Teaching and Learning Continuum
Becoming Lifelong Learners
Dear Parent/Guardians,
Students become lifelong learners when they have the passion for learning. This passion for learning is developed when students are intrinsically motivated, have self-confidence, and take control of their learning. In other words, students who are autonomous learners become passionate, lifelong learners. Throughout this year, to guide the students to take responsibility and have greater control of their learning, I will be using an instructional practice called the Teaching and Learning Continuum (TLC) in the classroom. Please continue reading to find more about the TLC that will guide your child in becoming learner autonomy.
the four levels of the TLC model
The TLC is divided into four different levels. Moving from Level 1 to 4, the teacher’s responsibility decreases, and the students’ responsibility increases toward greater learning autonomy.
Level 1: Didactic Instruction
At the first level, students are actively engaged in learning and understanding the content. They become aware, learn a common language and the vocabulary, and gather the needed skills of the new concept.
In our classroom…
I will provide direct instruction based on standards to help students build an understanding of the ideas and concepts in units of study. I will use a variety of teaching methods to meet the different needs of the students.
Level 2: Facilitated Instruction
With the teacher support and guidance, students gain a greater degree of independence. Participating in open-ended tasks, students apply critical thinking and reasoning skills. As they share their thoughts and respond to the ideas of others, students learn to listen, question, and evaluate.
In our classroom…
Moving toward autonomy, students will participate in activities that would allow them to reflect on their beliefs and opinions. We will have discussions, engage in problem-based learning, and practice self-evaluation.
Level 3: Coached Instruction
The goal at the coached level is to build students’ ownership. Teacher provides resources, instruction in necessary skills and process, feedback, and guidance, but students have the primary responsibility for their own learning. Based on their needs, strengths, and interests, students identify and pursue individual learning goals. Teacher guides students in the right direction by providing effective feedback and encouragement.
In our classroom…
With my guidance, students will engage in self-directed learning. Based on standards and the goals developed together with me, students will engage in guided practice. I will support learning progress by providing resources and feedback along the way.
Level 4: Consultative Instruction
At the last level, students are the initiators and designers of their own learning while the teacher becomes the counselor and consultant. Students work independently, look for and use resources within and beyond the classroom, and have the opportunity to be creative in their approaches to solving problems.
In our classroom…
Students will work on independent study. They will independently develop their own assignment, monitor progress, and present their findings to the class. I will be providing advice and feedback as needed.
I am excited to see your child develop learner autonomy as we move through the various levels of the TLC model. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments about the TLC. I look forward to working with you in an effort to help your child become lifelong learners.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Yoon