They also examine research-based programs that develop high skill levels and the ability to transfer knowledge and skill to the classroom and review methods to build team consensus. The one elective course is decided by the site group. This course focuses on developing techniques that lead to a classroom where cooperation and mutual respect are the norm. Cooperative learning provides many of the answers through key elements that promote student responsibility. This method also creates new challenges for classroom management.
Participants explore ways to establish a classroom climate that creates a self-monitoring system.
Suggestions for managing violent behavior, as well as how to predict which students are prone to violent behavior, assist teachers with the challenges of today's classroom. This course integrates current research on teaching and learning into classroom practice. It challenges teachers to examine their teacher-directed activities, such as questioning skills, lecturing methods, discussion techniques, clarity of presentation, concept attainment, and inquiry methods. The course also focuses on specific methods and strategies that can be added to the teachers' repertoires of techniques. Additionally, the instructor encourages the use of the collaborative process, action research, and peer coaching as effective means to improve teacher effectiveness and to foster professional growth and renewal.