Powerful Teaching Alignment

DLC resources aligned to powerful teaching

Click on a link to access DLC resources aligned to each of the following components of powerful teaching (for more information about powerful teaching, see below):

1. Student-centered learning environment
2. Knowledge-centered learning environment
3. Standards-based curriculum and high expectations
4. Active participation, exploration, research
5. Collaborative, trusting environment
6. Relevant, real-world connections
7. Opportunities for reflection (metacognition)
8. Performance-based assessments

What do we mean by "powerful teaching"?

In Washington State, powerful teaching has come to have a unique and specific meaning, thanks in large part to the work of three Washington-based academic researchers: Dr. John Bransford, of the University of Washington, and Drs. Jeffrey Fouts and Duane Baker, of the Washington School Research Council (Seattle Pacific University).

Powerful teaching refers to observable teacher behaviors in the classroom that lead to improved student achievement, as shown by research-based evidence.

The DLC has carefully reviewed and evaluated the work of Bransford, Fouts, and Baker, looking for commonalities among their respective descriptions of powerful teaching. In our synthesis, powerful teaching is characterized by the above eight components.

Learn more about the work of Bransford, Fouts, and Baker.

Read the expanded version of the eight components of powerful teaching.