or through social media!
Ah, the dreaded worksheet... Students groan at the sight of them, teachers dread the monotony of grading them. It's like the broccoli of the classroom - necessary, but not exactly exciting. But fear not, dear educators! There is hope for a more engaging and enjoyable classroom experience. Here are ten alternatives to worksheets that will have your students excited and eager to learn (and might even make grading a little less painful). So put down that stack of papers, and let's get creative! Worksheets have been a staple in classrooms for decades, but they can become repetitive and boring for both teachers and students. Fortunately, there are many alternatives to worksheets that can engage students, promote active learning, and foster creativity. Here are ten alternatives to a worksheet in the classroom: Interactive Games: Interactive games such as Jeopardy, Kahoot, and Quizlet Live are excellent tools to engage students in a fun and interactive way. They are ideal for reviewing or introducing new concepts. Collaborative Projects: Collaborative projects such as group presentations, group research projects, or group debates can help students develop their teamwork skills while promoting peer-to-peer learning. Manipulatives: Manipulatives such as blocks, cubes, and shapes can help students visualize and understand concepts in a hands-on way. They are ideal for teaching math, geometry, and other subjects that require visual understanding. Mind Maps: Mind maps are visual tools that can help students brainstorm, organize ideas, and make connections between concepts. They are an excellent way to promote critical thinking and creativity Virtual Tours: Virtual tours allow students to explore places they may not be able to visit in person, such as museums, historical sites, or foreign countries. They can be used to teach history, geography, and other subjects. Role-Playing: Role-playing activities can help students develop their communication and interpersonal skills. They can be used to teach social studies, language arts, and other subjects. Debates: Debates can help students develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills. They are an excellent way to teach social studies, government, and other subjects. Field Trips: Field trips can provide students with hands-on learning experiences that they may not get in the classroom. They can be used to teach science, history, and other subjects. Simulations: Simulations such as virtual labs or business simulations can help students learn by doing. They are ideal for teaching science, economics, and other subjects. Experiments: Experiments can help students understand concepts in a hands-on way. They are ideal for teaching science, math, and other subjects that require experimentation. Want some specific examples to check out? Sure! Pick through this list below: Here are some resources to check out that can help you implement these alternatives in your classroom: Interactive Games: Check out Kahoot, Quizlet Live, and Jeopardy Labs. Collaborative Projects: Try using Google Docs, Slides, or Jamboard for group projects. Manipulatives: Check out Math Manipulatives or Lego Education. Mind Maps: Try using MindMeister or Coggle. Virtual Tours: Check out Google Expeditions, National Geographic, or Smithsonian. Role-Playing: Try using Role-Playing Games or Apps. Debates: Check out ProCon.org or Debate.org. Field Trips: Check out Virtual Field Trips or FieldTripZoom. Simulations: Check out PhET Simulations or EconEdLink. Experiments: Check out Science Buddies or Mystery Science. Remember, there are many more resources available online. Don't be afraid to experiment with different tools and activities to find what works best for your students. Good luck! In conclusion, worksheets may have their place in the classroom, but they should not be the only tool used for learning. By incorporating alternative activities, teachers can engage students, promote active learning, and foster creativity.
The traditional grading system has been a fixture in American education for centuries. However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement towards standards-based grading. This new approach to grading seeks to provide a more accurate reflection of a student's knowledge and skills. In this post, we will explore what standards-based grading is, how it differs from traditional grading, and why it is gaining popularity. This is the first of a few posts related to standards-based instruction. What is Standards-Based Grading? Standards-based grading is an approach to assessment that focuses on what students know and can do. It is based on a set of clearly defined learning standards that outline what students are expected to know and be able to do at each grade level. These standards are aligned with state and national standards, ensuring that students are learning what they need to know to succeed in college and the workforce. Under standards-based grading, students are assessed on their mastery of these learning standards. Instead of receiving a letter grade based on their overall performance, they are given a score that reflects their level of mastery of each standard. This allows teachers and parents to see exactly what a student knows and what they need to work on. How is Standards-Based Grading Different from Traditional Grading? Traditional grading is often based on a variety of factors, including homework, class participation, and performance on exams. These factors are combined into an overall grade that is meant to represent a student's overall performance in the class. However, this approach can be misleading because it does not differentiate between what a student knows and what they do not know. Standards-based grading, on the other hand, is focused solely on a student's mastery of the learning standards. This means that students are assessed on what they know and can do, rather than on their completion of homework or their participation in class. This approach provides a more accurate reflection of a student's knowledge and skills and helps teachers identify areas where students need additional support. Why is Standards-Based Grading Gaining Popularity? There are a number of reasons why standards-based grading is becoming increasingly popular in American education. First and foremost, it provides a more accurate reflection of a student's knowledge and skills. This can be particularly helpful for students who struggle in traditional grading systems, as it allows teachers to identify specific areas where they need additional support. In addition, standards-based grading helps to promote a growth mindset in students. When students receive feedback based on their mastery of specific standards, they are better able to understand their strengths and weaknesses. This can help them develop a sense of agency over their own learning and motivate them to work harder to improve. Finally, standards-based grading is aligned with the goals of modern education. As the world becomes increasingly complex and interconnected, it is more important than ever for students to develop a deep understanding of core concepts and skills. Standards-based grading helps to ensure that students are learning what they need to know to succeed in college and the workforce. In conclusion, standards-based grading is a powerful approach to assessment that provides a more accurate reflection of a student's knowledge and skills. By focusing on what students know and can do, rather than on their completion of homework or participation in class, this approach helps to promote a growth mindset in students and ensures that they are learning what they need to know to succeed in college and the workforce. As such, it is a welcome addition to American education and one that is likely to continue to gain popularity in the years to come. Sources: Guskey, Thomas R. “The Case Against Percentage Grades.” Educational Leadership, vol. 73, no. 1, Sept. 2015, pp. 68–72. Marzano, Robert J., and Tammy Heflebower. “A Differentiated Approach to Standards-Based Grading.” Educational Leadership, vol. 69, no. 6, Mar. 2012, pp. 64–69. O'Connor, Ken. “The Case for Standards-Based Grading.” Educational Leadership, vol. 68, no. 2, Oct. 2010, pp. 78–79. Reeves, Douglas B. “The Case Against Grading.” Educational Leadership, vol. 68, no. 2, Oct. 2010, pp. 70–74. Thomas, Tim. “Standards-Based Grading: An Introduction.” Edutopia, George Lucas Educational Foundation, 14 May 2019, https://www.edutopia.org/article/standards-based-grading-introduction. Accessed 3 Mar. 2023. Wormeli, Rick. “Redos and Retakes Done Right.” Educational Leadership, vol. 68, no. 2, Oct. 2010, pp. 34–39.