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6 Reasons Why You Need To Have A Project Kickoff Meeting

April 1, 2022April 4, 2022

When projects are green-lighted, one of THE most important things to do is to hold a kickoff meeting.

Higher overall project success and, more importantly, improvements to the bottom line are among the many benefits of holding an effective kickoff meeting.

What Is A Kickoff Meeting And Why Is It Important?

A kickoff meeting is basically a meeting held between the buyer and seller to officially initiate the project once the contracts have been signed.

In this meeting, the key stakeholders on both sides are present, as well as other interested parties that have a stake in the project. The aim of the meeting is to cover the main contractual parts of the project and ensure understanding from both sides and alignment on how the project will be executed.

There is also an internal project kickoff meeting which is held after the external meeting and the aim of this meeting is to ensure that the company has understood the minutes issued as well as any impact on the strategies or procedures considered during the bid phase.

These meetings are extremely important as they will, in effect, summarize the activities to be performed during execution while providing important context to the project teams.

1. Meet The Key Stakeholders In Each Functional Area

There is nothing more powerful to increase engagement on a project than a face-to-face (or virtual!) meeting with the person with whom you will be interfacing on a project. Sometimes certain project positions do not have this opportunity due to travel constraints or other issues which are generally concentrated on the project manager or project coordinator’s shoulders.

When project expeditors, schedulers, and cost control, quality, and finance team members have the opportunity to bond with their counterparts in this way, many of the doubts regarding operational tasks which may not make the main screen can be aired out or even taken offline much easier once personal contact has been established.

It is also a great way to network and elevate the visibility of the entire project team.

2. Cover The Project Procedures To Be Followed During Execution

There are many procedures to be followed on most projects and the kickoff meeting provides an avenue to read through the main highlights of each one while ensuring understanding and alignment.

Among some of the main procedures that need to be covered are:

A) Communication Interface – the stakeholders are listed in a matrix format which lists with whom and how they will interface on the project, as well as their roles and responsibilities.

B) Reporting – most project teams love to issue reports and this will set the guidelines regarding which reports will be required, along with the specific formats, frequencies, and distribution requirements.

C) Quality – this procedure will cover the quality requirements which will include the documentation, inspection procedures, and corresponding approvals required for each document.

D) Logistics – an often contentious, volatile, and misunderstood segment, the logistics portion of most international projects is very complex and requires very detailed alignment in order to avoid costly delays, additional charges, taxes, and other potentially political consequences.

E) Finance – processing of project billing can be a very tricky endeavor as supporting documentation and the customer payment processes are not always clear. This is an extremely important topic to align during the kickoff meeting as it will have a direct impact on cash flow as well as the bottom line.

F) Management of Change – this process is also important to address as it will establish an agreed-upon way to manage any changes on a project, both customer and supplier-driven changes.

3. Clarify Any Points In The Project Documentation Received From The Customer

Projects can have so many documents and procedures to consider that it is really easy to get lost in the sea of paper that needs to be digested. As a good practice, I advocate that the documents be divided up amongst the team members, usually by functional area, so that the ones who will have to process each document will be intimately familiar with the requirements before the kickoff meeting.

There are some definite overlaps in documents so the teams need to be aware of this and highlight those portions which the other members will need to consider before execution begins. The project manager needs to read ALL of the documents so that he/she can properly delegate tasks as needed as well as identify any areas that may compromise the team’s ability to execute. This should ideally be brought up during the bid phase and prior to contract signature; however, this is not always possible and the PM needs to be on high alert so as to address these points during the kickoff meeting.

4. Establish Rules Of Engagement For Both Sides, Including The Third-Party Providers

The absence of rules is chaos!

This could not be more true in the world of project management as customers, third parties, or even internal stakeholders can create mayhem on the project by not following a structured execution process.

During the kickoff meeting, these procedures, rules of conduct, and communication methods need to be clearly addressed so that the teams know the course of action in case of a conflict or contractual dispute. The project hierarchy, roles, and responsibilities of each stakeholder as well as scaled, governance-based decision-making are the keys to keeping the project on course.

