Teaching In The Fast Lane, How To Create Active Learning Experiences
Does it seem harder than ever to get students interested and engaged in learning?
As an educator, do you ever feel like you are competing with video games and social media and that kids would rather be anywhere else but the classroom? This book is a real eye opener. It explains the importance of creating active learning experiences and a more student-centered culture. When students expend more energy during learning experiences and talk more than their teachers, it can save time and energy for us. In this book, the author gives very specific examples of learning activities that are engaging and will motivate students to take ownership and be more accountable to their learning.
Required Reading: Teaching In The Fast Lane - How To Create Active Learning Experiences, written by Suzy Pepper Rollins
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1) Purchase and read Teaching in the Fast Lane, How to Create Active Learning Experiences, by Suzy Pepper Rollins. You can find this book at amazon.com or your favorite bookstore.
2) Write complete answers to all of the questions on the Book Study Handout. The handout is provided to you after registration is completed.
3) Teachers will come up with a unit plan to be taught in the classroom and then create a standards wall, using one of the three templates found in the book (Figure 2.1, Figure 2.2 or Figure 2.3). Teachers will incorporate the essential components as described in the book, Teaching in the Fast Lane, How to Create Active Learning Experiences.
They will then write a 2-3 page paper describing the unit to be taught, which template they chose and how they plan on teaching all of the components of the standards wall, including time spent on the unit and the sequence the lessons will be taught.
In addition to turning in the paper, students will also send a copy of the standards wall to the instructor.
All assignments must be completed within 1 year. Upload completed handout and paper to website or email all completed assignments and paperwork to lorie@teacherstudy.org.
SPU NOTE: Please be sure to register prior to completing any coursework. Registering for a course after coursework has been started violates accreditation standards and puts the University at risk; therefore, SPU reserves the right to not award credit if students are found to be in violation of this policy.
Grading Criteria – Teaching in the Fast Lane, How to Create Active Learning Experiences
1) All 3 assignments must be completed within 1 year. Students will upload their completed assignments to their Teacher Study Dashboard (teacherstudy.org), Email to lorie@teacherstudy.org.
2) The rubric for the Book Study Handout is broken down into 4 goal areas.
The first goal area pertains to questions #1-13 on the handout. You will simply need to answer these questions and earn a “1”, “2”, “3” or “4” according to the rubric.
The second goal area pertains to questions #14-29. You will need to answer these questions and earn a “1”, “2”, “3” or “4” according to the rubric.
The third goal area pertains to questions #30-41. You will need to answer these questions and earn a “1”, “2”, “3” or “4” according to the rubric.
The fourth goal area pertains to questions #42-55. You will need to answer these questions and earn a “1”, “2”, “3” or “4” according to the rubric.
3) The rubric for Teaching in the Fast Lane Reflection Paper explains how to earn a “1”, “2”, “3” or “4”.
The maximum number of combined points that can be earned is 20 (16 points for the answers to the questions on the handout and 4 points for the reflection paper).
“A” grade = 18-20 points
“B” grade = 16-17 points
“C” grade = 14-15 points
“D” grade = 12-13 points
“F” grade = 11 points or less
A “NC” (no credit) grade will be given if all three assignments are not completed within one year.
Pass/No Pass Grading System (for clock hours or continuing education credits)
Pass = 14-20 points
No Pass = Less than 14 points
A “NC” (no credit) grade will be given if all three assignments are not completed within one year.
Clock Hours and Continuing Education Unit Options for Washington State Educators:
Washington State Educators have the option of earning 30 Clock Hours for an additional $3 per clock hour fee ($90). Clock hours are offered through the following OSPI approved organizations:
ESD 112 Clock Hours: Once you complete the course, you will be directed to the ESD PdEnroller online system to easily claim your clock hours.
Gonzaga University: Once you complete the course, Gonzaga Center for Lifelong Learning will provide you with instructions on how to quickly claim your clock hours.
Graduate Credit Options:
Seattle Pacific University: Earn 3 graduate level quarter credits. Additional $180 fee, payable to SPU. You must register with SPU first to earn graduate credit.
All Other PDUs, CEUs, CPEs and other known terms for Clock Hours:
30 Clock Hours for professional development are available for those outside of WA State. Other known terms include, but are not limited to, Professional Development Hours, Professional Development Points, CEU's, CPE's, PDU's or your school district's equivalent language for clock hours earned. A Certificate of Completion will be provided to all students once coursework is reviewed and graded.
Be sure to check with your state's agency regarding professional development and related requirements.
Online book studies that have not been accessed are refundable within 5 days of purchase date. No refund will be issued on any assignment that has been accessed, viewed, or partially completed. Online training courses may not be transferred to another student.
SPU refunds per SPU policy. Please visit their website for more information.