The Teaching Innovation Studio offers an intensive analysis and implementation of lessons that address a teacher's particular interest in student learning. The following steps define the Teaching Innovation Studio's process:
Step 1: Teacher submits a question addressing student learning.
Step 2: Teaching Studio team meets and discusses resources/ideas and tools needed to address the question (action research, lesson study, etc.).
Step 3: An initial meeting is convened between teacher and the Studio team.
Step 4: Learning based intervention is implemented, data is collected.
Step 5: Studio Team reconvenes and discusses learning outcomes and next steps.
The chart above depicts the actions that occur in each step of our process.
Our Tools
1. The Learning Study Team- Our teams include teachers, studio faculty, coaches, and other interested educators.
2. Video- We record each team meeting so that we can better examine the process of teacher-change.
3. Teaching Innovation Studio Resource Library & USD Library- The TIS website has links to important articles and resources. USD library privileges can be provided to access research as needed.
4. Public Lesson Study- We invite educators from throughout the region to join us as we implement our lessons. Through a structured debrief, these participants help us to reflect on and improve our lessons.
Guiding Principles of the Studio
Teaching is a complex task that is learned and developed over multiple experiences. The most successful teachers improve their teaching over the lifespan of their career.
Learning is a function of teaching. Good teaching produces strong learning.
There are no quick fixes for improving student learning, but the slow and steady work of improving teaching yields lasting change.
Teaching warrants our study. Its improvement is the result of close, thoughtful examination and the subsequent implementation of instructional changes.
Teachers and other educators hold the responsibility and privilege of improving teaching and thereby improving student learning.