Teaching and Learning Conversation

Below are the extended notes and presentation from our conversation around Decoding the Disciplines with David Pace

Decoding Student Learning 📚

Decoding student learning is a framework for understanding where students are struggling and how to address those struggles. It’s a way of asking questions about your situation and systematically exploring it to find out what is needed.

What is Decoding Student Learning?

Decoding student learning is a strategy for identifying the bottlenecks in student learning and developing targeted interventions to address those bottlenecks.

The 7 Questions of Decoding Student Learning

The decoding student learning framework is based on 7 questions that help you understand where students are struggling and how to address those struggles. The questions are:

Where is student learning being bought? Where are the bottlenecks in student learning?
What exactly do students have to do to succeed? What are the specific skills or knowledge that students need to succeed?
What are the mental moves that students need to make? What are the cognitive processes that students need to use to succeed?
How do I model this for students? How can I show students how to do the things they need to do to succeed?
How do I provide feedback to students? How can I give students feedback that will help them improve?
How do I assess student learning? How can I measure student learning to see if they are succeeding?
How do I adjust my instruction? How can I adjust my teaching to better meet the needs of my students?

The Interview Technique

The interview technique is a method for gathering information about student learning. It involves asking students to describe a task or problem that they are struggling with, and then asking them to elaborate on their thought process.

Step	Description
1. Identify a task or problem	Ask students to describe a task or problem that they are struggling with.
2. Ask students to elaborate	Ask students to elaborate on their thought process and how they approach the task or problem.
3. Break down the process	Break down the process into smaller steps and identify the specific skills or knowledge that students need to succeed.
4. Model the process	Show students how to do the things they need to do to succeed.
5. Provide feedback	Give students feedback that will help them improve.

Example of the Interview Technique

For example, if you are teaching a history class and students are struggling to read and analyze primary sources, you might ask them to describe how they approach reading a primary source. They might say something like, “I just read the first sentence and try to remember the important things.” You could then ask them to elaborate on how they know what the important things are, and how they connect the information to the broader historical context.

Student Response	Follow-up Question
“I just read the first sentence and try to remember the important things.”	“How do you know what the important things are?”
“I look for keywords and try to connect them to the broader historical context.”	“How do you connect the information to the broader historical context?”

By using the interview technique, you can gain a deeper understanding of how students are thinking and what they need to succeed.

📚 Breaking Down Complex Tasks into Manageable Pieces

Breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable pieces is essential for effective learning. This process helps to identify the specific skills or knowledge that students need to acquire, making it easier to provide targeted support and feedback.

Identifying the Pieces

To break down a complex task, identify the individual components that make up the task. For example, when teaching students how to write a history paper, break down the task into smaller pieces such as:

Deciding on a topic
Conducting research
Analyzing evidence
Writing the paper

Providing Opportunities for Practice and Feedback

Once the individual components of the task have been identified, provide students with opportunities to practice each component and receive feedback. This can be done through a variety of methods, including:

Guided practice exercises
Peer review
Self-assessment

Assessing Student Progress

Assessing student progress is an ongoing process that involves evaluating student performance on each component of the task. This can be done through a variety of methods, including:

Formative assessments (e.g., quizzes, class discussions)
Summative assessments (e.g., exams, final projects)

The Importance of Repetition and Iteration

Repetition and iteration are essential components of the learning process. By repeating and refining their skills and knowledge, students can develop a deeper understanding of the material and improve their performance.

Bloom’s Taxonomy

“Bloom’s Taxonomy is a framework for categorizing educational learning objectives into levels of complexity and specificity. The taxonomy is divided into six levels: Remembering, Understanding, Applying, Analyzing, Evaluating, and Creating.”

Level	Description
Remembering	Recall previously learned information
Understanding	Demonstrate comprehension of learned information
Applying	Use learned information to solve problems or complete tasks
Analyzing	Break down complex information into smaller parts
Evaluating	Make judgments about the value or quality of information
Creating	Generate new ideas or products

The Importance of Community and Collaboration

Learning is a social process that involves collaboration and community. By working together with peers and instructors, students can develop a deeper understanding of the material and improve their performance.

