Why the ISW?

Goals of the ISW:

• Practice using basic components and principles to effectively structure lessons in a safe environment
• Challenge yourself to experiment with new methods and ideas
• Identify effective instructional habits to develop
• Thoughtfully provide and receive feedback from others to help refine teaching skills

General Activities:

TEACH – LEARN – PROVIDE FEEDBACK – REFLECT – BUILD & MAINTAIN TRUST AND COMMUNITY

With these five activities at the core, you will have the opportunity to:

• participate in various collaborative activities in both large and small groups
• work closely with your peers and help each other improve
• practice your teaching through three 10-minute mini-lessons (Day 2, 3, 4 – see mini-cyle description below)
• practice giving and receiving constructive feedback
• ask lots of questions and engage in meaningful discussion
• TAKE BREAKS! We all feel the effects of sitting in a chair staring at a screen all day. Our sessions are 4 hours at the most! But we have built in several opportunities for bio-breaks, stretching, informally chatting with each other, and remembering to stay hydrated!

Agendas for each day can be found by clicking on the “Day X: Agenda and Resources” in the menu for this Pressbook.

• Day 1
• Days 2-4 will be posted on a rolling basis so we are all on the same page

The ISW Mini-Cycle

This is your opportunity to take chances in a supportive environment designed to challenge your teaching practices and foster growth. You will have prepare and deliver three mini-lessons throughout our time together. Your mini-lesson will be no more than 10-minutes (not kidding – we have a timer!). The first week, we will all do the mini-lessons live, together, in our small groups. The second week, you will each prepare a pre-recorded mini-lesson that will be viewed ahead of time. We will engage in the feedback circle during our time together on Day 3. For your third and final mini-lesson, you will have the choice of preparing a live or pre-recorded lesson. Having practiced with both, you can choose what you’re most comfortable with, or what you believe will challenge you more. Remember, it’s all about supporting each other through these risk-taking opportunities. We, as your facilitators, constantly take risks and step out of our comfort zones, too… it’s only fair.

Check out some testimonials provided by the ISW Network: