A Closer Look at Effective Classroom Instructional Practices

This workshop supports educators in strengthening core instructional practices that have the greatest impact on student learning. Participants examine how clearly communicating learning objectives, modeling instruction, and guiding student practice can increase engagement and understanding. The session emphasizes high-quality questioning techniques, student-centered engagement strategies, and structured formative assessment practices. Teachers leave with practical, classroom-ready tools to design lessons that are clear, interactive, and responsive to student needs.

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• Unclear learning objectives that limit student understanding of goals and expectations
• Lessons that lack engagement, structure, or opportunities for meaningful student interaction
• Overuse of teacher talk with limited opportunities for guided and independent practice
• Questioning practices that remain surface-level and do not reveal student thinking
• Inconsistent use of formative assessment to inform instruction and differentiation

1. Communicating Clear, Student-Friendly Learning Objectives
   Participants learn strategies for writing and sharing concise, actionable objectives in student-friendly language, helping learners understand what they are learning, why it matters, and what mastery looks like.
2. Designing Engaging Lessons Through Effective Questioning and Instructional Modeling
   Educators gain tools for planning leveled, sequenced, and evaluative questions; modeling thinking through guided instruction; and structuring lessons that balance modeling, guided practice, and independent application.‍
3. Using Formative Assessment to Guide Instruction and Support All LearnersTeachers develop strategies for embedding formative assessments throughout lessons to monitor understanding, provide timely feedback, and adapt instruction to meet diverse student needs in real time.