Warning: Trying to access array offset on null in /www_vol/data/www-data/Warner/lida/wp-content/themes/salient-news/inc/hooks/excerpt.php on line 18 {"id":19922,"date":"2020-07-29T21:15:13","date_gmt":"2020-07-29T21:15:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/warner\/lida\/?page_id=19922"},"modified":"2020-09-28T22:07:19","modified_gmt":"2020-09-28T22:07:19","slug":"giving-directions-for-independent-work-in-remote-online-settings","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/warner\/lida\/resources\/e-modules\/high-leverage-teaching-practices-for-remote-teaching\/giving-directions-for-independent-work-in-remote-online-settings\/","title":{"rendered":"GIVING DIRECTIONS FOR INDEPENDENT WORK"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column width=”2\/3″]

\n\tHigh Leverage Teaching Practices for Remote Teaching\t

GIVING DIRECTIONS FOR INDEPENDENT WORK<\/h1><\/header>[vc_column_text]In-Depth Analysis<\/span><\/strong>
\nPrepared by Raffaella Borasi, Center for Learning in the Digital Age<\/em><\/p>\n
Use this webpage as a resource to inform the design of specific learning activities aiming at giving directions for students\u2019 independent work. <\/strong><\/em>While created specifically for online\/remote settings, many of the considerations reported here are applicable to face-to-face instruction as well.<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_video link=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=cg6INHFQMSk” el_id=”video”][\/vc_column][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class=”arrow-row”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/6″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-video-camera” size=”xl” align=”center”][vc_column_text]Watch VIDEO<\/a> as introduction[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/6″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-plus-circle” size=”xl” align=”center”][vc_column_text]Explore by clicking on \u201c+\u201d across the page[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/6″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-download” size=”xl” align=”center”][vc_column_text]Download In-depth Analysis<\/a> and Summary Handout<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/6″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-list-ul” size=”xl” align=”center”][vc_column_text]Plan implementations of this practice (using the Summary Handout<\/a>)[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/6″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-lightbulb-o” size=”xl” align=”center”][vc_column_text]Reflect on your implementations (using Journal Template<\/a>)[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/6″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-pencil” size=”xl” align=”center”][vc_column_text](If desired) Add to the In-depth Analysis<\/a> and Summary Handout<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_btn title=”Detailed Guide for Use as Resource” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rochester.edu%2Fwarner%2Flida%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F09%2FHow-to-use-this-eModule_As-a-resource.pdf||target:%20_blank|”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_btn title=”Detailed Guide for Individuals” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rochester.edu%2Fwarner%2Flida%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F09%2FHow-to-use-this-eModule_for-Individuals.pdf||target:%20_blank|”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_btn title=”Detailed Guide for Groups” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rochester.edu%2Fwarner%2Flida%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F09%2FHow-to-use-this-eModule_for-Groups.pdf||target:%20_blank|”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_tta_accordion active_section=”0″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Introduction” tab_id=”1596056841894-711eb255-e103″][vc_column_text]Students cannot engage effectively in independent work unless they understand what they are expected to do and why.\u00a0 While this is true in face-to-face classes as well, giving directions for remote independent work is even more critical and can present additional challenges \u2013 as, for one, students will not be able to immediately ask clarifying questions.\u00a0 Therefore, special care has to be given to crafting and communicating directions in ways that are clear and accessible for all students.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Potential benefits of Giving Directions we want to maximize” tab_id=”1596056841919-dfc43b25-ab3b”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
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Ensuring that students know what they are supposed to do for their independent work<\/li>\n
Ensuring that students do not give up on a task because they do not understand or remember the directions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Potential challenges (and how they may be reduced)” tab_id=”1596056865372-4f326699-e6fc”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
\n
Students may need to review the directions at different points in time as they start engaging in specific tasks\n
\n
Provide written directions, posted in easy-to-find locations<\/em><\/li>\n
If you give oral directions, make sure you record them and post the recording in easy-to-find locations<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
Students may not always fully understand the directions when given:\n
\n
