Skip navigation and go to main content. >

Certification
     Become Certified
     Renew Certification
     Cert. Resources
     Committees
     Document Review
     Occupational Exper &
         Academic Prep

     Guidelines
Data Systems
Policy Guides
Grants
Instruction
Student Services
Quality Review         Process - QRP
System Initiatives

Get Acrobat Reader

Browser File Viewing

Mobile Device File Viewing

Accessibility File Viewing

eTech Online Courses
eTech Online Courses

Wisconsin Technical College System Office
4622 University Avenue
PO Box 7874
Madison, WI 53707-7874
608-266-1207
FAX: 608-266-1690
TTY: 608-267-2483
http://systemattic.wtcsystem.edu

General public site
http://www.wtcsystem.edu


Wisconsin.gov Logo

Teaching Methods #52
Outcome Summary
Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS)

Information

Alternate Title

WTCS Certification Education Requirement #52

Requirement Number

WTCS 52

Credits

2

Approximate Hours

80

Developers

WTCS Certification 52 Analysis Team

Approval Date

2/26/03



Target Population

This professional development requirement is intended to lay the groundwork for excellence in teaching and educational leadership in the Wisconsin Technical College System.  The target audience is leadership professionals holding positions requiring WTCS certification and includes technical college teachers and those serving in other technical college supervisors and administrators.


Description

 Prepares educators to create a learning environment that supports learners and results in the achievement of designated learning outcomes. Emphasizes teaching and learning techniques that promote active learning, support learners with a variety of learning preferences and needs, and generate continuous improvement in teaching and learning. [This course meets WTCS Certification Requirement #52-Teaching Methods]


Goal

Create a learning environment that supports learners and results in the achievement of designated learning outcomes.


Core Abilities

Facilitators of WTCS Certification Activities may incorporate core abilities established by the sponsoring organization or they may address the core abilities suggested in the WTCS Certification Professional Development Design.

Competencies and Performance Standards

Unit A - Planning and Managing Learning
A.1. Plan a learning environment that meets the needs of learners.

  Performance Standards

  You will demonstrate your competence:
  • by producing a learning environment plan for a specific course or another learning experience (If you are not currently teaching, work with a hypothetical course.)

  • by planning for a specific group of learners (If you are not currently teaching, work with a hypothetical learner group.)

  • by planning for a specific delivery mode (e.g. classroom, online, accelerated learning, telecourse, etc.)
Your performance will be successful when:
  • your plan describes the purpose of the course, the target learner population, and the delivery mode (e.g. classroom, online, accelerated learning, telecourse, etc.)

  • your plan proposes a physical layout and characteristics of the classroom, OR the components of the online delivery platform, OR an ideal learning environment for the at-home learner and describes how the environment supports learning for the target population

  • your plan includes a list of written expectations that establish a climate of mutual respect, honesty, and high expectations for learning

  • your plan includes guidelines and strategies for encouraging learner-to-teacher interaction

  • your plan includes guidelines and strategies for encouraging learner-to-learner interaction (except for individual and self-paced learning)

  • your plan includes strategies for actively engaging learners in the learning

  • your plan includes strategies for preventing gender, cultural and/or special needs bias

  • your plan includes strategies for orienting learners to the learning experience

  • your plan includes "guidelines for success" to be included in your syllabus

  • your plan includes a brief evaluation of its feasibility and likelihood of success
A.2. Outline classroom management strategies.

  Performance Standards

  You will demonstrate your competence:
  • by producing an annotated outline of classroom management strategies for a specific course or another learning experience (If you are not currently teaching, work with a hypothetical course.)

  • by planning for a specific group of learners (If you are not currently teaching, work with a hypothetical learner group.)

  • by planning for a specific delivery mode (e.g. classroom, online, accelerated learning, telecourse, etc.)
Your performance will be successful when:
  • your outline includes strategies for welcoming adult learners and orienting them to learning at the beginning of the course

  • your outline describes a framework for managing time during each session and throughout the course

  • your outline includes strategies for establishing and facilitating small groups (except for individual and self-paced learning)

  • your outline includes strategies for managing course materials (hard copies and/or electronic)

  • your outline includes strategies for performing non-instructional duties (e.g. attendance, announcements, etc. )
A.3. Select learning materials/objects that support a learning plan.

  Performance Standards

  You will demonstrate your competence:
  • by developing an annotated list of learning materials/objects (e.g. practices, handouts, slides, charts, graphs, work sheets, templates, reading assignments, experiments, manipulatives) for at least one learning plan

  • using a performance-based learning plan of your own (If you do not have a performance-based learning plan, you may use one that is provided by your instructor.)
Your performance will be successful when:
  • your list identifies the target competency and/or other target learning outcomes

  • your list includes at least three (3) items that support learning and present content (e.g. practices, handouts, slides, charts, graphs, work sheets, templates, reading assignments, experiments, manipulatives, etc.)

