DOMAIN D: LITERATURE REVIEW

Domain D: Literature Review Artifact 3

Sara Smith
National University
December 9, 2016

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for

TED 690 Capstone Course
Dr. Clifton Johnson

DOMAIN D: LITERATURE REVIEW

2
Abstract

This paper reviews and reflects on the article Planning and Organizing Instruction by Mr. James
H. Stronge on the ASCD website. Mr. Stronge explains how teaching involves careful
preparation and planning objectives and activities on an hourly, daily, and weekly basis. In
addition, long-term planning ensures coverage of curriculum across a marking period, semester,
and year. This article also looks into elements of organizing and orienting for instruction that
have been identified as part of effective teaching practice. The author will review and reflect on
these elements and the importance of being prepared and summarize main points made by Mr.
Stronge.

DOMAIN D: LITERATURE REVIEW

Artifact 3 - Literature Review

Being an effective teacher has many requirements and careful planning and preparation
are definitely at the top of the list. According to Mr. James H. Stronge in Planning and
Organizing Instruction, Beyond planning and preparation of materials, effective organizing for
instruction also involves the development of a conscious orientation toward teaching and
learning as the central focus of classroom activity.
Mr. Stronge begins by explaining the importance of focusing on instruction as the central
role of the teacher. He states, Several studies have emphasized the importance of a focus on
high-quality instruction in supporting student achievement. If a teacher is consistent and
organized, they can focus the majority of classroom time on teaching and learning. He also feels
that prioritizing instruction and student learning communicates an enthusiasm and dedication to
learning that students will reflect in their own behavior and practice. In essence, students will
model the teachers behavior. Good quality of instruction coupled with students engaged in
learning experiences will positively affect learning.
Maximizing instructional time increases student achievement as well. This concept
includes smooth classroom transitions and establishing a pattern or routine can help reduce lost
instructional time. Having a Bell Ringer or Starter each day are good ideas to keep students
on task while doing roll call or handling minor administrative issues. If they come into class and
know what to expect, they can begin immediately and very little, if any, time is wasted. Students
also like to know what is coming in the future so having a daily, weekly, and monthly calendar
available to them allows both the teacher and the students to be prepared.

DOMAIN D: LITERATURE REVIEW

Next, Mr. Stronge explains the importance of teachers expecting their students to achieve.
I am a firm believer in raising the bar and letting my students know that I believe in them and
have faith that they are fully capable of succeeding. Lower expectations can actually lower
academic achievement, while the opposite is true with high expectations; students rise to the
occasion. And one of my favorite statements from Mr. Stronge is, Effective teachers not only
express and clarify expectations for student achievement, but also stress student responsibility
and accountability for striving to meet those expectations. While I strongly believe that each
and every one of my students CAN succeed, they must also WANT to succeed and be willing to
put in the time and work to do so.
Lastly, Mr. Stronge emphasizes the importance of planning and preparing for instruction.
There are many things to consider when preparing for a lesson such as age-appropriateness,
National and State standards, accuracy of information, time allowed for the unit/lesson, students
prior knowledge and performance (or lack thereof), and different rates of learning.
Modifications may need to be made or planned for with at-risk, accelerated, Special Needs, or
ELL students. These are all factors to take into consideration and knowing your students well
will help with proper planning. The utilization of diversified instruction and assessment will also
increase lesson effectiveness and give a more accurate gauge of how well the students mastered
or understood the material.
Overall, the message of this great article is to be organized and prepared (to be flexible if
need be) for anything that comes your way. Time is valuable, so just like I would not like to
have my time wasted, I would not want to waste that of my students either. This is also good
behavior to model and shows mutual respect which will lead to a happier and more productive
classroom environment.

DOMAIN D: LITERATURE REVIEW

Resources:

Stronge, J. H. (n.d.). Chapter 4. Planning and Organizing for Instruction. Retrieved December
09, 2016, from http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/105156/chapters/Planning-andOrganizing-for-Instruction.aspx