Provide multiple opportunities to ask clarifying questions \u2013 and answer those questions timely <\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
Students may feel confused and overwhelmed by long written or oral directions for complex long-term tasks:\n
\n
Provide an accompany summary\/ checklist<\/em><\/li>\n
Warn students in advance about long directions, and explain rationale<\/em><\/li>\n
Set intermediate deadlines for specific components of the work<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
Keep in mind that not everyone approaches learning the same way, and different students may prefer to receive directions in different ways<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Other things to consider” tab_id=”1596056896432-cb7aa89a-1ea2″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
\n
When possible, providing rubrics and \u201cmodels\u201d of past student work can eliminate the need for most questions<\/li>\n
Checklists with clear deadlines are especially useful when multiple tasks are assigned; adding a summary checklist by deadline can also be helpful in this case<\/li>\n
Using a consistent format within the same course can be very helpful<\/li>\n
Early on in a course, there may be more need for detailed written directions \u2013 after that, directions could be shorter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Key tips” tab_id=”1597048161159-2b82f9b6-bf72″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
\n
Make sure there is a record of the directions that students can revisit as needed<\/li>\n
When possible, provide directions both orally and in writing to meet different preferences<\/li>\n
Students may feel confused and overwhelmed by long written or oral directions for complex long-term tasks \u2013 so figure out ways to simplify and organize those directions<\/li>\n
Providing models can be helpful – as long as they do not give too much away!<\/li>\n
Whenever there are multiple deadlines, include an additional checklist by deadline<\/li>\n
Use a consistent format overtime<\/li>\n
Directions that may seem crystal clear to you, may not be so for everyone else \u2013 so make sure students know how to ask for clarification and get a timely response<\/li>\n
Make sure students know how to ask for clarifications and provide them with a timely response<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text]Summary Handout<\/strong> (PDF<\/a>) (Word<\/a>) \u2013 1-page summary you can print out and use as reference<\/p>\n
Journal Template <\/b>(PDF<\/a>) (Word<\/a>) \u2013 fillable pdf to record your experiences with this practice<\/p>\n
In-depth Analysis <\/strong>(PDF<\/a>) (Word<\/a>) \u2013 Word version of the content of this page, which you can personalize if you wish by adding your own notes[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Key instructional decisions<\/h2>\n
(click on each item to show options, along with their pros & cons)<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][vc_tta_accordion active_section=”0″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Format” tab_id=”1596057138639-5504c6d7-a95e”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Option:<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\n Advantages<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\n Limitations<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Oral-live<\/em><\/td>\n \n
\n
Teacher can immediately adapt the explanation if there seems to be some confusion<\/li>\n
Students\u2019 requests for clarification can be immediately addressed<\/li>\n
Some students prefer oral directions<\/li>\n
Takes the least preparation time for the teacher<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
\n
Unless there are accompanying written directions, students may forget the given directions by the time they start working on the task<\/li>\n
It takes up precious class\/synch time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Oral-recorded<\/em><\/td>\n \n
\n
Some students prefer oral directions<\/li>\n
Provides a record that can be revisited as needed<\/li>\n
It saves precious class\/synch time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
\n
Does not allow for immediate clarifications<\/li>\n
Takes teacher\u2019s time to pre-record directions<\/li>\n
Students may need to review the entire video to find a specific piece of information they are looking for<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Written<\/em><\/td>\n \n
\n
Provides a record that can be most easily revisited as needed (especially when needing to find specific pieces of information)<\/li>\n
Some students prefer written directions they can highlight and annotate<\/li>\n
It saves precious class\/synch time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
\n
Does not allow for immediate clarifications<\/li>\n
Some students have difficulty processing long written directions<\/li>\n
Takes teacher\u2019s time to write clear and detailed directions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Written with hyperlinks<\/em><\/td>\n \n
\n
Provides a record that can be most easily revisited as needed (especially when needing to find specific pieces of information)<\/li>\n
Allows to break down directions at different levels (i.e., \u201cbig picture\u201d only, with links to more detailed directions for specific assignments)<\/li>\n
Can be linked to other online materials to be used<\/li>\n
It saves precious class\/synch time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
\n
Does not allow for immediate clarifications<\/li>\n
Takes teacher\u2019s time to write clear directions at different levels of detail<\/li>\n
