TfU I is an introduction to the Teaching for Understanding framework. In this course, participants learn to clarify educational goals, link student work to experience, design active learning instructional units, develop effective assessment practices, and reflect on their own teaching practice.

As we enter a new century of the unknown, there are critical skills that students must have in order to excel. The Teaching for Understanding 1 course is an opportunity for you to learn teaching strategies that will actively engage your students in the critical-thinking and 21st Century problem-solving skills that are now demanded by society.

In this course participants will delve into elusive topics such as:

• How can I as an educator encourage deeper understanding?
• What skills must I impart on my students to ensure their success?
• How can I support students to understand well enough to apply learning in new contexts?
• How can I create an environment of active learning in my classroom?

To answer these, we will:

• Examine how your current planning and instruction support students' developing understanding, and show you further steps you can take to improve student performance

• Explore the Teaching for Understanding Framework and examine ways the framework supports teachers in planning, revising, and reviewing instruction to better help students develop genuine understanding of important content

• Demonstrate ways to work supportively and effectively in an online environment, including the exchange of ideas and resources with other teaching professionals

Course Schedule:

Teaching for Understanding 1 and 2 are available in either our traditional 13 week long schedule or in a new, year-long format.

13 week scheule is offered September, February, and May

Year-long format begins in September and runs until April.