
Chapter 3 Resource: Identify OSCAR in Lesson Plans from Bondie, R. & Zusho, A. (2018). Differentiated Instruction Made Practical. Routledge.
Instructional Objective: Foster student self-regulated learning and identify parts of lesson plans that may need adjustments to fit learner needs.
An important step to adjusting instruction to meet the needs of all learners is to identify the consistent and adjustable parts of lesson plans. Once the parts are identified then you can consider the most efficient and effective ways to differentiate instruction. At the same time, these parts create a steering wheel for students helping them drive their own learning by fostering self-regulated learning.
Step 1: Annotate lesson plan to locate the Objective, Starting Position, Criteria, Actions, and Reflections
Step 2: Use the questions below to consider the clarity of each part for both you and your students as it is now written in your lesson plan.
Objective
· How will students know what they are working towards? |
Starting position
· How will students recognize their prior knowledge? |
Criteria
· How will students use criteria to guide the quality of their work?
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Actions
· What routines ensure student engagement and equitable discussions?
· What will you be looking and listening for during the lesson? How many times is your role to look at listen during the lesson? |
Reflections
· When will students return to their starting position to measure progress?
· How will you use reflections to adjust instruction?
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Step 3: Revise the lesson plan to increase clarity in just one section. A useful starting place is to begin by articulating Criteria (Must Haves and Amazing).
Step 4: Try Out the lesson plan with Students. Criteria for increasing OSCAR:
Must Haves – For at least one activity in the lesson plan, post criteria for Must Haves and Amazing. Direct students to use the criteria to monitor and reflect on their work. Post a picture of your criteria in our discussion area.
Amazing – Record student responses at least once during the lesson and return to reflect on the written response at least once.
Step 5: Monitor how OSCAR impacts student learning. Look for these indicators:
- Criteria identifies required qualities that are seen in student work.
- Qualities make sense to students.
- Students are using and seeking quality criteria to monitor their progress, reflect on accomplishments, and set goals.