Upcoming Conference

There will be a conference in two weeks that will provide training and workshops on the topics discussed in this lecture. The conference will feature a variety of tracks, including a paper track, a workshop track, and a training track. https://decoding.webflow.io/events/decoding-conference-2024

📚 Decoding in Education 📚

Decoding is a teaching approach that helps students move up the pyramid of learning, from basic understanding to evaluation, analysis, and creation.

The Pyramid of Learning

Level	Description
Remembering	Recall previously learned information
Understanding	Demonstrate comprehension of learned information
Applying	Use learned information to solve problems
Analyzing	Break down complex information into smaller parts
Evaluating	Make judgments about the value or quality of information
Creating	Generate new ideas or products

The Importance of Decoding

Decoding helps students develop a deeper understanding of the material and move beyond basic recall. It also helps teachers identify areas where students need more guidance and support.

The Role of Decoding in Informatics Courses

In informatics courses, decoding is particularly important because it helps students develop problem-solving skills and think critically about complex information.

The Impact of Decoding on Student Learning

Decoding can have a significant impact on student learning, including:

Improved understanding of complex concepts
Increased ability to analyze and evaluate information
Enhanced problem-solving skills
Greater confidence in their ability to learn

The Relationship Between Decoding and AI

Research has shown that in order to effectively use AI tools, students need to have a strong foundation in decoding and problem-solving skills. This is because AI tools require students to ask good questions and provide clear instructions in order to produce accurate results.

The Challenge of Academic Misconduct

One of the challenges of using decoding in education is the potential for academic misconduct. When students are given the opportunity to use AI tools to complete assignments, they may be tempted to use these tools to cheat.

The Role of Emotional Resistance in Learning

Emotional resistance can play a significant role in the learning process. By breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable pieces, students can develop a sense of motivation and confidence, which can help to overcome emotional resistance.

Strategies for Overcoming Emotional Resistance

Emotional resistance can be a significant barrier to student learning. Strategies for overcoming emotional resistance include:

Breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps
Providing clear instructions and expectations
Encouraging students to ask questions and seek help when needed
Creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment

The Importance of Making Steps Visible

Making steps visible is an important part of the decoding process. This involves breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps and providing clear instructions and expectations.

The Role of Reflection in Decoding

Reflection is an important part of the decoding process. It involves taking the time to think about what you have learned and how you can apply it in different contexts.

The Relationship Between Decoding and Student Motivation

Decoding can have a significant impact on student motivation. When students are able to break down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, they are more likely to feel a sense of accomplishment and motivation.

The Challenge of Logical and Mental Bottlenecks

Logical and mental bottlenecks can be a significant challenge in decoding. Strategies for overcoming these bottlenecks include:

Breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps
Providing clear instructions and expectations
Encouraging students to ask questions and seek help when needed
Creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment

The Importance of Identifying Bottlenecks

Identifying bottlenecks is an important part of the decoding process. This involves taking the time to think about where students are getting stuck and how to provide additional support and guidance.

The Role of Algorithmic Thinking in Decoding

Algorithmic thinking is an important part of the decoding process. It involves breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps and providing clear instructions and expectations.

Example of Algorithmic Thinking

For example, when writing a program, a student might need to think about the following steps:

What is the starting point of the program?
What is the goal of the program?
What are the steps needed to achieve the goal?
How will the program be implemented?

By breaking down the task into smaller, more manageable steps, the student is able to think more clearly and critically about the problem.

The Importance of Writing Down Steps

Writing down steps is an important part of the decoding process. This involves taking the time to think about the steps needed to complete a task and writing them down in a clear and concise manner.

Example of Writing Down Steps

For example, when writing a program, a student might write down the following steps:

Define the problem
Identify the inputs and outputs
Determine the algorithm
Implement the algorithm
Test the program

By writing down the steps, the student is able to think more clearly and critically about the problem and ensure that they are completing all of the necessary steps.## 📝 Understanding Student Learning and Development 📚

Metacognitive Skills and Learning Strategies

Metacognitive skills are essential for students to develop in order to become successful learners. These skills involve thinking about one’s own learning and understanding, and being able to adjust learning strategies accordingly.