Some students may forget to click for more detailed directions and miss some important specs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Level of DETAILS” tab_id=”1596132787772-b06affb3-9731″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Option:<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\n Advantages<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\n Limitations<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Minimal<\/em><\/td>\n \n
\n
Doesn\u2019t overwhelm students<\/li>\n
Provides room for choice\/ creativity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
\n
Students may interpret the task differently, and not do what you expected them to do<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Detailed<\/em><\/td>\n \n
\n
Provides all the information students need to engage in the task as intended<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
\n
May feel overwhelming and off-putting for some students<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rubrics provided<\/em><\/td>\n \n
\n
Provides information about specific expectations for the final product<\/li>\n
Provides a checklist to use for self-evaluation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
\n
By itself, it may not be enough to articulate what students need to do to complete the task<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Models provided <\/em><\/td>\n \n
\n
Provides an image of what the final product should look like<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
\n
May have the unintended consequence of pushing students towards a specific solution\/ format at the exclusion of other possibilities<\/li>\n
By itself, may not be enough to articulate what students need to do to complete the task<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Opportunities for CLARIFICATIONS” tab_id=”1596132992177-124f64ac-d535″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Option:<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\n Advantages<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\n Limitations<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
None<\/em><\/td>\n \n
\n
Saves teacher\u2019s time!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
\n
Students who do not understand a piece of the directions may not engage in the task as intended<\/li>\n
Students may give up and not to engage in the task if they do not understand the directions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
In the moment<\/em><\/td>\n \n
\n
It allows the teacher to address requests for clarifications immediately<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
\n
Possible only within a synch session<\/li>\n
Students may realize only later, when they attempt the task, that they have questions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Email teacher<\/em><\/td>\n \n
\n
Questions can be asked when needed<\/li>\n
If the teacher checks email regularly, it will receive a timely response<\/li>\n
Teacher can respond to questions individually<\/li>\n
Student may be more willing to ask questions privately<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Teacher may not respond immediately<\/p>\n
\n
Other students may not benefit from the clarification, unless the teacher decides to send an email to the whole class about that issue<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Online \u201cAsk a Question\u201d<\/em><\/td>\n \n
\n
Questions can be asked when needed<\/li>\n
Teacher can respond to questions publicly \u2013 thus benefiting other students<\/li>\n
Students can check if their question has already been responded to (saving teacher\u2019s time)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
\n
Requires an online repository for these questions (dedicated discussion board in a LMS, or Padlet)<\/li>\n
Questions may not be answered timely it the teacher forgets to check the site regularly (unless notifications are set up)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][vc_separator][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Useful online tools<\/h2>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_tta_accordion active_section=”0″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Learning Management System (LMS)” tab_id=”1597048400601-c001afd6-66c8″][vc_column_text]Learning Management Systems (such as Schoology, Google Classrooms, Canvas, Blackboard) can play a key role as the place where directions are stored and readily accessible to students. \u00a0The directions stored could be in the form of either be written text or recorded oral presentations; hyperlinks could be used in any written direction to give access to specific materials and\/ or more detailed directions for specific tasks.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”\u201cSharing\u201d apps” tab_id=”1597048400650-b0960477-1da1″][vc_column_text]Even if your institution has not invested in a Learning Management System, you could use stand-alone apps (such as Padlet <\/em>and Flipgrid<\/em>) as a means to post directions for specific tasks, along with links to specific materials to be used and\/or more detailed directions for specific tasks.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Platforms allowing for synchronous sessions” tab_id=”1597048460993-8fef2c8f-2cd1″][vc_column_text]Platforms like Zoom <\/em>or Google Meet <\/em>allow teachers to give live oral directions to their students \u2013 thus allowing students to ask for clarifications in the moment.