  • your list or annotations show evidence that you have explored the options for including one or more learning objects

  • each item on your list is annotated

  • each annotation includes a description of how the item will help learners achieve the targeted competency and/or other target learning outcomes

  • each annotation notes how the item shows application of skills and knowledge to the real world

  • each annotation includes a brief critique of how the item fits the needs and abilities of the learners

  • each annotation includes a defense of the item's efficiency/effectiveness ratio (in terms of learning time and value to learning)

  • each annotation includes evidence that the item is readily accessible to learners at a reasonable cost

  • your annotated list includes learning materials/objects that are presented in varied formats (i.e., print, audio, video, computer, experiential)
A.4. Create teaching plans.

  Performance Standards

  You will demonstrate your competence:
  • by creating a teaching plan

  • using a performance-based learning plan of your own (If you do not have a performance-based learning plan, you may use one that is provided by your instructor.)

  • by planning for a specific group of learners (If you are not currently teaching, work with a hypothetical learner group.)

  • by planning for a specific delivery mode (e.g. classroom, online, accelerated learning, telecourse, etc.)

Your performance will be successful when:

  • your teaching plan is based on a performance-based learning plan that targets specific learning outcomes

  • your teaching plan incorporates all phases of the learning cycle: motivation, comprehension, practice, and application

  • your teaching plan includes learning activities

  • your teaching plan includes teaching strategies

  • your teaching plan includes time guidelines for each activity

  • your teaching plan includes a list of resources and supplies

  • your teaching plan can be accomplished within the time constraints and is feasible for delivery via the selected delivery mode
 Unit B - Facilitating Learning
B.1. Employ questioning techniques. (optional)

  Performance Standards

  You will demonstrate your competence:
  • after completing competency A4 "Create teaching plans"

  • using a performance-based learning plan of your own and a teaching plan that supports it (If you do not have a performance-based learning plan, you may use one that is provided by your instructor.)

  • in a real or simulated demonstration
Your performance will be successful when:
  • your questions are relevant to the intended learning outcomes (i.e. learning objectives, competencies, core abilities, program outcomes, or general education outcomes)

  • your questions engage learners in exploration of the content and its application

  • your questions encourage critical thinking and reflection

  • your questions may have multiple right answers and rarely require a yes/no response

  • you allow learners to think by using pauses and silence

  • you acknowledge learners' responses with encouraging feedback

  • you probe learners' answers, seeking clarification or elaboration
B.2. Facilitate large group learning experiences.

  Performance Standards

  You will demonstrate your competence:
  • after completing competencies A1 "Plan a learning environment that meets the needs of learners, A2 "Outline classroom management strategies," A3 "Select learning materials/objects that support a learning plan, and A4 "Create teaching plans"

  • in a real-time or videotaped demonstration observed by your instructor, or by submitting self, peer, and learner evaluations documenting a real-time demonstration

  • by facilitating a learning experience with 10 or more learners

  • using a performance-based learning plan of your own (If you do not have a performance-based learning plan, you may use one that is provided by your instructor.)

  • using a teaching plan that supports the learning plan
Your performance will be successful when:
  • you communicate the target learning outcomes (i.e. learning objectives, competencies, core abilities, general education, or program)

  • you facilitate activities to meet a minimum of three learning preferences

  • you organize the learning experience according to the learning cycle to promote long-term retention of content

  • you use accurate and relevant information

  • you use examples to show application to the real world

  • you use one or more teaching aids

  • you employ questioning techniques that promote higher order thinking

  • you apply the "70/30" rule (at least 70% is learner-centered), incorporating practice or documenting how you will provide opportunity for practice in another session

  • you facilitate in a manner that is free of bias and stereotyping

  • you prepare and administer evaluations that request feedback on the above criteria and reflect on the results
B.3. Facilitate small group learning experiences.

  Performance Standards

  You will demonstrate your competence:
  • after completing competencies A1 "Plan a learning environment that meets the needs of learners, A2 "Outline classroom management strategies," A3 "Select learning materials/objects that support a learning plan, and A4 "Create teaching plans"

  • in a real-time or videotaped demonstration observed by your instructor, or by submitting self, peer, and learner evaluations documenting a real-time demonstration

  • by facilitating a learning experience with two or more small groups (three to seven learners each)

  • using a performance-based learning plan of your own (If you do not have a performance-based learning plan, you may use one that is provided by your instructor.)

  • using a teaching plan that supports the learning plan
Your performance will be successful when:
  • you communicate the target learning outcomes (i.e. learning objectives, competencies, core abilities, general education, or program)

  • you explain the expected outcome of the activity

  • you present guidelines to promote effective learning in small groups

  • you create the groups efficiently

  • you give clear directions for the small group activity

  • you incorporate one or more collaborative activity (e.g. brainstorming, nominal group technique, model building, problem-solving, experience/opinion sharing, debating, etc.)