“Metacognitive skills are the processes that help us plan, monitor, and evaluate our own learning. They are the ‘thinking about thinking’ skills that enable us to reflect on our own learning and make adjustments as needed.”

Some common metacognitive skills include:

Planning and goal-setting
Monitoring progress and adjusting learning strategies
Evaluating one’s own learning and understanding
Reflecting on learning experiences and identifying areas for improvement

The Importance of Teaching Metacognitive Skills

Teaching metacognitive skills is crucial for helping students develop a growth mindset and become more effective learners. By explicitly teaching these skills, educators can help students develop a deeper understanding of their own learning and become more self-directed.

“Teaching metacognitive skills is not just about teaching students how to learn, but also about teaching them how to think about their own learning. By doing so, we can help students develop a more nuanced understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses, and become more effective learners as a result.”

Strategies for Teaching Metacognitive Skills

There are several strategies that educators can use to teach metacognitive skills, including:

Modeling metacognitive thinking and behaviors
Providing opportunities for students to reflect on their own learning
Encouraging students to set goals and develop plans for achieving them
Teaching students how to evaluate their own learning and understanding

The Role of Improv Techniques in Teaching Metacognitive Skills

Improv techniques can be a useful tool for teaching metacognitive skills, particularly in the context of writing and communication. By using improv techniques, educators can help students develop a more flexible and adaptable approach to learning, and become more comfortable with taking risks and trying new things.

“Improv techniques can help students develop a more growth-oriented mindset, and become more comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity. By using these techniques, educators can help students develop a more nuanced understanding of their own learning and become more effective communicators as a result.”

Assessing Student Learning and Development

Assessing student learning and development is a critical component of teaching metacognitive skills. By using a variety of assessment strategies, educators can help students develop a more nuanced understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses, and become more effective learners as a result.

Assessment Strategy	Description
Self-assessment	Students reflect on their own learning and understanding, and identify areas for improvement.
Peer assessment	Students provide feedback and guidance to one another, and help each other develop a more nuanced understanding of their own learning.
Formative assessment	Educators use a variety of strategies to assess student learning and understanding, and provide feedback and guidance to help students improve.

📚 Disciplinary Literacies and Accreditation 📚

Disciplinary Literacies refer to the specific skills and knowledge required to be successful in a particular field or discipline.

“Disciplinary literacies are the skills and knowledge that are specific to a particular discipline, and are required to be successful in that field.”

📊 ABET Accreditation 📊

ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) is an international organization that sets standards for engineering programs. To be accredited, programs must meet certain criteria, including:

Criteria	Description
Technical Skills	Students must demonstrate technical skills, such as programming and device creation.
Communication Skills	Students must demonstrate communication skills, such as teamwork and presentation.
Problem-Solving Skills	Students must demonstrate problem-solving skills, such as analysis and critical thinking.

📝 Learning Outcomes and Resume Building 📝

Learning Outcomes are specific skills and knowledge that students are expected to acquire in a course or program.

“Learning outcomes are the specific skills and knowledge that students are expected to acquire in a course or program.”

Resume Building is the process of highlighting skills and experiences on a resume to demonstrate value to potential employers.

Break down learning outcomes into specific skills and experiences that can be highlighted on a resume.
Use language from job postings and industry reports to describe skills and experiences.

📊 Example: Statistics Course 📊

A statistics course can be designed to teach students specific skills, such as data analysis and problem-solving.

Skill	Description
Data Analysis	Students must demonstrate the ability to analyze data and draw conclusions.
Problem-Solving	Students must demonstrate the ability to apply statistical methods to solve real-world problems.

💡 Real-World Applications 💡

Real-World Applications are examples of how skills and knowledge can be applied in real-world settings.

“Real-world applications are examples of how skills and knowledge can be applied in real-world settings.”

Use case studies and guest speakers to illustrate real-world applications of skills and knowledge.
Encourage students to reflect on how they can apply skills and knowledge in their own careers.

📈 Networking and Recognition 📈

Networking is the process of building relationships with others in a field or industry.

“Networking is the process of building relationships with others in a field or industry.”

Use networking opportunities, such as conferences and meetings, to build relationships with others in a field or industry.
Recognize and reward students and faculty for their contributions to a field or industry.

