As teachers, it is important that we know what we are teaching to our students, yet it is also key that we know our students. Danielson's domain 1B helps to ensure that we, as teachers, are not only teaching the material, but teaching the material in a way that our students can understand and actually learn or comprehend the lesson being taught. Keep reading below for more information on this domain.
What is Danielson's Domain 1B? Domain 1B of Danielson's Framework is focused on teachers going beyond the lesson and getting to know the students. This domain is trying to help the teacher understand that not every one of his or her pupils will learn the same way. Once the teacher gains knowledge of how his or her students learn, then the teacher can be more effective in the lessons. Why is this domain of Danielson's Framework important? It is extremely important that teachers are able reach every student in their classroom. If the teacher does not understand how each of their students learn, then it will be extremely difficult to effectively reach the students. This element is focused on the teacher's ability to communicate the lessons and subjects effectively to the students in the classroom. If students are to succeed in the classroom, this component is key for teachers to understand and practice. In order to accomplish this goal, there are five elements that teachers should be looking for and working towards. These elements are listed and explained below. The elements of Danielson's Domain 1B
Knowledge of child and adolescent development- Know what grade level your students are at. Make each of the activities and lessons developmentally appropriate. As with a lower section, understand that students are at different stages of learning, therefore don't give a student who is at second grade reading level a middle school level book. Emphasize practices that are developmentally appropriate for lesson, students, and class that you have.
Knowledge of the learning process- Include participation in your lessons. Have the students be actively participating with each other as well as individually through worksheets. This could be physical activity if it fits in with the lesson, but also deep thinking about the problems or worksheets given.
Knowledge of student's skills, knowledge, and language proficiency- Understand that classroom time is not all that the students are involved with. To better understand your students, possibly consider going to extracurricular activities that your students are involved in. Bring the extracurricular activities also into the classroom, where possible.
Knowledge of student's interests and cultural heritage- Try to include students interests or ideas in your lessons. Also, welcome each students background or heritage in the classroom. Also, understand that the students culture and heritage will influence exactly how he or she will learn.
Knowledge of student's special needs- In this element, the teacher needs to realize that not every student will learn at the same pace or by using the same method. Some students will require more attention while others will be able to comprehend the material quickly without much teacher assistance. Each student is different, therefore each student will learn differently.
How to incorporate element 1B into the classroom. This domain provides countless opportunities for teachers to implement in the classroom. I will mention two different ways to incorporate this element into the classroom, but feel free to comment and add ideas that you have. First off, one way to incorporate this element into the classroom would be to have a cultural/heritage day. Have the students wear clothing from their heritage, bring an item of food for the students to sample from their heritage, and have the students present a little speech on their heritage. Invite parents and family members, as well as other classrooms to join in the lesson and fun. This establishes a welcoming environment as well as gives the students a way to show their culture and heritage. The second way to have this element demonstrated in the classroom is to have formative evaluations for the students. This is done through regular questioning during the introduction or anticipatory set to a lesson. This gives the teacher a basis for where his or her students are. The students would not know that you are assessing where they are in a certain topic, therefore it is super easy and simple to incorporate into the lesson plan. If you have any more ideas or suggestions, let me know!
References: (2017). Nctq.org. Retrieved 9 October 2017, from https://www.nctq.org/docs/Wichita_Evaluation__handbook.pdf
(2017). Text.nycenet.edu. Retrieved 9 October 2017, from http://text.nycenet.edu/NR/rdonlyres/F8444286-397F-48EA-A6FF-F925C1A43076/0/FfTComponents1b1c1e1f.