One of the best things that "little bird" told me about last year was #EduProtocols. Created by educators John Corippo and Marlena Hebern, EduProtocols are instructional lesson frames that are designed to engage students in learning through the Four "Cs": critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. Relying on simplicity, adaptability, and repetition, EduProtocols offer the opportunity to
Teach better, work less, [and] achieve more with easy to use lesson frames to spark student engagement.
The acronyms PROTOCOL and SPIRIT provide a succinct way for teachers to conceptualize what EduProtocols are all about. PROTOCOL reminds us of the essence of what makes an EduProtocol an EduProtocol. SPIRIT captures our resolve for success when we use EduProtocols with students.
Protocol: a lesson or sequence of protocols equivalent to a lesson
Replicable: the structure can be repeated by students and other teachers
One to one: accountability for every partner when collaborating
Time: lesson frames can be used within a class period
Overtly connected standards: one protocol contains lots of standards
C's in action: collaboration, critical thinking, communication, creativity
Open: can be used across subject areas
Loved: designed to be irresistible for students
Serious commitment: benefits happen over time, so stick with it
Progression: start slow to go fast; first attempts should be low cognitive-load content
Immediate feedback: EduProtocols are more effective with quick feedback, ofen in real time
Reps: move away from ineffective one-off activities to learning through repetition
Interest: keep it fun and engaging
Tech balance: pace your class through the use of technology
Protocol: a lesson or sequence of protocols equivalent to a lesson
Replicable: the structure can be repeated by students and other teachers
One to one: accountability for every partner when collaborating
Time: lesson frames can be used within a class period
Overtly connected standards: one protocol contains lots of standards
C's in action: collaboration, critical thinking, communication, creativity
Open: can be used across subject areas
Loved: designed to be irresistible for students
Serious commitment: benefits happen over time, so stick with it
Progression: start slow to go fast; first attempts should be low cognitive-load content
Immediate feedback: EduProtocols are more effective with quick feedback, ofen in real time
Reps: move away from ineffective one-off activities to learning through repetition
Interest: keep it fun and engaging
Tech balance: pace your class through the use of technology
Dave Burgess, author of Teach Like a Pirate, is convinced that EduProtocols are the "Holy Grail" of education--a way to teach more effectively, increase student learning, empower kids to connect and collaborate, make school fun, and yet not to have to sacrifice our health and wellness to do it. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, from the testimonials I have seen on Twitter from educators around the world, I decided to learn more and purchased the EduProtocol Field Guide. Soon thereafter, I was able to put together an EduProtocol summer workshop to introduce teachers to the concepts (see the slide deck below). Once we got through the big picture overview, we dove in an played around with a variety of EduProtocols, including the following:
- Frayer a Friend--a "Smart Start" ice breaker that helps students learn more about their classmates
- Fast & Curious--a pre-assessment for vocabulary instruction that will help students master academic vocabulary
- Thin Slides--a creative visual representation of a vocabulary word or concept
- CyberSandwich--a digital think-pair-share with individual accountability
- Sketch & Tell--a close read followed by a visual representation and individual accountability
- Iron Chef--a digital jigsaw activity in which every student creates content and communicates with peers
- Great American Race--a collaborative activity in which students create content and compete in teams to demonstrate mastery
Throughout the year, I'll be sharing directions and templates to specific EduProtocols like the ones listed above (and many more!) to support your classroom instruction..."There's a Protocol for That"!