5. Identify And Address Project Priorities As Well As The Main Risks

When project documentation is analyzed, priorities have generally not been set and they can also evolve over time. For this reason, it is a good practice to ask if any priorities have been set by the time of the kickoff meeting and also include the expected impacts on the agreed-upon baseline schedule. If anything changes and work needs to be re-prioritized at any point, both sides must come to a mutual agreement so that the baseline schedule is revised.

The top risks identified at the bid phase should also be included as a topic of interest to be debated during the meeting as risks can and will evolve over time. Sharing risk registers is a very good way to improve the alignment of both parties while also actually improving the mitigation strategies. This, in turn, leads to the release of fewer contingency sums and a better bottom line!

6. Define And Streamline The Management Of Change (MOC) Process To Be Applied On The Project

Project teams (and most people for that matter!) HATE change.

Change is always disruptive and causes unwelcomed re-work for all those involved in the process.

If both parties take a reasonable approach to this process, then the Management of Change (MOC) process can be streamlined so that neither side change orders the other side to death. While changes will inevitably occur, the way in which they are processed and make their way into the contract is definitely something that both sides can and should negotiate during the kickoff meeting.

Some customers prefer that changes be grouped into a MOC register which is then revisited periodically, usually monthly, so that a determination of GO or NO GO can be made, along with the required changes to the contract pricing, delivery, and scope sections. I think this is the best strategy to reduce disruption while also minimizing the strain on the relationships with the stakeholders.

What Happens At The End Of The Kickoff Meeting?

Kickoff meetings can last several days or even weeks, depending on the number of stakeholders, sites, and time zones to consider.

Once the meeting(s) wrap up, the project manager needs to issue the Minutes of Meeting (MOM) to cover all of the points addressed during the meeting, while being sure to list ALL of the people who participated.

Despite everyone’s best efforts, not all of the issues will be addressed or fully resolved; as such, there should be a section to include the punch list, or all of these open items to be addressed and target dates for each one to be resolved, along with the responsible party(ies).

It is absolutely critical that ALL participants sign the minutes and initial every page so that a clear agreement is reached among the parties. This document will then become an integral part of the project contractual documents so it is very important to be as clear and thorough as possible when issuing this document.

The minutes is one of the main documents the project team will then refer to, along with the project execution plan (PEP), so streamlining its appearance will encourage the team to refer back to it!

Improve Your Admin Tasks at the office With These Handy Strategies

March 31, 2022April 16, 2022

We all acquire stressed in the office from moment to time. Tasks adding up, co-workers pestering that you, deadlines looming – we have all already been through it. Whilst this particular often just comes along with the territory of job, it doesn’t necessarily have got to be the situation, and even you can certainly consider the pressure off on your own with a few little changes. […]

The article Streamline Your Admin Jobs at Work With These types of Handy Methods appeared first on Jobacle. com .

4 Highest-Paying Careers As A Librarian

March 31, 2022April 4, 2022

A career as a librarian has long been popular because of the job security and solid pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for librarians today is $60,820. But the top 10%, most of whom have master’s degrees in library science (or MLS), earn as much as $80,000.

How much you will eventually earn with your MLS depends a great deal on the type of library in which you are working. With a master’s degree, you should have the qualifications to handle many top jobs as a librarian.

In 2011, it was found that around 40% of librarians in the United States work in either elementary or secondary schools. Those librarians earned approximately $59,000 per year. Also, note that librarians who work at universities tend to earn a higher salary—around $65,000 per year. If you are fortunate enough to get a librarian job with the federal government, you can earn $80,000 per year.

