Education Prompts

Structure a coaching cycle with a teacher using the GROW model. 1. Goal (Pre-observation meeting): Coach and teacher collaborate to set a specific, measurable goal for the lesson. (e.g., 'I want to increase student talk time to 60%'). 2. Reality (Observation): Coach observes the lesson, collecting data specifically related to the goal (e.g., tracking teacher vs. student talk time). 3. Options (Post-observation debrief): Coach shares data. They brainstorm multiple strategies to achieve the goal. ('What could you do differently? What have you tried before?'). 4. Way Forward (Action Plan): Teacher chooses one strategy to implement. Coach and teacher define what success looks like and schedule the next observation. This non-evaluative, teacher-centered approach fosters trust and growth.

Design an inquiry-based lab for biology students. Phenomenon: Show students a video of spinach leaf disks floating in a bicarbonate solution under light. Driving Question: 'What factors affect the rate of photosynthesis in spinach leaves?' Student-led investigation: 1. Students brainstorm variables (light intensity, light color, CO2 concentration). 2. Groups design their own experiment to test one variable. 3. They write a procedure, identify controls, and predict outcomes. 4. Conduct experiment, collect data (e.g., time it takes for 50% of disks to float). 5. Analyze data, create graphs, and present findings to the class. Teacher acts as facilitator, providing materials and guiding questions.

Design a flipped classroom module for a high school subject. Pre-class (at home): 1. Create 10-15 minute instructional video (e.g., using Loom, Screencastify) explaining core concepts. 2. Assign short reading or simulation. 3. Embed 3-5 quiz questions in the video to check for understanding. In-class (active learning): 1. Start with a 5-min Q&A to clarify video concepts. 2. Group students for collaborative problem-solving activity (20 mins). 3. Facilitate a project-based learning task applying the concepts (15 mins). 4. Conclude with an exit ticket assessing application of knowledge. Example: for history, video on causes of WWI, in-class debate on responsibility.

Create a role-playing simulation of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Roles: President Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, military advisors (Joint Chiefs), Soviet Ambassador, etc. Scenario: Students receive role-specific briefing documents with classified information and objectives. Process: 1. Students meet in their advisory groups to discuss options. 2. The 'President' facilitates a series of meetings where advisors present their cases (e.g., blockade vs. air strike). 3. The 'President' makes a decision. 4. Teacher reveals the historical outcome. Debrief: Students reflect on the pressures of decision-making, the role of information, and the consequences of different choices. Compare their simulation outcome to the actual historical events.

Teach students to use graphic organizers to deconstruct text. Types of Organizers: 1. Story Map: For fiction. Fields for characters, setting, problem, key events, and resolution. 2. Venn Diagram: For comparing and contrasting two concepts, characters, or texts. 3. KWL Chart: Before reading non-fiction. Columns for 'What I Know', 'What I Want to Know', and 'What I Learned'. 4. Cause and Effect Chain: For history or science texts. Shows the sequence of events leading to an outcome. 5. Frayer Model: For vocabulary. A four-square chart with definition, characteristics, examples, and non-examples. Model how to use each organizer with a shared text before asking students to use them independently.

Write a grant proposal to fund a 1:1 Chromebook initiative. Proposal Sections: 1. Needs Statement: Use data to demonstrate the need (e.g., current device-to-student ratio, state testing requirements, digital divide statistics). 2. Project Description: Detail the plan to provide a Chromebook for every student, including implementation timeline, professional development for teachers, and digital citizenship curriculum. 3. Goals and Objectives: State clear, measurable goals (e.g., 'By Year 2, 100% of students will have access to a device, and teachers will integrate technology in 75% of lessons'). 4. Budget: Provide a detailed line-item budget for devices, cases, management software, and teacher training stipends. 5. Evaluation Plan: Explain how you will measure the project's success (e.g., usage data, teacher surveys, student achievement data). Research potential funders (local foundations, tech company grants).

Integrate Classcraft to gamify vocabulary for a 7th-grade ELA class. Setup: 1. Create student accounts (Mages, Warriors, Healers). 2. Define game rules: earn XP (Experience Points) for correct vocabulary quiz answers, lose HP (Health Points) for off-task behavior. 3. Create 'quests' where students use vocabulary words in sentences to defeat a 'monster'. 4. Reward system: students spend GP (Gold Pieces) on real-world privileges (e.g., 5 minutes of free time, listen to music while working). Weekly 'Boss Battle': a challenging vocabulary quiz where students collaborate using their character powers. Track progress on a public leaderboard to foster competition.

Implement low-stakes formative assessments to guide instruction. 1. Exit Ticket: At end of lesson, ask students to answer 1-3 short questions on an index card (e.g., 'What was the most important concept today?' 'What question do you still have?'). Review before next class to identify misconceptions. 2. Think-Pair-Share: Pose a question. Give students 1 minute to think individually, 2 minutes to discuss with a partner, then call on pairs to share with the whole class. 3. Whiteboard Response: Have all students write their answer to a problem on mini-whiteboards and hold them up. Quickly scan for understanding. 4. Plickers/Kahoot: Use tech tools for quick, engaging quizzes. Use data to form small groups for re-teaching.

