Framing in teaching refers to the crucial process where a teacher sets the stage for learning by providing a clear context and structure for upcoming lessons. This helps students understand what, how, and why they will be learning.
Understanding Framing the Learning
The provided reference highlights that "Framing the Learning" is vitally important. In essence, it involves the teacher establishing a framework for the students' learning experience. This framework addresses key questions that help students understand the purpose and process of their education.
Key Elements of Framing
Here's a breakdown of what framing involves:
- What they will learn: Teachers clearly state the learning objectives. This makes the lesson's purpose apparent.
- How they will learn it: Teachers explain the methods, activities, and resources that will be used for learning.
- How they and their teacher will know learning has occurred: Teachers explain how student progress and understanding will be evaluated.
Why is Framing Important?
Framing provides several benefits in the classroom:
- Clarity: Students understand the goals of the lesson and their role in the learning process.
- Engagement: When students know the "why" behind their work, they are more likely to engage actively.
- Structure: A clear framework allows students to navigate the lesson with more confidence.
- Motivation: Setting clear expectations can motivate students to work toward learning goals.
Practical Examples of Framing
Here are a few examples of how teachers can "frame the learning":
- Before a science experiment: The teacher might explain the scientific concepts involved, the purpose of the experiment, the procedures, and how the results will be analyzed.
- Before reading a novel: The teacher could introduce the historical context, the author's background, and the themes of the story, explaining what aspects of the text students will explore.
- Before a group project: The teacher could define the learning outcomes, clarify the project guidelines, and establish a timeline, including how groups will be assessed.
Table summarizing the aspects of framing
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Learning Goals | What students will know or be able to do by the end of the lesson. |
| Learning Activities | How students will engage with the material. What methods, projects, tasks will they use? |
| Assessment | How learning will be evaluated and demonstrated (e.g., tests, projects, presentations). |
| Context | Why this learning is important and how it relates to other knowledge. |
In summary, framing in teaching is about providing students with a clear map of their learning journey, making it more effective and engaging. It's not merely explaining what will be taught, but also how and why.