Some of the highest-paying careers and titles in the field of librarianship include:

1. Federal Government Librarian

Every government agency has its very own library, such as the Air Force Materiel Command, Library Of Congress, Health & Human Services, Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Environmental Protection Agency, and National Archives. Most of the higher-paying federal librarian positions require an MLS to be considered. It is possible with enough experience and education to be paid more than $70,000 per year. These jobs are highly competitive, so the better your education and work-related experience—including volunteer library work—the better.

2. University Librarian

Librarians who specialize in universities and colleges will usually be better paid than those who work in primary or secondary schools, with a median salary of around $62,000 per year. Colleges usually have endowments and have larger budgets than many school systems. Remember that these jobs are competitive, and many universities will expect you to have your MLS, and possibly another master’s degree or even Ph.D. in a related field.

3. Special Librarian

Many medical schools, hospitals, corporations, and other entities have special libraries that need to be effectively sorted and managed. The median salary in the field is about $56,000 per year. Your chances of landing this type of librarian position increase if you have a strong academic background in the particular type of library you want to manage. If you are trying to obtain a librarian position in a legal library, it is very helpful to have legal experience and possibly an advanced degree in political science or public policy. If you are looking for a job in a medical library, a degree in the life sciences is beneficial.

4. Curator

A curator is responsible for important collections of artwork or historic artifacts. Most of these professionals work at zoos, museums, aquariums, botanical gardens, and historical sites. The median pay is approximately $49,000 per year, and most conservators need to have a master’s degree.

Keep in mind some other important details if you are looking for a good salary as a librarian:

Location, location, location – You should try to work in a part of the country with higher salaries and, as much as possible, a reasonable cost of living. Also, some parts of the country have colleges and school systems with more funds available than others.
Private vs. public – People who work at private universities are going to earn more than those who work at public ones.
Volunteer experience – Many of the best-paid librarians had a great deal of internship, work, and volunteer experience in libraries as they were earning their MLS.

Never underestimate how competitive the librarian job market is. Often, just an MLS is not enough to assure you will get the job. Get as much practical work experience in libraries as you can, to ensure your best chances for a choice librarian job.

If you’re struggling to find a career or job you’re passionate about, you’re not alone. The good news is, we can help.

We’d love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

How To Respond To An Interview Request + Sample Emails

March 30, 2022April 4, 2022

Determining how to respond to an interview request can be a surprisingly daunting task. After all, you want to leave a great impression and start off on the right foot! This guide will help you reply to an interview request quickly and effectively. We even provide some sample emails to make the process easy. How […]

The post How To Respond To An Interview Request + Sample Emails appeared first on Career Sherpa.

How To Create A Resume With Impact: Duties vs. Results

March 30, 2022April 4, 2022

When preparing your resume, remember this is a document to market your experience and skills and showcase what you have to offer. Your resume is much more effective and attractive to employers when it demonstrates what you have achieved with your previous experiences and what you can potentially achieve for the new employer.

Unfortunately, a bunch of the resumes employers receive today still read like a laundry list of duties. Avoid this common mistake with the tips below to create a resume with impact.

Don’t State The Obvious

If you’re simply describing your job duties on your resume—a generic job description—there’s probably going to be little interest from employers. Although today’s applicant tracking systems (the software that reads and ranks resumes) will need this information, employers really need to know how you performed against goals or your peers.

Quantify And Qualify Accomplishments

Your accomplishments on the job are what will differentiate you from the next candidate. They’re also what will help demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the job.

For instance, if you have a career in sales, rather than state the obvious (“Contact prospective customers to introduce new product releases”) tie in the results you’ve achieved. A more effective statement would read: “Initiated contact with 20+ prospective customers on new product releases and secured 15 sales contracts, ranking as the top salesperson of the year.” This latter statement, which includes numbers that quantify your work experience, provides insight into why you’re a great candidate for a job in sales.

If you are in a position where it’s not easy to quantify accomplishments, then consider these questions:

Are you the only person doing this job?
If not, how many peers do you have, and how does your performance compare?
Are you the go-to person for anything in particular?
What are some of the things that your managers have put in your performance evaluations?

