Lesson Design

Subcategories: All Models of InstructionLesson MakeoversComplex Tasks Sort By: Popular Recent

An Introduction to Models of Instruction

For Teachers

As a new teacher, I only knew one model of instruction: Direct Instruction. I was like a chef who only knew how to deep fry!

Writing Differentiated Lesson Objectives

For Teachers

My early lessons didn't even have objectives, let alone good objectives! Here's how to build four-part, differentiated lesson objectives.

Response to Lit: An Inductive Approach

For Teachers

Here's how one teacher uses inductive thinking to help students respond to literature.

An Inductive Exploration Of Geometry

For Teachers

With inductive thinking, students will work from parts to whole, discovering big ideas along the way!

Add Layers To Direct Instruction

For Teachers

In this video, we're going to layer depth and complexity onto a direct instruction lesson using classic literature and art, more advanced content, increased thinking skills, and a writing focus.

Difficult vs Complex Tasks

For Teachers

What separates difficulty from complexity? And why do complex tasks lead to much more natural differentiation?

Complex Task: Academic Tournaments

For Teachers

Who would win in the Tournament of Most Honorable Presidents or Least Useful Geometric Shapes or Bravest Shakespearean Characters? Create an academic tournament and watch your students' brains sweat!

Writing Concept Attainment Lessons

For Teachers

In a Concept Attainment lesson, we give students examples and non-examples of a concept -- without telling them what that concept is!

Running A Group Investigation Lesson

For Teachers

Learn to lead a lesson that is built entirely on student curiosity.

Complex Task: Subjective Graphs

For Teachers

What would it be like if students graphed characters from stories? Historic leaders? Elements from the period table? Objects in space?

Building “Not Like The Others” Tasks

For Teachers

A delightfully ambiguous framework that is quick to prepare, but can last forever!

Creativity Beyond The Fluff

For Teachers

Just because a task is "creative" doesn't mean students are at the top of Bloom's Taxonomy.

Complex Task: What Would X Think of Y?

For Teachers

Here's a simple task that will add complexity to any content from any grade level!

Thinking Deeply About Famous Structures

For Teachers

Rather than just learning about one structure, let's climb Bloom's and think more deeply.

Depth and Complexity: Patterns and Quadrilaterals

For Teachers

Why just "identifying patterns" isn't deep enough.

Lesson Makeover Event – Keynote

For Teachers

After looking at dozens of lessons folks sent in, I came up with three big ideas to address.

Models of Instruction: Inquiry Training

For Teachers

Want your students to ask better questions? Why not train them to inquire!?

Engagement Isn’t The Goal

For Teachers

While "engagement" is fun, it shouldn't be our main goal.

Comparing Fraction Strategies

For Teachers

Comparing fraction strategies? Let's take it even further!

Why “Analyze” Is My Favorite Level of Bloom’s Taxonomy

For Teachers

Analyze is like a gateway that connects the lower- and higher-levels of Bloom's. But make sure you're truly asking an Analyze-level question!

Start High, Scaffold Down

For Teachers

A high level of thinking also requires the support of thoughtful scaffolding.

Why I Don’t Use “Create”

For Teachers

Why I don't use the word "Create" when writing objectives.

Beyond Identifying a Story’s Problem and Solution

For Teachers

So your students can identify a story's problem and solution. Then what?

Context Clues and Classics

For Teachers

How to use a classic to revamp a study of context clues.

Comparing Strengths and Weaknesses

For Teachers

Go beyond merely explaining strengths and weaknesses and get students thinking in interesting ways.

Big Products, Little Thinking: Wax Museum

For Teachers

A big, impressive product doesn't mean that there was big, impressive thinking.