To the Editor:
Regarding (“Scholars Eye ‘Signature’ Method of Teacher Training,” Oct. 12, 2005):
In his search for a “signature pedagogy” for the preparation of teachers, Lee S. Shulman might consider the training in lesson planning designed by Madeline Hunter.
She called for “a systematic consideration of seven elements”: anticipatory set, to focus students’ attention and develop readiness for instruction; the objective and its purpose, to inform the student what he or she will do and why; instructional input, to deliver information to achieve the objective; modeling, to give students actual examples of a finished product; checking for understanding, to ascertain if students know the material; guided practice, to make sure that students can perform the task; and independent practice, to give students an assignment to practice the skill.
If new teachers were trained in these seven steps and coached to use them effectively and creatively, more students would benefit from and enjoy their classes, and more teachers would feel confident in their pedagogy.
Roseann Lyons
Head of Upper School
University School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee, Wis.