Be The Problem Solver

Job postings will include details of responsibilities, but sometimes they may also hint at situations where they seek candidates with particular experience in the area. Be the problem solver by demonstrating on your resume a similar situation that you took action on and resolved. Whether it was to help streamline order processing or enter a new international market, bullet points to convey experience on the matter and results achieved offer greater impact than detailing your general duties on the job.

Employers simply want to hire the best talent so show them what you can accomplish for them, not the general job duties of a position. Keep that in mind and you’ll create a resume with impact!

We know writing an effective resume isn’t easy, especially if you’re not excited about any of the jobs you’re applying for. If you’re feeling trapped, lost, or burned out in your career, we’re here to help.

We’d love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades.

It’s time to find work that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

The Best Question To Ask During A Job Interview

March 28, 2022March 29, 2022

When you’re in a job interview, it would be a huge mistake to not ask the hiring manager any questions. And when it comes to interview questions, some are better than others at demonstrating your value and enthusiasm for the job you’re interviewing for. But which question will make you stand out from the competition the most?

If you want to impress hiring managers, this is the best question to ask during a job interview…

What Would I Need To Do In This Role To Make Your Job Easier?

@j.t.odonnell BEST QUESTION to ask on a job interview! #interviewtips #careertiktok #jobinterview #interview #jobinterviewtips #jobinterviewquestions #edutok #jobs ♬ original sound – J.T. O’Donnell

One of the best questions you can ask during a job interview is: Tell me how the job that I’m applying for interacts with your job and what would I need to do in this role to make your life easier?

You’re not being hired for the heck of it. You’re there to solve problems, alleviate pain, and, yes, make the lives of the people you’re working with easier. So, when you ask the hiring manager (your boss or potential co-workers) this question, you’re showing that you understand this, and you’re giving them the opportunity to tell you exactly what you’d have to do in order for them to want to pick you for the job.

If you ask this question in your next job interview, I can guarantee the hiring manager will be very, very impressed, and you’ll be sure to stand out from other job candidates.

Want More Job Interview Tips?

I understand how difficult it is to land a job interview, never mind ace one. It can be especially frustrating when you’ve been looking for a job for months and haven’t had any success.

If you’re feeling frustrated, alone, or even depressed in your job search, I’m here for you. I’d love it if you joined my FREE community where professionals like you are learning how to become empowered in their careers so they can finally find career happiness and satisfaction. There are tons of FREE resources inside this community that can help you ace your next job interview.

Sign up for my FREE community and become a Workplace Renegade today! My team and I are looking forward to working with you soon.

Exactly what Skills Does a Healthcare Virtual Receptionist Need?

March 28, 2022March 29, 2022

If everyone want to pursue an important career as a health care virtual receptionist, you will need to undergo the best teaching and make sure one have the abilities for your job. Medical receptionists, not to mention now medical virtual receptionists, are a vital element of the healthcare office buildings. As a medical personal receptionist, you need that will understand and stay […]

The particular post What Skills Will a Medical Virtual Receptionist Need? came out first on Jobacle. apresentando .

How To Get A Job With No Experience (13 Simple Tips)

March 28, 2022March 29, 2022

Trying to figure out how to get a job with no experience might seem impossible at first, but it happens all the time! It’s all about persistence and knowing how to showcase what you have to offer. This list of tips will help you find a job without experience. The right approach makes all the […]

The post How To Get A Job With No Experience (13 Simple Tips) appeared first on Career Sherpa.

5 Strategies to Help You Choose Your Degree

March 25, 2022March 29, 2022

If you’re thinking of going to college or university, one of your biggest decisions is to pick a degree. For some, this is easy, but for others, the process can be rather challenging. With so many options out there, you want to choose something that will help you in the future. You also may wish […]

The post 5 Strategies to Help You Choose Your Degree appeared first on Jobacle.com.

