5: On instructional models

Instructional models are designed to bring consistency to teaching — but are they actually helping schools achieve it?

In this episode we discuss:

• Why generic lesson models can be problematic when they don't account for the specific curriculum being taught
• How instructional models can create a veneer of consistency without necessarily improving quality of teaching
• The difference between instructional models, principles of instruction and specific teaching techniques
• Why schools should prioritise curriculum quality, shared instructional principles and teacher judgement over one-size-fits-all lesson structures

** One Good Woman **

This episode’s One Good Woman is Haili Hughes, an experienced teacher, school leader, author and Associate Professor at La Trobe University.

We discuss Hughes’ writing on teaching and learning, particularly her work exploring the tension between consistency and teacher autonomy.

Her work is a useful contribution to conversations about how schools can establish shared expectations for teaching while preserving the professional judgement teachers need to respond to their students and the curriculum.

Explore Haili Hughes’ writing

** Research mentioned in this episode **

Christine Counsell’s writing on curriculum and subject-specific pedagogy features prominently in this episode.

Explore Christine Counsell’s writing on curriculum

** Also mentioned **

Principles versus practices — The Implementation Edit

The article explores why schools should establish shared principles while allowing teachers to make decisions about the practices most appropriate for their curriculum and students.

Building the Cold Call craft — The Implementation Edit

Bron also mentions her recent writing on Cold Call, exploring why the technique requires more than simply selecting students to answer questions, and how teachers can develop greater expertise in its use.

** Notices **

Science of Learning Conference — Matthew Flinders Anglican College

Bron and Emina are both presenting at the Science of Learning Conference on the Sunshine Coast. Bron will be speaking about responsive teaching, while Emina will deliver sessions on implementation and disciplinary vocabulary instruction.

Find out more about Matthew Flinders Anglican College

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