Balancing the Science of Teaching with the Art of Teaching

Here are two excellent articles on "best practices" with teaching. The first is a list of five basic practices based on a book by John Hattie, called Visible Learning for Teachers: Maximizing Impact on Learning. Sometimes we see discussions related to teachers adhering to best practices without thinking through their instruction to meet the needs of their students. For example, in the article, classroom discussion to help students learn from one another is highlighted. The science of teaching says that this is an excellent strategy to improve understanding and achievement. The art of teaching encourages teachers to look at  their own students and decide on the best way to use the strategy with their diverse groups of children. Here is that article https://www.edutopia.org/blog/5-highly-effective-teaching-practices-rebecca-alber?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=socialflow 

Within that article is a link about metacognition. It emphasizes not only the importance of children thinking about their learning, but, more importantly, the fact that metacognition can be taught. The importance of this can't be emphasized enough! Students can be taught to process and draw conclusions about the information they are learning and later apply it to new situations. They can be taught to do this independently. Again, techniques to increase metacognition (science) must be implemented by skilled teachers in a creative manner, based on the needs and experiences of their students (art).  Here is that article on metacognition:  https://teal.ed.gov/tealguide/metacognitive 

Teachers must have time to reflect on instruction with a team. They need to have the time to create lessons that incorporate both the science and art of teaching into the mix. Teachers need a systematic approach to using data from formative assessments and discussing it with peers to create future instruction (PLC's!). By working together, teachers share their knowledge and creative skills to create a synergy that helps every child reach his or her full potential.  When teachers have the time to use the science of teaching in a unique, artful manner, it is amazing what they are able to accomplish!