Cognitively Guided Instruction

Cognitively Guided Instruction

Contact Information

According to the research of Dr. Stephanie Smith "young children are naturally curious and have a desire to make sense of their world" (Smith, 1999). As a second grade teacher trying to align my class to Common Core State Standards while simultaneously pushing creativity combined with curiosity is an ongoing battle. Cognitively guided instruction is a professional development program that increases teachers' understanding of the knowledge that students bring to the math learning process and how they connect that knowledge with formal concepts and operations. Through implementing this in the classroom students are provided with rigorous content while using imaginative strategies to solve story problems. 

This class is designed by math teachers for math teachers to implement best practices in the classroom. Please be ready to engage in peer reviews of both your lesson plans and your own teaching practices.

Course Objectives:

Explain the importance of using cognitively guided instruction

Identify the differences between direct instruction and cognitively guided instruction

Create lessons using CGI and describe the benefits of CGI on student learning

Required Texts (please order ASAP to get started on week 1 assignments)

Please order the book Children's Mathematics: Cognitively Guided Instruction

http://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Mathematics-Cognitively-Guided-Instruction/dp/0325001375

Course Expectations:

Each week will be broken down into modules which can be found in the modules tab. In each module you will find an overview of the weeks tasks including the why. It is critically important to understand why we engage in the work that we do to make it meaningful and purposeful. There will be a list of tasks that you must complete each week to receive full credit on assignments. Although there are not quizzes on the readings, it is expected that you complete the reading to engage in meaningful discussions with your peers.

Discussion Expectations:or In weeks 1, 3, and 6 you will engage in a discussion with your classmates. This will involve posting your ideas or a video to the discussion board. It is critical that we create a safe environment in discussions by responding respectfully and honoring each students opinions. To  ensure everyone has enough time to respond to discussions, please plan to post by Thursday and comment by Sunday. 

Assignments:

Please visit the syllabus to look at a deeper description of each assignment but to plan ahead, expect to complete the 4 largest assignments in weeks 2, 4, 5, and 6. The workload will become increasingly greater as we continue through the course to apply what we have learned. To ensure you are successful at the end of the course, please stay up to date with your work. If you need an extension, please email me directly with a suggested due date to ensure you do not fall behind. I understand that we all have busy lives and will work with you to accommodate your needs while still working to set you up for success in this class.

Feedback:
You will receive feedback in a variety of ways in this class. I will be providing feedback on your assignments within the following week with specific comments. You will be able to resubmit your work after receiving feedback if you would like to increase your grade. I will use the second submission as your final score. I am more interested in your ability to get to the best final product then grading your initial tries. You will also engage in a peer review where you will look at a fellow classmates work and evaluate how they are doing. I will be providing feedback on the critique you provide to ensure it is constructive and specific. Finally, I will be participating in discussions to push your thinking. I look forward to reading your responses!