What is it? Component E of Domain 1 requires that all educators make it a priority to design coherent instructions. More or less this component combines the ideas from several other components in order for educators to make the best possible plans for teaching. This component requires a teacher to have a deep knowledge of content (1A), an in-depth understanding of every student (1B), a clear grasp of what the outcome for learning is (1C), and lastly a knowledge of the different resources available (1D). It is only after combining all of the previous knowledge of the other components that a teacher can create plans and instructions that are acceptable for students.
Why do we need it? This component is so important because one size does not fit all when it comes to the classroom. A well-designed instruction plan that meets the needs of all students is necessary for the growth of a classroom as a whole. This component reminds teachers of the importance of having a knowledge of all components of the Danielson Framework because it exists as a means to help us be better educators. A teachers job is to educate and help to encourage future generations so the plan and way in which we instruct them change not only their lives but many others as well.
What are the elements? Component E of Domain 1 is comprised of four elements. The first element centers on learning activities. What this means is that teacher instruction should be designed to engage students and advance their learning through the content. The second element focuses on instructional materials and resources. This element ensures that all the materials and resources used are appropriate for the learning needs of each student. The next element targets instructional groups. Essentially this means that all groups are organized intentionally in a specific way to support student learning. The last element focuses on lesson and unit structure. This requires that all organization is sequenced correctly and clear as to advance student's learning in the best way possible.
What does implementation look like? The first step, in my own opinion, is to be sure to use the reflective teaching cycle developed by educational psychology theorists McCown, Driscoll, and Roop. In their cycle they emphasize the importance of never blaming a student or their parent but rather the teaching plan. If a student is not succeeding in the classroom then an aspect of the plan you are using is not working for them. Essentially the process is broken down like this:
When you come across a situation in the classroom reflect on your knowledge base
Create a new plan based on your reflection
Work to implement that plan
Evaluate the plan- Did it work? Is the student succeeding now? If not then start the cycle over and make a new plan
Next, I would make sure that when creating activities, assessments, etc. that the instructions are clear so that students can complete the assignments to the best of their ability. I would continually refresh my knowledge of the Danielson Framework since every component builds upon one another. The thought put into creating groups inside the classroom is also important to the correct implementation of this component. Education psychology theorist Lev Vygotsky believed that grouping students with varying schema is beneficial to growth. While it is important to allow students the opportunity to make choices and suggestions it is also equally important to remember that sometimes the person they learn the best with is not their best friend. Grouping students with varying strengths and weaknesses in order to help remediate those weaknesses is another great form of implementation that would make J. P. Guillford happy. Being sure to relate new information to previously learned knowledge is also important in this component. At the end of every unit the teacher could ask each students to explain or give an example of something that they learned before that helped them to learn the knew information from the current lesson. That way every child is being exposed to the importance of what they are learning.
Sources: Danielson Group » The Framework. (2017). Danielsongroup.org. Retrieved 21 September 2017, from http://www.danielsongroup.org/framework/
NYC Teacher Effectiveness A Preview of the NYC Teacher Effectiveness Framework for Created by The Center for the Professional Education of Teachers, - ppt download. (2017). Slideplayer.com. Retrieved 12 October 2017, from http://slideplayer.com/slide/6137100/