5 Benefits Of Hiring Creative Employees

March 25, 2022March 29, 2022

Uncertain economic conditions have prompted organizations to rethink their hiring process and attract top talent. In their quest to find the best candidates, most organizations have now realized that they have to look beyond academic qualifications and experience.

They are scouting for people who can not only complete their job at hand but also bring new perspectives to the table. Sharp thinkers and proactive resources are, therefore, in demand today as they can help a company grow in the right direction.

Here are some ways in which employers can benefit from hiring creative employees who think outside the box:

Creativity Brings New Solutions For Difficult Problems

In today’s highly competitive landscape, companies need to stay one step ahead to win the trust and confidence of their customers. Moreover, with customers becoming more demanding, companies need to come up with creative problem solving and innovative solutions for complex challenges in the workplace.

A simple way to deal with this problem is to hire creative thinkers who can think outside the box and suggest better solutions. Over the years, creative thinkers like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates have revolutionized technology with their innovative solutions. By hiring creative people, companies across industries can find solutions to difficult problems.

Creative People Find New Opportunities

By thinking differently, creative employees help organizations find new opportunities to grow. As creative employees do not believe in simply doing what they are asked to do, they show more commitment and proactivity in exploring other opportunities.

In doing so, they exceed expectations and take up jobs with greater passion. For most companies today, the biggest challenge is to identify the right opportunities and leverage them for good returns. Creative employees can be a great asset to address this challenge and explore potential areas of growth in the workplace.

Creative Thinkers Ask Questions Before The Customers Do

For most managers, a big challenge is to elicit an honest response from his/her team members. Even if the team members are honest in their assessment, it is not uncommon to find people who do not spend too much time thinking and minutely evaluating everything.

With creative team members on board, managers can see a paradigm shift in how the process works and the way in which they share their thoughts. Creative people think from different perspectives and ask questions that can be quite pertinent from a customer’s point of view. Answering those questions is important to satisfy customers and grow business.

Creative Employees Have A Broader Outlook And Approach

Unlike analytical thinkers who have a set way of doing things, analyzing situations, and arriving at conclusions, creative employees have a broader approach. No two creative employees will react to a situation in the same way. Therefore, their approaches will be different from one another.

Different approaches bring new solutions to problems and enable organizations to respond to challenging situations. Moreover, their creative bent of mind can open up several unobserved issues and opportunities for the organization to look into.

Creativity Ushers Enthusiasm To Learn

With the business environment becoming more dynamic, there is no room for rigidity. Companies need flexible employees in the workplace who have the enthusiasm to take up new challenges and explore different opportunities. Creative employees respond well to change. They do not shudder when they have to try something different, which can be a great boost for an organization that wants to manage costs and build leaders from within its workforce.

Investing in the career growth of a creative professional is a rewarding experience for the organization today. It is, particularly, beneficial for companies that lack the drive and confidence to reach out to customers. Creative thinkers can change things for the better and take the company to newer heights.

In addition to the above five benefits, creativity is something that you can build into your personal brand to stand out to employers while on the job search, and being a creative employee will also make you invaluable as technology continues to change the workplace.

Struggling to find a job where your creativity can shine? You’re not alone. We know how difficult it is to find a job and/or career that lets you leverage your strengths. The good news is, it’s easier than you think to overcome burnout and acheive career success.

We’d love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades.

It’s time to find work that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Is Your Interview Mindset Stopping You From Success?

March 24, 2022March 25, 2022

Henry Ford said it best: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” So, consider this: Is your job search and interview mindset keeping you hopeful or hopeless?

The way you approach a situation has an impact on the result. Your mindset will impact your employment outcome before you ever submit that resume or enter the interview room. Ask yourself…

How do you walk into an interview?
Do you believe your chances of getting hired are a gamble and therefore don’t even consider preparing for interviews?
Do you believe interviewers are the enemy and perceive them as judging you the entire time?
Are you so tired, frustrated, or nervous with interviewing that your focus tends to be on just getting it done?

