HOME Calendar of Events What is Constructivism? Conference 2008 Captivating Classes With Constructivism Applying Standards-Based Constructivism Quote & Strategy ...of the Week Newsletter Archive Standards Based Lessons Online Courses JPACTe Parent Involvement Special Education Technology In Support of Student Centered Learning About Us Related Links Participant Quotes   "We were expecting to gain a few tidbits on teaching, but we left with strategies that have the potential to change the culture and attitude of our school forever." ...4 Teachers from Brooklyn College Academy, grades 9 - 10 "Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to share in this awesome learning experience." ...Math Teacher, Cape Coral, Florida "This conference was the best educational experience I've had since I left college. I've been to seminars, clinics, and all kinds of workshops, but this conference was more value than anything I've experienced. In the past week, I reflected more on my teaching practices than I've ever done since I began my career." ...Teacher of Middle School Science, St. Lawrence County, New York "I was awed by your effort to make each person at the conference feel valued." ...Middle School Teacher, ELA, State of Delaware "We had an amazing experience at the conference!" ...Social Studies Teachers, New York City, New York "I want to say how much I enjoyed the week. The level of learning just continues to rise every year!" ...Staff Developer, Milwaukee, Wisconsin "Our team became a cohesive group of educators that truly have the kids at heart. We are going to really try to get together on a regular basis to discuss and encourage each other with things learned at this conference." ...Elementary Teacher, St. Lawrence County, New York

Applying Standards Based Constructivism

Other Models

There is conceptual compatibility between the “two-step” and many of the generally recognized, and professionally accepted, models for lesson design currently in use throughout the country. The author believes the “two-step” is consistent with theory supporting these other models, but, hopefully, it suggests aspects of understanding and ease of implementation beyond what other models have to offer. At the very least, the “two-step” offers an alternative for practitioners whose own styles of learning may not align well with other models.

Much has been written over the past few years about models of teaching, structures or theories that help teachers decide how to approach and engage their students. The two most widely used instructional paradigms, the behaviorist/transmission and the constructivist/interactive are “home” for most of these models. Ours, the “two-step” model described in this text, is constructivist in nature and simple in structure, yet complex in all of its possibilities. We thought that it would be productive for readers to compare and contrast the two-step with others that they might use or are familiar with.

Each model will be outlined and then compare/contrasted with the two-step. In some cases, components are very closely aligned but differences should be noted. Moreover, readers may be surprised by some of the large differences between some models.

Madeline Hunter’s Mastery Teaching Model

Trowbridge, Bybee and Powell’s 5E Model

Marzano’s Dimensions of Thinking /Learning

Differentiated Instruction

Understanding By Design

Summary of Conclusions