PDK Training Module

Topic Area Exploration

(a) Select two of the topic area investigations based on the interests of the participants. Try to select topics that use an equivalent number of featured teachers (e.g., Multi-level Classrooms and Questioning Techniques, which both include two teacher videos) to keep participants on a similar pace. Have the participants select which of the two topics to view, and form pairs or triads of participants viewing the same topic.

(b) Have participants view the topic area investigations on individual computers to ensure that everyone can hear the commentary clearly. Invite them to record notes and observations while watching the video clips. The navigation path is Investigating Practice > Topic Area, where all topic area clips can be accessed.

(c) Convene the small groups around one group member's computer. Invite participants to discuss their observations of the featured teachers' approaches to the topic, issues they noted in the videos, and their own strategies surrounding the topic. Ask participants to locate articles in the Knowledge Databases related to the topic discussed. The navigation path is Knowledge Databases > Articles.

(d) Gather all participants in a large group and have the small groups present a summary of their discussion and research.

Copyright © 2004 National Center on Adult Literacy (NCAL), University of Pennsylvania/Graduate School of Education. All rights reserved. This website is based on work funded by the U.S. Department of Education/Office of Vocational and Adult Education under grant number ED-01-CO-0139. The content does not necessarily reflect the policy or position of the U.S. Department of Education, nor does mention or visual representation of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the federal government.