Models and Frameworks
Instructional models and frameworks that guide modern teaching and learning
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1. 21st-Century Pedagogy
Definition: A pedagogical framework that integrates modern competencies such as collaboration, digital literacy, global awareness, and creativity into traditional instructional methods to better prepare students for a rapidly changing world.
Classroom Example: A teacher blends problem-solving, cross-cultural communication, and digital tools into a project on global sustainability, aligning content with 21st-century competencies.
Citation: Trilling, B., & Fadel, C. (2009). *21st Century Skills: Learning for Life in Our Times*. Jossey-Bass.
2. Backward Design
Definition: An instructional design framework that begins with identifying desired learning outcomes (goals), then determining acceptable evidence of learning (assessment), and finally planning learning experiences and instruction.
Classroom Example: A teacher first decides what students should be able to *do* at the end of a unit (e.g., write a persuasive essay), then designs the rubric, and only then plans lessons to teach essay writing skills.
Citation: Wiggins, G., & McTighe, J. (2005). *Understanding by design* (2nd ed.). ASCD.
3. Bloom’s Taxonomy
Definition: A classification system used to define and differentiate levels of human cognition—thinking, learning, and understanding. It includes six levels: remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating, and creating.
Classroom Example: A teacher designs questions for a lesson that progress from “List the capitals of the states” (remembering) to “Justify why a particular capital was chosen” (evaluating).
Citation: Bloom, B. S. (Ed.). (1956). *Taxonomy of educational objectives, Handbook I: Cognitive domain*. David McKay.
4. Constructivism
Definition: A learning theory asserting that learners actively construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world through experiencing things and reflecting on those experiences. Learning is an active process where students build new ideas or concepts based on their current and past knowledge.
Classroom Example: Students engage in a hands-on science experiment to discover principles of buoyancy for themselves, rather than just being told the principles by the teacher.
Citation: Piaget, J. (1954). *The construction of reality in the child*. Basic Books.
5. Heick Learning Taxonomy
Definition: A taxonomy developed by Terry Heick that builds on Bloom’s Taxonomy by emphasizing modern learning dynamics such as visibility, authenticity, self-direction, and transfer of understanding to new contexts.
Classroom Example: Instead of stopping at comprehension, students analyze, create, and apply their learning in real-world scenarios using technology and peer collaboration.
Citation: Heick, T. (2013). *The TeachThought Learning Taxonomy*. TeachThought.com.
6. Inside-Out Learning Model
Definition: A model proposed by Terry Heick that shifts learning outward, using community-based problems and authentic environments as curricular anchors, prioritizing relevance and local accountability over standardized outcomes.
Classroom Example: A high school civics class partners with local government to draft proposals for urban planning challenges.
Citation: Heick, T. (2016). *Inside-Out Learning: A Model for Community-Centered Education*. TeachThought.com.
7. Me Learning Framework
Definition: A student-centered framework by Terry Heick that prioritizes identity, voice, and purpose in learning design. It encourages students to pursue knowledge that is meaningful to them while building academic capacity.
Classroom Example: Learners design their own inquiry projects aligned with personal interests, reflecting on how learning affects their thinking and values.
Citation: Heick, T. (2015). *The Me Learning Framework*. TeachThought.com.
8. Project-Based Learning Framework
Definition: A model of instruction where students gain knowledge and skills by working over an extended period to investigate and respond to authentic, engaging, and complex questions or challenges.
Classroom Example: A science class explores local water quality issues and presents solutions to the city council.
Citation: Bell, S. (2010). Project-Based Learning for the 21st Century: Skills for the Future. *The Clearing House*, 83(2), 39–43.
9. SAMR Model
Definition: A framework for integrating technology into teaching and learning, consisting of four levels: Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition. It helps educators evaluate the depth of technology integration.
Classroom Example: Instead of writing an essay on paper (Substitution), students might use a word processor (Augmentation), then collaborate on a shared online document (Modification), or create a multimedia presentation with embedded research and interactive elements (Redefinition).
Citation: Puentedura, R. R. (2006). *Transformation, technology, and education: A brief introduction to the SAMR model*.
10. Sync Teaching Model
Definition: A flexible instructional framework that blends self-directed learning with strategic moments of teacher-directed synchronization. Developed by Terry Heick, it allows learners to explore independently while rejoining the class at key checkpoints.
Classroom Example: Students independently research historical causes of a war, then sync for a teacher-guided discussion and synthesis activity.
Citation: Heick, T. (2017). *The Sync Teaching Method*. TeachThought.com.
11. TPACK Framework
Definition: Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) is a framework that identifies the knowledge teachers need to teach effectively with technology. It highlights the intersection of content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and technological knowledge.
Classroom Example: A science teacher not only knows biology content (CK) and how to teach effectively (PK), but also how to use simulation software (TK) to enhance student understanding of complex biological processes (TPACK).
Citation: Mishra, P., & Koehler, M. J. (2006). Technological pedagogical content knowledge: A framework for teacher knowledge. *Teachers College Record*, *108*(6), 1017–1054.