Tag teaching
Tag teaching! A popular and effective strategy for teaching and reinforcing new skills, especially in the classroom. Here's a breakdown of what tag teaching is and how it works:
What is tag teaching?
Tag teaching is a collaborative teaching approach where one teacher (the "tagger") provides instruction and support while another teacher (the "tagged") observes and takes notes. The tagger is responsible for delivering the lesson, while the tagged teacher provides feedback and guidance to students.
How does tag teaching work?
- Pre-planning: Teachers plan a lesson together, deciding on the objectives, activities, and assessment strategies.
- Tagging: The teachers decide who will be the tagger and who will be the tagged. The tagged teacher observes and takes notes while the tagger delivers the lesson.
- Lesson delivery: The tagger delivers the lesson, providing instruction, guidance, and feedback to students.
- Observation and feedback: The tagged teacher observes students' behavior, engagement, and understanding, taking notes on what's working well and what areas need improvement.
- Debriefing: After the lesson, the teachers discuss their observations, feedback, and suggestions for improvement. They may also review student work and assess understanding.
- Adjustments: Based on the feedback and observations, the teachers adjust their teaching strategies, activities, or assessments to better meet student needs.
Benefits of tag teaching
- Improved teacher collaboration: Tag teaching fosters a sense of teamwork and collaboration among teachers, promoting a shared understanding of student needs and instructional strategies.
- Enhanced teacher reflection: The observation and feedback process encourages teachers to reflect on their own practice, identifying areas for improvement and developing a growth mindset.
- Increased student engagement: With two teachers involved, students may feel more engaged and motivated, as they receive individualized attention and feedback.
- Better assessment and feedback: Tag teaching allows teachers to provide more targeted feedback and assessment, helping students understand their strengths and weaknesses.
- Professional development: Tag teaching provides opportunities for teachers to learn from each other, share best practices, and develop new skills.
Tips for implementing tag teaching
- Start small: Begin with a short lesson or activity to get comfortable with the process.
- Communicate effectively: Ensure clear communication between the tagger and tagged teacher about the lesson plan, expectations, and feedback.
- Focus on student learning: Prioritize student learning and understanding, rather than just observing teaching techniques.
- Be flexible: Be prepared to adjust the lesson or activity based on student needs and feedback.
- Debrief regularly: Schedule regular debriefing sessions to discuss observations, feedback, and suggestions for improvement.
By incorporating tag teaching into your instructional practice, you can enhance collaboration, reflection, and student learning, ultimately leading to improved teaching and student outcomes.