  • you encourage equitable participation of all learners

  • you arrange for necessary resources/supplies

  • you close the activity by summarizing and focusing on what has been accomplished

  • you prepare and administer evaluations that request feedback on the above criteria and reflect on the results
B.4. Facilitate individualized learning.

  Performance Standards

  You will demonstrate your competence:
  • after completing competencies A1 "Plan a learning environment that meets the needs of learners, A2 "Outline classroom management strategies," A3 "Select learning materials/objects that support a learning plan, and A4 "Create teaching plans"

  • by facilitating an individualized learning experience

  • in a real-time or videotaped demonstration observed by your instructor, or by submitting self, peer, and learner evaluations documenting a real-time demonstration

  • using a performance-based learning plan of your own (If you do not have a performance-based learning plan, you may use one that is provided by your instructor.)

  • using a teaching plan that supports the learning plan
Your performance will be successful when:
  • you communicate the target learning outcomes (i.e. learning objectives, competencies, core abilities, general education, or program)

  • you use strategies that welcome and orient the learner to the learning experience

  • you give clear directions for completion of the learning activity

  • you establish a process for communicating regularly and often

  • you provide access to necessary resources

  • you acknowledge progress made in learning

  • you use closure strategies

  • you prepare and administer evaluations that request feedback on the above criteria and reflect on the results
Unit C - Enhancing Teaching/Learning Effectiveness
C.1. Resolve difficult "classroom" situations.

  Performance Standards

  You will demonstrate your competence:
  • using a series of scenarios presenting difficult classroom situations provided by your instructor or your classmates

  • by presenting an oral or written analysis of each situation
Your performance will be successful when:
  • your analysis includes an explanation of the nature of the situation

  • your analysis identifies any school policies and support systems that apply to this situation

  • your analysis includes a description of the responsibilities of the learner and of the teacher

  • your analysis proposes strategies for diffusing the situation and minimizing disruption of learning

  • your analysis includes recommendations for resolving the current situation

  • your analysis includes recommendations for preventing future occurrences
C.2. Adapt learning activities for students with disabilities.

  Performance Standards

  You will demonstrate your competence:
  • using a scenario of a learner with a documented disability and a request for accommodation provided by your instructor or your classmates

  • by recommending a plan of action
Your performance will be successful when:
  • your plan includes a description of the potential barriers in the learning experience

  • your plan proposes reasonable accommodations

  • your plan includes an analysis of the impact of the accommodation on the learning outcome

  • your plan lists resources necessary to provide accommodation
C.3. Analyze the effectiveness of a teaching and learning experience.

  Performance Standards

  You will demonstrate your competence:
  • by developing a pre-analysis checklist

  • by analyzing the effectiveness of a learning experience
Your performance will be successful when:
  • your analysis includes a description of the intended outcome(s) of the learning experience

  • your analysis includes a pre-analysis checklist that includes measurable, observable criteria for achievement of learning outcomes, learner satisfaction, and teacher satisfaction

  • your analysis incorporates the use of at least one Classroom Assessment Technique

  • your analysis rates the learning experience according to the pre-analysis checklist

  • your analysis provides a summary of the findings, including the results of the Classroom Assessment Technique

  • your analysis includes recommendations for improving the learning experience based on the results
C.4. Incorporate technology to enhance learning.

  Performance Standards

  You will demonstrate your competence:
  • after completing competencies A1 "Plan a learning environment that meets the needs of learners, A2 "Outline classroom management strategies," A3 "Select learning materials/objects that support a learning plan, and A4 "Create teaching plans"

  • in a written or oral evaluation of the use of learning technologies during a learning experience
Your performance will be successful when:
  • your evaluation includes a description of one or more specific technologies and how they were used by teacher and learners

  • your evaluation includes a description of how the technologies helped learners achieve the intended outcomes (competency, core ability, etc.)

  • your evaluation includes a description of how learners were encouraged and supported in the use of the technologies

  • your evaluation includes a description of the technology support services available to you through your college

  • your evaluation includes a brief proposal for incorporating at least one type of technology that you have not yet incorporated into your classes

  • your evaluation explains how the technology impacted teaching and learning (value added, constraints, barriers, etc.)

  • your evaluation includes recommendations for future use of the technology

Last Reviewed/Revised: February 26, 2003

Back to Top

© 2009 Wisconsin Technical College System Office

Home | Job Opportunities | Calendar | Staff Directories | Disclaimer Search | Copyright | Contact Us | Technical Colleges

WI Tech Colleges Logo

WI Tech Colleges Logo