Using flexible grouping instruction to create culturally relevant PK-12 learning communities for culturally and linguistically diverse learners with exceptionalities

In this article, two instructional practices, Numbered Heads Together (NHT) and Carousel Brainstorming (CB), are discussed to guide instructors through the intentional practice of incorporating flexible groupings (CEC, HLP 17) in their daily instruction for the purpose of creating Culturally Relevant PK-12 Learning Communities for CLD Learners with Exceptionalities. Although NHT and CB are not the only approaches for implementing cooperative learning groups as an effective instructional tool, it is the authors’ premise that both practices successfully promote academic achievement and provide a positive, culturally relevant design for diverse learners, as well as a practitioner-friendly framework that is easily implemented. NHT and CB also serve as a means to provide students with a voice for their learning and to promote positive student behaviors. Regardless of the setting or identified disability, when facilitated with foresight and careful planning, evidence-based instructional best practices are supported, and inclusive course content is attained through the use of NHT and CB. Example lesson plans to intentionally incorporate both strategies are included within the article.

Research-Based Best Practices for Online Programs

This manuscript outlines a dual approach to online best practices that includes both the administrative side and the instructional (faculty) side of distance education. The majority of best practice documents focuses almost exclusively upon instructional best practices and ignores, or only mention in passing, the needed administrative best practices. The author of this research-based best practices manuscript believes that both, working concurrently, are required for a successful and sustainable distance education program. These guidelines are intended to be not only a set of recommendations, but also a policy document that can be readily implemented.

The MORE Model for Faculty Development

For many faculty the integration of technology and learner-centered teaching strategies or the adoption of instructional “best practices” represents innovation and change. The author visited fifteen research intensive university faculty development centers, looking at what they considered best practices with regard to improving instruction. The practices and programs described had one or more of the following components: Motivation, Opportunity, Resources and Evaluation, what I am calling here the MORE model. This paper discusses these four factors important to instructional change agents. The paper ends with a list of implications, based on the model, for that would enable faculty development centers to have more control over the factors that are important to faculty success and systemic change.