What if you were to think of the interviewers as potential, future co-workers? What if these “new” co-workers were to become your friends? How would you present yourself in an interview then? Is it possible that the interview can be a time where you get to really feel your strength and walk away with new people thinking you were pretty cool?

An interview is YOUR time to shine. The employer has gifted you a set amount of time to showcase what you have to offer. How you come across is completely up to you and will be affected by your mindset.

MINDSET: Confidence

Are you overly confident and arrogant, or are you unsure of yourself and constantly doubting…everything? A shy person doesn’t need to pretend to be the most outgoing person alive. However, if you’re so shy that the interviewers feel like they’re pulling teeth just to get answers out of you, you might as well pay them for doing all the work. For the bold and opinionated, you don’t need to make yourself weak and opinionless.

Remember, though, that the interviewers aren’t your friends and family who already love you; they’re total strangers who need to form an opinion of you so they can narrow their decision on who to hire. Don’t make it easy for the interviewer to decide you aren’t a good fit. Determine your confidence level beforehand and adjust your mindset accordingly for an interview setting. Either fake it until you become confident enough, or remind yourself that there is ALWAYS someone better than you if you need to take it down a few notches.

MINDSET: Interviewers

The interviewers want to like you. They need to fill a vacancy and want to be reassured there are good, strong candidates out there. There is no reason why you can’t be that person. No reason. The interviewers can be your friend or your enemy. It’s your choice. I recommend choosing to see them as your walking billboard. Make such an awesome impression on them that they can’t stop raving about you long after you leave. Yes—this does happen.

On the other hand, if your mindset is one of fearing the interviewers or of anger and frustration towards them, this will also be what they remember long after you leave. In the event you apply for another position with them in the future, the chances of you receiving an invitation to interview again will have likely decreased. It’s up to you to start off on the right foot with the right mindset.

MINDSET: The Energy Of Self-Talk

What are you telling yourself? Do you believe you are worth having the job you want? Do you really want the job you’re applying for, or do you just want any job? Have you become bitter and now believe all HR personnel are stupid? The energy (or sometimes lack of energy) created by not believing in yourself, by not having your heart in something, or by assuming others are the problem, can be felt on both a conscious and subconscious level.

Think of the times you’ve walked into a room and immediately knew someone was talking about you. We can all sense other people’s energy and they can sense ours. Whatever you tell yourself is likely going to be exactly what you get in return. A shy, scared mindset yields doubt in your ability to perform, and an arrogant mindset yields an immediate wall between you and the interviewers. Show yourself to the world, but remember that no one owes you anything.

If time is of the essence in earning that next paycheck, why waste time on assuming you know everything, believing you can’t achieve what you want, or on blaming others? Your mindset shapes the world you live in. Be mindful and make it the most fantastic place ever. Your future is listening.

We know how difficult it is to have the right mindset in a job interview, especially if you’ve been struggling to find a job and/or feel trapped, lost, or burned out in your career. That’s why we want to help.

We’d love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades.

It’s time to find work that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

5 Planning Tools For Mastering The Curve Balls Of Teaching

March 23, 2022March 25, 2022

Just the other day, I was driving to a school consulting engagement in New York City when I came upon a car in the middle of the Cross Bronx Expressway engulfed in flames and ready to explode. Without my GPS providing me with an appropriate detour, I could have just as easily ended up in Connecticut. This made me think about how important it is to have a map in teaching.

Here are five tools to help teachers ensure that students are learning despite any curve balls that might be swung their way:

Review Curriculum Scope, Sequence & Pacing Documents

Many textbook series have both curriculum scope and sequence as well as pacing documentation. Review this. A scope and sequence can inform the teacher as to what should be taught when within the year, while a pacing guide can provide the teacher with an idea as to the length of time a particular unit will last and how many lessons are within that unit. Do note, however, that textbook publishers do not know the specific students that any one teacher may have at a given time.