📊 Example: Recommendation System 📊

A recommendation system can be used to recognize and reward students and faculty for their contributions to a field or industry.

Criteria	Description
Quality of Recommendation	The quality of the recommendation is based on the expertise and reputation of the recommender.
Distance from Recommender	The distance from the recommender is based on the relationship between the recommender and the person being recommended.

The framework discussed in the lecture is a method for teaching and learning that focuses on breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This approach is useful for identifying bottlenecks and assumptions in the learning process.

What is the Hidden Curriculum? 🤔

The hidden curriculum refers to the unwritten rules and expectations that students need to understand in order to be successful in a class. This can include social interactions, academic underpinnings, and other implicit knowledge that is not explicitly taught.

In the context of the lecture, the hidden curriculum is related to the academic underpinnings that students need to know in order to be successful in a class. This includes the underlying concepts and skills that are necessary for understanding the material.

The 7 Steps 📝

The 7 steps are a key part of the framework, and are used to break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps. These steps are:

Identify the task or goal
Break down the task into smaller steps
Identify the key concepts and skills needed for each step
Determine the order in which the steps should be taught
Develop a plan for teaching each step
Implement the plan and assess student learning
Refine the plan based on student feedback and assessment data

Benefits of the Framework 📈

The framework has several benefits, including:

Helps to identify bottlenecks and assumptions in the learning process
Allows for a more iterative approach to teaching and learning
Helps to develop a plan for teaching each step of a complex task
Allows for refinement of the plan based on student feedback and assessment data
Can be used to identify areas where students are struggling, and to develop targeted interventions

Example: Web Design Course 📊

In a web design course, the framework can be used to break down the task of building a website into smaller, manageable steps. For example:

Identify the task: Build a website
Break down the task into smaller steps:
- Design the layout
- Write the HTML and CSS code
- Add images and other media
- Test and debug the site
Identify the key concepts and skills needed for each step:
- Design principles
- HTML and CSS syntax
- Image editing software
- Debugging techniques
Determine the order in which the steps should be taught:
- Design principles
- HTML and CSS syntax
- Image editing software
- Debugging techniques
Develop a plan for teaching each step:
- Lecture and discussion on design principles
- Hands-on exercise on HTML and CSS syntax
- Tutorial on image editing software
- Group project on debugging techniques

By using the framework, the instructor can develop a plan for teaching each step of the task, and can refine the plan based on student feedback and assessment data.## 📚 The Hidden Curriculum 📚

The hidden curriculum refers to the unwritten rules and expectations that govern behavior in academic settings. It encompasses the cultural capital, social norms, and unspoken assumptions that students are expected to understand and navigate in order to succeed.

“Cultural capital” refers to the social assets, such as knowledge, skills, and connections, that provide individuals with an advantage in navigating social and academic environments.

🤔 Decoding the Hidden Curriculum 🤔

Decoding the hidden curriculum involves identifying and making explicit the unwritten rules and expectations that govern academic behavior. This process can help students navigate academic environments more effectively and reduce feelings of confusion and uncertainty.

Decision Points in the Hidden Curriculum

Decision Point	Description
Is this essential to know now, or can I just wait to be clear?	Students must decide whether to seek clarification on a concept or wait until later.
Is it okay to raise my hand in this class?	Students must decide whether to ask questions in class or seek help outside of class.
Is it okay to ask a question after class?	Students must decide whether to approach the professor after class to ask questions.

📝 The Importance of Advising 📝

Advising is a critical component of the hidden curriculum. Advisors can help students navigate academic environments, make informed decisions, and develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.

“Advising is teaching” – a theoretical concept that emphasizes the importance of advising in academic settings.

📊 Research on the Hidden Curriculum 📊

Research on the hidden curriculum has shown that students who are aware of the unwritten rules and expectations that govern academic behavior are more likely to succeed. Studies have also highlighted the importance of advising and mentoring in helping students navigate academic environments.

Program to Decode the Hidden Curriculum

Program Component	Description
Interviews with students and faculty	Identify bottlenecks and areas of confusion in the hidden curriculum.
Development of common language	Create a shared understanding of the hidden curriculum among students and faculty.
Identification of key decision points	Determine the critical decision points in the hidden curriculum that students must navigate.