An Interview with a LEARNING-FOCUSED Teacher

Denise Burson
Aug 02, 2010

How does LEARNING-FOCUSED impact the classroom teacher?

William Penn High School is a Title I school located in New Castle, Delaware. Debbie Pfotzer, an English teacher shares how the LEARNING-FOCUSED Model has impacted her class.

What impact has LEARNING-FOCUSED had on you since receiving your initial training?

"I really love LEARNING-FOCUSED.

Since the implementation of LEARNING-FOCUSED at William Penn, I have adapted new teaching strategies and teaching methods that I believe have enhanced my teaching. Here are some of the ideas I have incorporated:

I created a word splash on Romantic Literature; and instead of giving the traditional selection test at the end of the unit, I asked the students to use all the words in the word splash and create a story about Romantic Literature. They just couldn't say, the hero went on a quest and displayed chivalry. They had to use all of the words and show meaning. My students worked up to the end of the period and some even asked to complete the assignment at home. When the students brought the assignment in the next day, they presented me with 4 page stories that were so incredible it took my breath away. One student connected to his own culture by moving the setting to Africa. He had all the elements of Romance Literature but with an African twist. He was so excited about his story he asked to read it to the class. These students actually were able to show evidence of learning in the truest form. I will definitely continue to use Word Splash in the future.

Also, when my students come into my classroom each day, they see on the blackboard an adapted "K-U-D" and the "Lesson Essential Question." I started using the K-U-D Organizers for each day's planning because it keeps me focused on what I need to cover in the lesson and it also lets the students know what they are expected to know, understand and do. The Lesson Essential Question keeps the learning organized. It becomes a place to begin and end.

Also, as a high school teacher, I felt that "word walls" were only found in elementary schools. I use the word wall to help students learn new words in the current unit. In addition, I was having a hard time trying to figure out how to keep the words visible that are not being used for a particular lesson/unit. I have a "don't forget about me" word wall where the former words are placed and can be easily referred to during the year.

Likewise, "tickets out the door" top my list of favorites. This really does identify students who have learned the material, and it is a great place to begin the lesson for the next day if students haven't showed evidence of learning.

Let's face it; LEARNING-FOCUSED strategies work. I didn't fully appreciate the magnitude of what could happen in the classroom until I wrapped my arms around the researched-based methods. I will continue to use the spiral binders and flipcharts to plan for the upcoming school year."