\u00a0 As these presentations can be easily recorded, they could also be posted and made available to students for future reference as needed.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Video-recording tools” tab_id=”1597048491526-7dcc09d1-31dc”][vc_column_text]Any video-recording tool \u2013 including those built into any synchronous session platform – could be used to pre-record teacher\u2019s oral directions, so they can be posted and made available to students as needed.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Email” tab_id=”1597048518719-cb2af0e5-58ae”][vc_column_text]Email can provide the simplest method for students to ask clarifying questions about directions from the teacher and receive timely responses.\u00a0 Most Learning Management Systems provide systems for students and teacher to email each other without having to reveal personal email addresses.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Options worth considering<\/h2>\n
(click on each item for comments about that option)<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][vc_tta_accordion active_section=”0″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”A. Providing minimal live oral directions, accompanied by written directions” tab_id=”1596057182668-83bad719-d54e”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
\n
May help set expectations for students without overwhelming them or taking too much class\/synch time<\/li>\n
May allow the teacher to more easily explain the rationale\/goals and identify priorities<\/li>\n
Students can be alerted to look at the more detailed written directions as a reference when they engage in the task<\/li>\n
Oral directions may be more engaging and less off-putting for some students<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”B. Providing pre-recorded oral directions, with slides” tab_id=”1596057182692-336901ed-9db3″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
\n
Oral directions may be more engaging and less off-putting for some students<\/li>\n
May allow the teacher to more easily explain the rationale\/goals and identify priorities<\/li>\n
Provides a record students can revisit as needed<\/li>\n
Slides can be quickly reviewed to get to the point of interest<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”C. Providing detailed online written directions with links” tab_id=”1596057226818-ac8859a3-c99c”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
\n
Provides an easy to access record students can revisit as needed<\/li>\n
Best way to follow directions that require access to specific materials (which could be directly linked to the directions)<\/li>\n
May enable the teacher to provide different \u201clevels\u201d of directions (ex: general directions in a main document, with link providing more details and links to materials for each specific task)<\/li>\n
May be easier to process for some students<\/li>\n
Students may forgot to click and review the more detailed directions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”D. Providing models of what students need to do” tab_id=”1596057240962-2f02c77b-3cdc”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
\n
Best way to give students an image of a complex product they are expected to create, and a sense of expectations in terms of scope and quality<\/li>\n
Best if more than one model is provided, so students know there is not just one way to do the assigned task<\/li>\n
Needs to be accompanied by some written or oral directions about the task<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
More Teaching Practices<\/h2>\n
Eliciting Prior Knowledge<\/a> |\u00a0 Synthesizing Learning<\/a> |\u00a0 Conveying Content Online<\/a> | Sharing Student Work<\/a> |\u00a0 Giving Feedback<\/a><\/p>\n
Back to Main Page<\/a><\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
[vc_row][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text]In-Depth Analysis Prepared by Raffaella Borasi, Center for Learning in the Digital Age Use this webpage as a resource to inform the design of specific learning activities aiming at giving directions for students\u2019 independent work. While created specifically for online\/remote settings, many of the considerations reported here are applicable to face-to-face instruction as well.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":0,"parent":19382,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-19922","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/warner\/lida\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19922","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/warner\/lida\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/warner\/lida\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/warner\/lida\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/36"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/warner\/lida\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19922"}],"version-history":[{"count":32,"href":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/warner\/lida\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19922\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24182,"href":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/warner\/lida\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19922\/revisions\/24182"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/warner\/lida\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19382"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/warner\/lida\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19922"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}