identifying research-based characteristics of educator effectiveness for language learning
teacher effectiveness for language learning (TELL)
The Teacher Effectiveness for Language Learning (TELL) Project is a collection of products and processes that can be used to enhance the effectiveness of world language teachers. TELL, which emanates from an understanding that student achievement is influenced more by an effective teacher than any other factor, synthesizes work from the general education arena regarding those things that effective teachers do and make that information specific to the work of language teachers. The heart of the TELL Project is the Teacher Effectiveness for Language Learning Framework, which is supported by a variety of tools and resources.
The Teacher Effectiveness for Language Learning Framework establishes those characteristics and behaviors that model teachers exhibit. The Framework consists of 7 domains designed to address a teacher’s need to Prepare for Student Learning, Advance Student Learning, and Support Student Learning.
Effective language learning experiences are carefully orchestrated by a teacher through building relationships with students, working with them to create an environment where they are safe and can flourish and that can support the identified learning performance objectives.
Effective language learning experiences are carefully planned by a teacher through standards-based course, units and lessons that embed high-yield strategies allowing students to reach identified course, unit, or lesson performance objectives.
Effective language learning experiences are facilitated by the use of high-yield teaching and learning strategies designed to move students toward the attainment of carefully planned course, unit and lesson performance objectives.
Effective language learning experiences are facilitated by the use of assessment strategies that allow students to demonstrate what they can do with what they know and to receive helpful feedback that advances the attainment of the performance objectives.
Effective language learning experiences are facilitated by the use of strategically selected resources designed to support course, unit and lesson performance objectives.
Effective language learning experiences require teachers to identify, involve and leverage the continuous support of a variety of stakeholders such as other educational professionals, parents, local and global community, and others in the learning process.
Effective language learning experiences require teachers to identify how their own continued professional preparation contributes to student success and how they can model life-long learning skills through their own professional growth.
Part of the strength of the TELL Project is its built-in ability for teachers to determine how well they currently meet the criteria defined in the Teacher Effectiveness for Language Learning Framework, focusing their own priorities for growth. To assist teachers in this aspect of reflective practice, TELL makes available self-assessment that allows an educator to pause and consider their current practice to identify their strengths and possible areas of professional growth.
During the self-assessment, first consider each TELL criterion and note how it is reflected in your current practice. Be sure to identify evidence to support your reflections. Then rate yourself for each sub-criterion and review the outcomes with a critical friend, mentor, or supervisor. An open and honest conversation about your performance vs. ratings will help you clarify your rationale for the levels you selected and identify realistic strength and goals for your professional growth.
How do you create a safe and supportive learning environment to prepare for student learning?
How does your planning of learning experiences prepare for student learning?
How do you provide meaningful learning experiences that advance student learning?
How do you and your students use performance and feedback to advance student learning?
How do you and your students capitalize on a variety of learning tools to maximize student learning?
How does your collaboration with stakeholders support student learning?
How does your continued growth as a professional support student learning?
The TELL Framework identifies characteristics of effective teachers in the context of a language learning environment. In order to provide educators accustomed to dealing with other teacher effectiveness frameworks the ability to make connections to a language learning environment, PEARLL has correlated well-known teacher effectiveness frameworks currently in use in the field to the TELL framework.
The TELL Framework and supporting documents stem from a desire to help teachers grow. Providing and receiving feedback on teaching practice can be an extremely valuable component to teacher growth.
The TELL feedback forms support teachers in a variety of settings targeting specific TELL criteria. These documents allow educators to quickly visit several classrooms and collect quick and broadly gathered information on specific criteria for the purpose of gaining a snapshot of the degree to which those characteristics are evident across numerous teachers and classrooms. (PEARLL suggests that walkthrough observations should take anywhere from 8-12 minutes.)
How do you create a safe and supportive learning environment to prepare for student learning?