Preparing for Teacher Effectiveness
Framework Self-Assessments
Part of the strength of the TELL Project is its built-in ability for teachers to self-determine how well they currently meet the criteria defined in the Teacher Effectiveness for Language Learning Framework, relative to the growth they would like to make. To assist teachers in this aspect of reflective practice, TELL makes available self-assessment documents that allows an educator to pause and consider their current practice to identify possible areas of professional growth.
Effective language learning experiences are carefully orchestrated by a teacher through building relationships with students, working with them to create an environment in which they are safe, can flourish and support the identified learning performance objectives. Educators may complete this self-assessment to answer the question: How do you create a safe and supportive learning environment to prepare for student learning?
Effective language learning experiences are carefully planned by a teacher through developing standards-based units and lessons that identify and embed high-yield strategies which will allow students to reach identified course, unit, or lesson performance objectives. Educators may complete this self-assessment to answer the question: How does your planning of learning experiences prepare for student learning?
Effective language learning experiences are facilitated by the use of high-yield teaching strategies designed to move students toward the attainment of intentionally planned lesson, unit, and course performance objectives. Educators may complete this self-assessment to answer the question: How do you provide meaningful learning experiences that advance student learning?
Effective language learning experiences are facilitated by the use of assessment strategies designed to allow students to demonstrate what they can do with what they know and receive the necessary feedback in order to move toward the attainment of intentionally planned lesson, unit, and course performance objectives. Educators may complete this self-assessment to answer the question: How do you and your students use performance and feedback to advance student learning?
Effective language learning experiences are facilitated by the use of strategically selected resources designed to support intentionally planned lesson, unit, and course performance objectives. Educators may complete this self-assessment to answer the question: How do you and your students capitalize on a variety of learning tools to maximize student learning?
Effective language learning experiences require teachers to identify, involve and leverage the support of all stakeholders in the learning process. Educators may complete this self-assessment to answer the question: How does your collaboration with stakeholders support student learning?
Effective language learning experiences require teachers to identify how their own continued professional preparation contributes to student success and how they can model life-long learning skills through their own professional growth. Educators may complete this self-assessment to answer the question: How does your continued growth as a professional support student learning?
Feedback Tool Self-Assessments
When completing these self-assessments, be sure to consider evidence from your practice to support your reflections. Once you have completed the self-assessment, review the outcomes with a critical friend, mentor, or supervisor. An open and honest conversation about your performance vs. ratings helps to clarify rationale for levels selected and will help you to set goals.
A criterion identified in the Teacher Effectiveness for Language Learning Framework addresses the need to “frequently check for understanding in a variety of ways throughout the lesson” (LE4e). What strategies can you use to effectively check for understanding?
Effective teachers facilitate interactions with respect, routines and regard for each student as an individual. What are those strategies that you can use to develop relationships with students so you may better facilitate classroom interactions?
How teachers give directions partially predetermines the success of any activity. Research also informs us that if teachers model how activities are to be done the learner is better positioned to understand what he is supposed to do and what it should look like when he does it.
A criterion identified in the Teacher Effectiveness for Language Learning Framework addresses the need to “to capture my students’ energy and commitment.” (LE2) What strategies do you use to effectively engage learners?
A criterion identified in the Teacher Effectiveness for Language Learning Framework addresses the need to “use a variety of learning tools to help students access and produce language, content and culture” (LT1/2). What strategies do you use to effectively select Learning Tools?
A criterion identified in the Teacher Effectiveness for Language Learning Framework addresses the need to provide “daily pair and small group activities” (LE5d). What strategies can you use to implement daily pair or small group work?
Effective language learning experiences are carefully orchestrated by a teacher working with students to create an environment where they are safe and can flourish and that can support the identified learning performance objectives. What is essential in creating a highly effective learning environment?
Providing students opportunities to practice language within the modes of communication and in meaningful contexts is essential to grow their linguistic capabilities. How often and what kinds of opportunities do you provide students to use their new language skills?
One of the most important factors in how much language is acquired by a learner is the amount of comprehensible input to which the learner is exposed. The input should be both meaningful and of interest to the learner. What strategies are most effective when providing comprehensible input to students?
