Workshop Topics
I will be doing many workshops around the country this summer and fall, though only on weekends during the school year since I still teach every day. These workshops range from all-day events to keynotes and one-hour breakout sessions. Those interested in learning more about my workshops should contact Heinemann Speakers. Given the range of subjects my books explore, I am able to adapt most my ideas and materials to most any topic you would like me to address. Titles and descriptions of my workshops are listed below:
These workshops vary in length according to participants' needs and amount of time available. These are the workshops I offer at this time. Clients may request the one(s) that best meet their needs. They can also request that I weave in aspects of other workshops.
INDIVIDUAL WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
Workshop 1: Teaching the Essentials
Participants will learn about the Academic Essentials: key academic competencies that help all students improve their performance in class and on state exams. Participants will use materials they can adapt for immediate use in their own class. While these tools and techniques help struggling students, it is important to note that they also work as well with students in advanced classes where students, despite their advanced skills, often struggle themselves with more college-level material. Participants will:
- Learn various reading and instructional strategies
- Discuss how to use "Tools for Thought" to help students access a range of texts
- Learn about and apply the "Academic Essentials" to their own classes
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Workshop 2: Teaching Content Area Reading
This workshop will focus on what teachers can do to help students read a range of texts with greater facility and confidence. Focusing on strategies teacher can use and teach students to employ, this workshop stresses the importance of developing independence so students can read and understand the different types of texts they may encounter in school and beyond. Participants will:
- Learn what the reading process is and how to use it to improve comprehension
- Study and apply a range of reading strategies designed to help all students
- Discuss the Academic Essentials and how to use these to supplement reading instruction
- Learn how to incorporate writing to improve reading comprehension
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Workshop 3: Teaching Content Area Writing: Tools, Tips, and Techniques
This workshop focuses on the writing process and specific tools and techniques that help students improve their academic writing. The writing process examines what students (and teachers) do before, during, and after writing. During the workshop, participants will examine the reading-writing connection, focusing on how to help students write about narrative, persuasive, and informational texts. Teachers can "plug-n-play" materials from this session in their classes the next day. While participants' greatest concern is probably struggling writers, those who teach advanced subjects will find these materials and techniques equally useful. Participants will:
- Learn what the writing process is and how to use it to improve instruction and student performance
- Use "Tools for Thought" to help students prepare to write about different texts and topics
- Apply these tools and techniques to narrative, persuasive, and informational texts
- Learn the elements of effective writing: Focus, Organization, Development, Purpose
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Workshop 4: Teaching by Design: Qualities of Effective Instruction
Participants will learn about and how to implement research-based teaching techniques to meet the needs of a range of students. Participants will:
- Examine research-based instructional techniques
- Increase engagement and comprehension through instructional methods
- Learn how to design and use assessments to improve instruction
- Craft effective lesson plans
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Workshop 5: Teaching with Tools: Helping Students Read, Write, and Think
This workshop provides teachers a range of "tools" they can use to improve students' analytical thinking. The tools, which I have created to solve problems in my own classes, help students read critically and write with improved insight and organization. The tools are never the end result but always a preparation for more sophisticated thinking. Participants will:
- Learn how and why to use the tools according to current research
- Use the tools to help them read, write, and prepare for an academic discussion
- Adapt them for use in their classroom and subject area
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Workshop 6: Teaching with Questions: Improving Engagement, Comprehension, and Retention
This workshop focuses on how to use questions to improve comprehension, engagement, and retention of information. In addition, this workshop examines how to use questions to generate ideas and improve writing. Participants will learn how to:
- Formulate effective questions
- Use questions to improve reading, writing, and critical thinking
- Teach students to create and use their own questions when reading, writing, or discussing
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Workshop 7: Can We Talk?: Using Discussion to Help Students Read, Write, and Think
Discussion is consistently identified as one of the most effective instructional strategies for improving comprehension, increasing memory, and enhancing engagement. Participants will:
- Learn how and why to incorporate effective discussion techniques
- Examine and apply a variety of discussion strategies
- Adapt these different strategies to help students read, write, and discuss a range of texts
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Workshop 8: Teaching: Personal and Professional Balance and Growth
Teaching has never demanded more of us physically, intellectually, and emotionally. Statistics on new and experienced teachers alike show alarming patterns. This session focuses not on teaching but teachers. This session asks participants to reflect on the challenges they face as they try to balance their personal and professional lives. Based on The Teacher's Daybook, this session combines private reflection with public discussion about the demands our work makes on us and techniques that can help us meet those demands. Participants will:
- Evaluate their personal and professional workloads
- Set personal and professional goals and priorities to ensure balance and success
- Learn new organizational strategies to help participants manage personal and professional demands
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