Conceptual Framework Graphic
Concepts of a Graduate Teacher Education Program
The Heel
All learning is situated in the context it is used
The Laces
Laces come in many designs. These are the Design Principles that promote the development of valuable learning opportunities.
The Upper
Technology Tools and Online Learning experiences that allow learners to experience different online learning environments are integrated and used together with the Design Principles to promote critical thinking skills software skill, communication skills, self-regulation, and efficacy, etc....the things the standards don't mention.
The Tongue
Learning the concepts means knowing how to apply the concepts and talk about the concepts to others.
The Stitching
Teacher learners are continually supported throughout their learning and beyond.

 

 

 

 

 

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The Midsole
Modeling of best practices gives teacher learners adds comfort to the experience.
Below the Midsole
With less cushion but always with coaching, the teacher learner produces performances of understanding which includes dialogues about the process and connections to practice with peers, mentors, and the experts
The Gel Sole
Teacher learners are exposed to the most current information and the lastest technologies to understand what students need to learn.
The Sole
Teacher learners test out their knowledge within their own practice as the experts fade away.
The LOGO
Teacher learners commit themselves to giving their students the PICKL: Problem solving skills,Information using skills, Community participant skill, Knowledge and Literacy.
The Scuffed Toe
Teacher learners learn teacher leadership skills and how to use their new knowledge to be change agents. They learn that the leadership journey is not an easy one.

Did you know there are about 2 trillion ways you can feed laces through the eyelets of an average pair of shoes? Give teachers a good set of strategies and principles for designing and they will probably top that number in the ways they can use these tools for creating valuable learning opportunities for their students.

Shoes represent good design principles. Much like a well-planned lesson, good shoes follow certain design principles. Shoes also represent instructional models aligned with constructivist principles. While our feet are situated in our shoes, we maintain the mobility to move to a variety of places, just as anchored instruction allows for a variety of activities to meet an overarching challenge.

Shoes represent my teaching philosophy: I strive to walk in the shoes of my students to better understand their individual needs. Then I ask my students as they complete their Master's program, to walk in my shoes and become the experts, sharing their knowledge and meeting