Set up and organize a Learning Management System (Canvas, Moodle, Google Classroom). Best practices: 1. Consistent module structure across courses. 2. Clear naming conventions for files and assignments. 3. Weekly overview pages with objectives and tasks. 4. Organized content (folders for readings, videos, assignments). 5. Gradebook setup with categories and weights. 6. Communication tools (announcements, discussions). 7. Accessibility features (alt text, captions, screen reader compatibility). Provide student orientation. Use analytics to track engagement. Integrate with other tools (Zoom, Turnitin).

Facilitate a Socratic seminar for deep discussion. Structure: 1. Select complex text or question. 2. Students prepare with annotations and questions. 3. Arrange in inner circle (discussants) and outer circle (observers). 4. Teacher poses opening question. 5. Students lead discussion, building on each other's ideas. 6. Teacher facilitates minimally, asks probing questions. 7. Debrief and reflect on process. Ground rules: speak to each other, use evidence, listen actively. Assess participation and thinking. Rotate roles. Develop critical thinking and communication skills.

Prepare for productive parent-teacher conferences. Preparation: 1. Gather student work samples (strengths and areas for growth). 2. Review grades, attendance, and behavior data. 3. Prepare specific examples and anecdotes. 4. Set 2-3 key talking points. 5. Anticipate questions and concerns. During conference: Start with positives. Use 'sandwich' approach (positive-concern-positive). Listen actively. Collaborate on action plan. End with next steps. Follow up in writing. Keep to 15-20 min. Document conversation. Build partnership for student success.

Implement flipped classroom model effectively. Process: 1. Create/curate pre-class content (videos, readings, 10-15 min). 2. Design accountability mechanism (quiz, reflection). 3. Plan in-class active learning (problem-solving, discussions, labs). 4. Provide support for students without home access. 5. Use class time for higher-order thinking. 6. Give immediate feedback during practice. 7. Assess both preparation and application. Tools: Edpuzzle, Loom, Khan Academy. Start with one unit. Gather student feedback. Iterate based on engagement and outcomes.

Create a clear, effective rubric for project grading. Structure: 1. Identify 4-6 key criteria (content, organization, creativity, presentation). 2. Define 4 performance levels (Exemplary, Proficient, Developing, Beginning). 3. Write specific descriptors for each cell. 4. Assign point values or weights. 5. Include space for comments. Types: analytic (detailed feedback) vs holistic (overall impression). Share rubric with students before assignment. Use for self and peer assessment. Ensure alignment with learning objectives. Make criteria observable and measurable.

Establish effective classroom management system. Components: 1. Clear expectations and rules (3-5 positively stated). 2. Procedures for routines (entering, transitions, materials). 3. Positive reinforcement system (praise, rewards). 4. Consequences hierarchy (warning, time-out, parent contact). 5. Relationship building strategies. 6. Proactive interventions (seating charts, proximity). 7. Data tracking for behavior patterns. Teach expectations explicitly. Be consistent. Focus on prevention over punishment. Collaborate with parents. Use restorative practices for conflicts.

Differentiate instruction for diverse learners. Strategies: 1. Content (vary reading levels, use multimedia). 2. Process (flexible grouping, tiered activities). 3. Product (choice boards, multiple ways to demonstrate learning). 4. Environment (seating arrangements, noise levels). Assess readiness, interests, and learning profiles. Provide scaffolding for struggling students. Offer extensions for advanced learners. Use UDL (Universal Design for Learning) principles. Include accommodations for IEPs and 504 plans. Balance challenge and support for all students.

Implement formative assessments to guide instruction. Techniques: 1. Exit tickets (3-2-1: 3 things learned, 2 questions, 1 application). 2. Think-pair-share for peer discussion. 3. Kahoot/Quizizz for real-time feedback. 4. Concept maps to visualize understanding. 5. Self-assessment rubrics. 6. One-on-one check-ins. 7. Error analysis activities. Use data to adjust teaching. Provide immediate feedback. Focus on growth, not grades. Create safe environment for mistakes. Differentiate based on assessment results. Aim for multiple touchpoints per lesson.

Design an engaging online course from scratch. Framework: 1. Define target audience and prerequisites. 2. Set clear learning outcomes. 3. Structure into modules (5-7 modules). 4. Break modules into lessons (15-20 min each). 5. Mix content types (video, readings, quizzes, projects). 6. Build in assessments and feedback loops. 7. Create capstone project for application. Use ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation). Include community/discussion elements. Optimize for completion rates (>60%). Platform: Teachable, Thinkific, or custom LMS.

Create a comprehensive lesson plan using backward design. Structure: 1. Learning Objectives (SMART goals, Bloom's taxonomy). 2. Assessment (how you'll measure understanding). 3. Materials and Resources needed. 4. Introduction/Hook (engage students, 5-10 min). 5. Direct Instruction (teach concepts, 15-20 min). 6. Guided Practice (work together, 10-15 min). 7. Independent Practice (students apply, 15-20 min). 8. Closure and Reflection (summarize, preview next lesson). Include differentiation strategies for diverse learners. Align to curriculum standards.