Riverside Teacher Training Program: How to Put Common Sense into Common Practice

Overview
The Riverside School is an amalgamation of a world-class primary school and a vibrant research centre for school education. Insights from cutting-edge research are turned into working models of pedagogical practices with a single-minded focus: better student learning. Over the last seven years, Riverside has developed, implemented and shared a unique curriculum that is proving to be the benchmark for providing a no compromise primary school education of the highest quality. The Riverside Training Program is designed to foster the personal and professional growth and development of teachers, to enhance their teaching effectiveness and the effectiveness of students learning. It aims to provide teachers with the capacity, skills and knowledge to ensure the success and well-being of their students. Participants engage with like-minded individuals for in-depth learning on issues that make a difference in the lives of students. This program will provide opportunities for participants to become reflective practitioners, develop new skills, and apply skills learned into practice. Through a variety of learning techniques workshops, discussions, immersion, and practiceparticipants gain new perspectives on teaching, deepen their repertoire of problem solving skills, engage in personal reflection and build strong professional networks. Participants will undergo over 140 hours of intensive training in the journey from enablement to empowerment. Upon completion of the program, Riverside will continue to support the participants as they begin to apply what is learnt in the program in their classroom.

Candidates
Candidates for the Riverside Teacher Training Program should have:

Minimum 3 to 5 years teaching experience

Basic computer skills (including Internet and Powerpoint)

Accessible email id.

Basic English language competency

Framework
The Leaders Training Program is divided into 8 modules, held over 2-3 consecutive days every month, from July to March.

Module Topics
Common Sense Model Examine the 3 components of the model: 1. Why the foundation and framework (as it relates to the 3 Rs) 2. How the processes and behaviors 3. What the content and assessment (as it relates to the Beacons) Riverside Processes and Practices Introduction to the numerous process and practices of Riverside Relevance and how they relate to the Big Ideas and the Common Sense Model

Multiple Intelligences (MI)

 In-depth discussion of theory where participants learn about each of the eight intelligences and discover the impact MI has on the classroom Pathways Model, an approach that connects the theory to classroom practice. Application of MI at Riverside through Interest Centers and Clubs: why and how

Differentiated Instruction (DI) Detailed examination of DI theory Specific classroom strategies based on DI

Making Learning Visible (MLV) Purpose of MLV and how it is implemented at Riverside

TimeTabling Connection to the 3 Rs (Relevance, Rigor, Relationships). Why and how timetables are created at Riverside

Planners Important questions to be asked and answered in a planner How a planner aids the teacher to plan a curriculum to ensure that all the 3 Rs are being met How daily / monthly / weekly planning connects to the Big Ideas How the students voice is reflected in the planner

Lesson Planning Importance and nuances of a detailed lesson plan

Evaluation and Assessment

Information about the definitions of evaluation and assessment Differences between the two Types of evaluations How to evaluate

Classroom Management Different aspects of classroom management Best practices Effective strategies

High Quality Adult Learning Adult Learning Model (acquire, practice, develop, share) Importance of adult learning and how it directly impacts student performance

Brain Workshop Information on a new theory of learning, based on the knowledge of the basic inner workings of the brain, where different approaches to the design of curriculum, teaching, and assessment are utilized

Art of Questioning Importance of questioning in the classroom Different types of questions with examples

Thinking Routines How to introduce the culture of in the classroom, Role of the teacher in developing a thinking culture Examples and demonstrations of various thinking routines

Components

Providing motivation and inspiration to make the necessary changes keeping in mind the needs of the students
Inspiration

Relating the session topic to the Common Sense Model

Calender

Module Components

Common Sense Model

Connecting the session topic to processes, practices, and strategies in the teachers own classroom
Common Sense Practices

Linking the session topic to the practices implemented at Riverside

Sessions**

Plenary (30 hrs) Reflection (15 hrs) Study Group (20 hrs)

Visits (5 Hrs)

Mini-Course (20 hrs)

Teacher's Program

Implementation (10 hrs)

Observations (20 hrs)

Assignments (10 hrs)

Demo Sessions (10 hrs)

** hours are approximations

Plenary All participants attend plenary sessions in which major theories and ideologies practiced at Riverside are introduced and discussed. Study Group Participants are divided into small, intimate study groups where they are able to synthesize and personalize information introduced during plenary sessions and minicourses. It is an opportunity for one to one interaction with senior Riverside faculty to reflect, review and clarify new information. Mini-Course