As such, teachers may discover—through student assessment—that some students may have already mastered certain standards or units or may need additional time (lessons) learning other standards and units. Prioritize units of study not yet mastered over units already mastered as well as units of study that significantly influence later standards; this particularly is the case in mathematics and literacy. Do also review what is assessed on state exams.

Administer Mock & Diagnostic Assessments

At the beginning, middle, and end of the year, monitor student achievement and growth on diagnostic assessments, such as through NWEA MAP Growth, as well as on mock assessments that students will be expected to take, for real, at the end of the year. In New York City, for example, K-12 schools are using NWEA while high schools also often administer mock regents exams. This assessment data, particularly concerning areas for continual student growth, can help teachers prioritize certain subject content and skill development in their teaching. By testing throughout the year, teachers also can monitor the impact of teaching strategies on student academic growth and make any necessary pivots to their teaching.

Use A 3-Question Lesson Planning Checklist

Every lesson (within each unit) should answer three key questions. These questions are:

Do I know what (the “it”) I want students to know and be able to do?
How will I know students know and can do “it”?
How will I engage students in learning and doing “it”?

In determining the “it,” select priority standards (the learning units) by reviewing curriculum scope and sequence documents as well as mock and diagnostic assessment data. Then, unwrap those standards into concrete lesson objectives.

Many times, when I observe classes, I see teachers developing lessons that are fun and engaging but that are not necessarily driving towards a specific learning goal or student success criteria. Don’t start instructional planning around question no. 3. Start planning around question no. 1. (the “it”) and then consider the specific assessments (no. 2) and fun engagement strategies (no. 3) that will be used. Contrary to what some teachers may believe, this structure should not kill teacher creativity. Rather, it asks teachers to think first about desired student learning outcomes and then how to be creative in aligning assessments and student activities around this.

Have A 4-Part Lesson Template

A typical 50-minute lesson should be composed of four parts: introduction (5 minutes), the mini-lecture/guided practice (10 minutes), individual and collaborative student practice time (25 minutes), and summary (5-10 minutes). The learning intention (question no. 1) should be presented in the introduction while the bulk of lesson time should be spent on student practice/exploration (question no. 3). Assessment (question no. 2) can occur in simple ways during the introduction, guided practice, and summary as well as through more formally structured student discussion activities during student practice time.

If teachers are to struggle in using a four-part lesson planning template, it is often in transitioning efficiently from one part of the lesson to the next and in having time for a lesson summary before the end bell rings. I urge teachers to commit to having a ten-minute only guided practice. Remember that teaching does not only occur in front of the classroom during whole group discussion. Teaching also occurs during facilitation as teachers mix and mingle among small student groups and during individual student learning time. Post the timed agenda on the board and use a stopwatch to assist transitions. Any lingering student questions can be answered individually as the teacher facilitates individual and small group learning.

Curate A Bank Of Strategies For Student Assessment & Engagement

In addition to giving formal end-of-unit and year tests, consider having four or five formative assessment strategies that can be used to monitor student progress during every lesson. Popular check on understanding strategies are student turn and talk with a follow-up cold call, signaling, choral response to gauge basic student understanding, and use of planned out small and whole student group discussions to ascertain deeper levels of student cognitive processing.

Student discussion is, of course, also a type of student engagement. There are many protocols for discussion out there depending on the student goal such as for synthesis, cause and effect, and compare and contrast (i.e. differentiation by the process). Also consider how to engage students by providing them with a choice in how they demonstrate their knowledge (i.e. product). Bring in culturally relevant materials that will interest students and on which they already have familiarity (i.e. content). Lastly, don’t forget to vary the learning environment and affect by mixing it up in terms of whole group, small group, and individual instruction as well as by bringing in digital learning.

As an education consultant passionate about helping students achieve and grow, I can help teachers manage workload stress and improve student learning outcomes. I have supported hundreds of educators in improving their curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices by modeling strategies for working smarter rather than harder. Please feel free to reach out to me at John Schembari, Ed.D. | LinkedIn.