EDconnect
Equipping Educators
By emphasising value creation, integrated thinking, and responsibility, EDconnect enhances teaching through upskilling using the Gradual Release Model, and biliteracy. Programmes like ‘Language of Learning’ and ‘Discover, Describe and Do’ address literacy development with tailored questioning and visualisation techniques. These efforts collectively ensure that educators are well-equipped to prepare students for a dynamic future, transforming educational practices and outcomes.
The Language of Learning
There have been many long hard debates and discussions about how teachers teach oral language, and particularly for those working with students who are developing their English as a second language.
How do we teach these students at year level, when their language learning does not necessarily give them the vocabulary or language structure to do so? And then, how well do teachers know how to teach oral language and how to question?
We have looked closely at this and have developed a programme that unlocks the curriculum at year level, through understanding students’ levels of questioning, differentiation through questioning and really understanding how oral language development works. Schools that are using the ‘Language of Learning’ are seeing the impact of higher levels of thinking and attainment emerging. This is not another ‘Bloom’s Taxonomy’ or ‘DOK’ but really does analyse students’ language levels and then how we teach from here. It is not about grouping students at a questioning level, but rather teachers knowing the levels of questions that match the student’s language level, so that they can show their knowledge and understanding. It really is transforming practice and bringing another level to teaching and differentiation.
The Language of Learning
Discover, Describe and Do
Discover, Describe and Do
Educators frequently face challenges in teaching oral language, particularly with students who excel at decoding text but struggle with comprehension. These students often have difficulty following directions, weak oral and written language expression, trouble understanding cause and effect, and may seem to drift away or lack a sense of humour. Addressing these issues requires more than traditional teaching methods; it requires innovative strategies that go beyond basic literacy skills.
To meet this need, a comprehensive approach has been developed to support the development of essential literacy skills through visualisation and verbalisation. This approach aids in reading and listening comprehension, memory, oral vocabulary, critical thinking, and writing. Unlike traditional programs or interventions, this method offers tools and strategies informed by research and practice, designed to be integrated into everyday teaching. “Discover, Describe and Do…” is a transformative program that enhances literacy skills through innovative visualisation and verbalisation techniques. It addresses common comprehension challenges and supports overall literacy development, providing teachers with effective tools to help their students succeed.