Mini-courses are short, intensive sessions to help increase and/or hone a repertoire of skills. Participants can select from a range of mini-course options being offered. Classroom Observation Classroom observation, as the name suggests, is an opportunity to study how a classroom functions as various theories and strategies are implemented concurrently. The focus of each observation will vary depending on topics covered during plenary and mini-courses. Demo Sessions Experienced teachers hold sessions to showcase best practices. This allows participants to observe and gain clarity on content, classroom management and processes implemented in a classroom or school setting. Assignments Application of theories/ strategies/ practices observed and discussed at Riverside is an important component of the Riverside Training Program. Reviewing and reflecting upon the assignments helps to refine and improve the participants skills. Implementation Participants will be required to implement the theories, strategies, and practices discussed at Riverside in the classroom setting. Senior Riverside faculty will provide feedback so practitioners continue to hone their skills. This is essential as it is a direct application of what is learnt in the Training Program. Visits Visits to institutes and heritage sites in and around Ahmedabad help participants make connections to the value of utilizing the city as a resource. Reflection Time will be allotted for Reflection as it is an important component of the Riverside program. Reflections help participants to review, reflect and refine their practitioners as we review and refine our practice.

Certification

Attendance

80 % of all sessions

Implementation Certification Portfolio Assessement Presentation

Readings

Certification will be granted upon completion of all of the above components in a satisfactory manner.

Sample Training Schedule

Module One: Introduction to Riverside - Common Sense to Common Practice Day 1 Ice Breaker and School Tour Classroom Observation: Similarities and differences between Riverside classroom and practitioners classroom Study Group: What was observed? What was understood of learning? What were learning moments? Match to own context any changes / conflicts / big shifts? Reflections Day 2 Participants and organizations introduction; what are needs and concerns of teachers? Introduce Common Sense to Common Practice Model Riverside Processes and Practices Reflection / Closing the Loop

Module Two: Planning Day 1 Establish the 3 Rs: Relevance, Rigor, and Relationship Planner as a Conscience: How do you plan for high student learning in context of 3 Rs? Brain workshop Reflections Day 2 Lesson Planning: Components of a well-planned lesson Classroom Observation: How does a lesson planned on paper translate into practice? Design a lesson plan in groups; review and provide feedback Timetabling Reflections

 Assignment: Individually design and implement a lesson (provide evidence through photographs, video, student work, etc.)

Module Three: Multiple Intelligences Theory Day 1 Day 2 Interest Center and/or Clubs observation Pathways Model workshop Demo Session: MI in the classroom Study Group: Review MI sessions; Fill out MI observation sheets Reflections Assignment: Design and implement an MI based lesson plan (provide evidence) Review of assignment Multiple Intelligences Theory Interest Centers and Clubs workshop Reflections

Module Four: MI (contd) and Classroom Practices Day 1 Day 2 Classroom Management Classroom Observation Image of a Competent Teacher: Adult Learning Model Mini-Course: Primary and Secondary Math Use of Manipulatives as a Learning Tool Assignment: Design a 40-minute session to be implemented in a Riverside classroom (keep in mind classroom management, lesson planning, MI, Common Sense Model) Review of MI theory: clear any misconceptions; answer questions; fill in gaps Review of assignment Art of Questioning Reflections

Module Five: Teaching Practice Day 1 Implementation of assignment (Group 1) Reflect / Review / Feedback Visit of Gandhi Ashram with Grade 2 teacher and students Day 2 Implementation of assignment (Group 1) Reflect / Review / Feedback Evaluation and Assessment

Module Six: Differentiated Instruction (DI) Day 1 Mini-Course: Knowing your Students Developmental Milestones Principles of DI Reflections Day 2 DI Strategies Demo Session: DI in the Classroom Study Group: Linking MI and DI and how they are both integrated in the classroom Reflections

Module Seven: Making Learning Visible (MLV) Day 1 Practice of Making Learning Visible: how and why Different forms of communication with parents: diaries, newsletters, workshops, school events, emails, etc. One-on-One interaction with parents

Day 2

Thinking Routines Demo Session of Thinking Routines Study Group: Practice and review of Thinking Routines Reflections

Module Eight: Closing the Loop Day 1 Review and reflect on training program o Make connections to teachers schools and classrooms. o Discuss paradigm shifts. o Any gaps left? What questions still exist? If necessary, revisit previous topics Day 2 Graduation ceremony