A Window of Opportunity Ofek Hadash

A Window of OpportunityOfekHadash Winter Conference Shirley Burg Southern Regional Supervisor For the teaching of English MOE

The diversity and differences in learners The professional dilemmas and challenges that face teachers in this change of focus What is small group learning? What are the benefits for the pupil? Benefits for the teacher Teacher’s Role Steps towards preparing a work plan Ideas for Activities Points to Observe in a Partani Lesson

“ A Constant Process of Change” • The teaching focus changes from the class as a reference group to an individual pupil. • Skills and activities are designed for individual progress. • The learning process focuses on individual needs based on personality and relevance of the child’s background.

The diversity and differences in learners: • Pupils with learning disabilities, who have difficulties grasping the significance of lesson materials. • Pupils who are able to grasp the content of the lesson but are limited in their achievement. • Pupils who show rapid mastery of the material but are frequently under-stimulated. • Advanced pupils who need enrichment.

OfekHadash:Working with small groups opens the window of opportunity for pupils and teachers.

What are the professional dilemmas and challenges that face teachers in this change of focus?

Lack of homogeneity in the classroom – the teacher has to bring everyone to the same educational level. • The teacher needs to decide on where to focus the level of the lesson in a class of 40 pupils. • Bridging the gap between the expected achievements and the standards and the actual achievement of individual pupils. • External exams are ONLY used to evaluate national standards, and overall achievement. • The affects of the social diversity of pupils.

Since English teachers usually teach more than one class at school, and our goal is to reach and “touch” each and every pupil – an effective and useful plan is needed. On the one hand, we must provide appropriate and immediate answer and foundation for the weak pupil, and on the other hand, enrich the knowledge of the advanced pupils.

The most important goal of the individual (partani) hours is to provide both teachers and pupils with a chance to interact and know each other better. • It’s a great opportunity for a real dialogue!

What is small group learning? • In small group learning the teacher develops individual learning plans for each pupil. • Small group learning selects pupils according to specific needs-developmental or emotional • Small group learning promotes co-operative learning. • The lessons are special, different and in a learner-friendly environment.

What are the benefits for the pupil? • It allows the otherwise non-involved pupil to participate. • It allows the pupil to feel personal success when completing the tasks. • It develops self-esteem. • It motivates the unmotivated pupil. • It stimulates each child according to his/her needs and abilities.

Benefits for the teacher: • You get to know your pupil as a person. • You can identify the pupil’s strengths and weaknesses. • You can build an environment of trust and acceptance as well as inclusion and co-operation. • You can give immediate feedback and response.

Teacher’s Role • Professional and trained. • Mentoring skills. • The teacher as a guide/moderator. • Coach– consequential thinking. • Have a dialogue with the pupil.

Steps towards preparing a work plan: • Map out the classes according to a valid diagnostic test which examines each pupil’s proficiency in each domain. • Divide pupils into groups or sub-groups (1-5 pupils in each group) according to both teachers and pupils’ needs. • Prepare a work plan for each group/topic with clear objectives, schedule and ways of evaluation and assessment. • Evaluate and reflect after each lesson and adjust accordingly. • Document the learning-teaching process.

Ideas for Activities • Listening • Talking & speaking • Reading (different levels) - HOTS • Writing • Projects • Tasks using computers • Bank of activities (site)

Points to Observe in a Partani Lesson Translated from the official Hebrew form • Knowledge • Teacher has knowledge of subject matter • Teacher is familiar with the characteristics of a Partani lesson • Planning • Teacher planned the lesson and unit of study based on pupils' individual needs, prior knowledge and their level of competence in the subject • Teacher has a clear work plan based on clear goals and accompanied by a schedule for implementation

Points to Observe in a PartaniLesson (cont.) • Implementation • There is an on going dialogue between teacher and pupil which includes cognitive, emotional and social aspects • Objectives are carried out through suitable activities and tasks and monitored accordingly • Teacher encourages peer dialogue and cooperative learning • Relevant and effective tasks and assignments for each and every pupils are implemented • Teacher develops pupils' sense of capability • Teacher nurtures each and every pupil's uniqueness • Teaching strategies develop deep understanding and thinking skills in the subject

Points to Observe in a PartaniLesson (cont.) • Teacher monitors and provides feedback according to the specific needs of the pupil • Teacher provides reflective feedback close to the time of implementation • Correlation between plan and implementation - lesson performed per plan • General • Planning, implementation and monitoring of individual pupil progress in comparison to pupil and desired standard • Positive atmosphere which allows pupil self expression

"WHEN A MAN DOES NOT KNOW WHAT HARBOR HE IS MAKING FOR, NO WIND IS THERIGHT WIND." SENECA

A Window of Opportunity Ofek Hadash