Every student in your class needs their own personal whiteboard. They need to know where to keep it, how to care for it, and when to use it.
Its strict operation and function must be taught, modeled, and practiced like any other routine.
Once this is established, you have access to one of the best and most underrated tools for learning. It must, however, be narrowly directed.
Whiteboards should never be used independently.
Allowing students to pull them out to brainstorm ideas, work out math problems, or draw superheros causes more problems than they’re worth. No, whiteboards are effective for only one purpose:
To check for understanding.
Checking for understanding is critical for the transition to independent work. Whiteboards enable you to send students off knowing they can do the work without any help.
They’re especially effective for this purpose because . . .
- You can check every student in a few seconds.
- You know exactly who does and doesn’t get it.
- You get instant feedback on the effectiveness of your lesson.
They’re best used as the final step before giving your “Go” signal to begin independent work. Simply ask a question or propose a problem whose answer can be expressed on a 9″x 12″ whiteboard.
Depending on your objective, it could be a drawing, a vocabulary word, a solution, a graph, a simple yes or no, or anything that proves they’re ready to work all on their own.
If your lesson was less than clear, their responses will show you where and how you need to reteach or clarify. Sometimes all you need is a few additional words to ensure complete understanding.
One other benefit is that because whiteboards provide you with undeniable feedback, you become very good at delivering lessons.
PS – This week’s video is The Calm Teacher Mindset Students Instantly Respect. It can change everything.
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