Domain 3: Instruction Domain 3 explores what everyday instruction should look like in a classroom. The domain goes over what is expected from the students and teachers, and to provide high quality instruction to students.
Domain 3a: Communicating with Students
This domain focuses on what is specifically happening in the classroom and the act of teaching. This component focuses on a teachers ability to accurately communicate with their students and keeping their students engaged in the desired content. Teachers understand that in order to engage with students and get the desired outcome, they must give their students clear instructions, directions, and expectations. Teachers know an activity used in the classroom must have a direct purpose linked to the content being taught. Creating activities for the students to do, teachers keep in mind the interest of their students. For example, if the teacher is aware of a favorite video game among their students, they may use characters from that game in a math story problem. Students will also understand the importance of what is being taught and how to apply the content in everyday life. After giving instructions or directions, the teacher will check in with the students to make sure they know what is expected of them. Teachers can do this by using different form of formative assessment such as thumbs up or thumbs down, and think pair share.
Domain 3b: Questioning and Discussion Techniques
Questioning and discussion techniques are used in the classroom to deepen the students understanding of the desired content. Teachers will use questions that challenge the thinking of their students and make them apply what they are learning to the real world. Teachers will pay attention to what questions about the content are hard for students to answer and address what misconceptions they have about the material being learned. Teachers can use google forms as a way to get a quick way to see where you students are at in their learning all at once. After the students fill out the form the teacher can see an overview of all the students answers and what questions were commonly missed. Questions asked by the teacher would be a mixture of review and questions that challenge the students. The questions and discussions taking place in the classroom should cause the students to converse with their peers and share ideas. Questioning and discussions in the classroom should result in high participation from the students.
Domain 3c: Engaging Students in Learning
Engaging students in learning means for students to be actively using their brains and taking on challenges presented by the content. A teacher can achieve a intellectually active classroom environment by implementing interactive and stimulating activities. Students who are put in engaging classroom environment will being to ask questions, be able to connect information from the content to the outside world and how to apply it. What activities and assignments teachers use when teaching pedagogy, is a important foundation to what we do in the classroom. These activities and assignments should test the students knowledge of the desired content. Teachers group their students together with a purpose to help the students learning grow. Teachers are aware of what students work well together and what don't, what students may be masters of this content and what students need help, and how to group the students so the classroom still runs efficiently. What materials and resources teachers use for the activities and assignments should be suitable for those students at that age and ability levels. Teachers want to have structure and pacing that meets the students where they are in their learning. The structure and sequence of a lesson should follow a logical sequence. Students should be given time to reflect on what is being learned.
Domain 3d: Using Assessment in Instruction
Teachers understand the importance of assessing students knowledge of material and that assessments go far beyond tests. Assessments are important for teachers to use within their instruction, so they understand what parts of the content the students understand and what parts need more attention. Assessments should take place during and after a lesson. Assessments help teachers track their students growth in understanding the content. Teachers understand the importance of giving students feedback on assessments in a timely manner, and that the feed back should be positive and negative. Teachers are aware of different types of assessment while that may be students taking an actual test, or completing an exit ticket before leaving class. Teachers will use the results of the assessments the students take and work towards addressing misconceptions.
Domain 3e: Demonstrating Flexibility and Responsiveness
This component address the teachers understanding of having a structure to the classroom and instruction, but is also willing to be flexible. Teachers are ready to adapt to new situations as they arise and are willing to change their lesson plans to meet the students needs. Teachers pick up on cues from the students about whether things are going over well or changes need to be made. Teachers are aware of teachable moments in the classroom and use it to their advantage to enhance their students learning.