As a secondary curriculum coach, I have been in dozens of classrooms and done hundreds of observations. There is no one way to be a great teacher. That said, a master classroom isn’t a specific set-up of students and chairs, or board configuration and posted lesson plans. Instead, a master classroom has engagement, not compliance. Students drive their own learning; the teacher is merely the guide. Interaction is consistent and encouraged. Questions and discussion are welcomed. Modeling is used to increase student comprehension. Students lead their learning through exploration and problem-solving, only using the teacher as a last resort.
In a Master Classroom, students are not being bribed to learn. They want to learn because the content is relevant. The teacher has created an environment that inspires creativity and diversity. When all of these things are happening, a Master Classroom is in play.
Do you have a Master Classroom?
