Doug Lemov, TEACH LIKE A CHAMPION—49 Techniques that put Students on the Road to College
“Students need more
turns, more time, and more practice.” I heard this quote early on in my career
and it hasn't left me. I want to give the credit to either Jo Robinson or Dr.
Anita Archer. Their message left educators with a sense of urgency and
understanding that our students need to be more engaged in their own learning.
More than ten years
later, Doug Lemov’s book Teach Like A Champion continues the conversation
with more explicit techniques on what exactly student engagement looks like.
Bottom line, no more hands. We just don’t have time to call on one student at a
time anymore. Quite often the ones that are traditionally called on are already
confident in their thinking and ability to share with others. In today’s
classroom, we need to support and find those hidden gems and get them talking.
Personally, I like
a busy classroom, where students are writing, listening, speaking, and my
personal favorite, thinking. When I walk into a quiet classroom, my hope is
they are writing as a reflection of their learning, listening to gain
understanding, or just having think time. They can then turn to their
designated partner and begin a conversation rich in language and vocabulary.
In his book, Lemov
supports teaching and learning so teachers can unlock student’s talent and
skills in the classroom. Here are a few of my personal favorites:
Technique 1: NO
OPT OUT---When calling on a student and they don’t have an answer, it ends with the student
answering that question. Students can no longer hide.
Technique 8: POST
IT—The learning target should be visible to both teacher and students and
it is referred to before, during, and after instruction. (Think SIOP.)
Technique 20: EXIT
TICKET—A quick check for understanding provides you with the data needed to
guide your instruction. (Did they get it or not, let’s see.)
Technique 26: EVERYBODY
WRITES—An opportunity to reflect in writing their own thinking. (Writing as
a reflection of their thinking.)
The classroom
environment created by Lemov becomes a place where more students are allowed
more turns, more time, and more practice. More importantly, they are much more
engaged in their own learning. Their pathway to college becomes a mindset
rather than an obstacle.
