What Are EduProtocols?

Teachers, have you ever attended professional development and walked away with a BIG BLUE BINDER that ends up filling up space on a bookshelf? I am pretty sure the answer is YES. Oftentimes, the professional development provided leaves us full of binders and information that will basically patch up a perceived problem. The most useful information and guidance in my instructional practices has come from EduProtocols. The EduProtocols Field Guide, Books 1 and 2, have given me tangible ways to create valuable learning experiences for my students. Best of all, the interaction with the authors, Jon Corippo and Marlena Hebern, via Twitter provides mentoring and coaching. (No binder ever included that!)

I know you’re probably asking, “What is an EduProtocol?”  From the www.eduprotocols.com website, “EduProtocols are instructional lesson frames that are designed to engage students in learning through critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. EduProtocols can be used with any subject, any grade level.”

Benefit #1: Agile, Versatile, Flexible

EduProtocols are lesson frames a teacher can use in a variety of ways, across all content areas and grade levels. Once you start using them regularly, you will find yourself thinking about how you can “play” with them in your planning!

When I first started using the Thin Slide EduProtocol, I implemented it in my vocabulary lessons. For a Thin Slide, students are provided a word and each student completes a slide with the word, a definition, and a picture. A time constraint of 3 minutes is used to create a sense of urgency and productivity. Students are given about 5-10 seconds to share and “whip around” the classroom. With little to no prep, I found myself using Thin Slides daily…check for understanding, provide an example of  ____, notice and wonder. 

After a while, we started using them for study guides. The Thin Slide Study Guide replaced the need for flash cards created individually by students. Crowdsourcing the information created collaboration among students. 

Thin Slides literally have no teacher prep. Share a slide deck, students grab a slide, and 3 minutes later, you are sharing! Here’s a template to get you started!

Benefit #2: Learning Across All Domains

It is recommended that EduProtocols be introduced with non-content to lessen the cognitive load. Students need to learn the structure and the flow of the EduProtocols. Once they are familiar with how the learning is going to happen, we can change up the content. It’s very reassuring when students start requesting EduProtocols by name! As they come to understand how they are going to learn, we can ramp up the rigor! 

The Frayer Model is very useful for vocabulary and concepts. Instead of starting right off with content embedded vocabulary, we start with Frayer a Friend. Students pair up and interview each other about their likes and dislikes, their dream pet, etc. Pairs form quads and the introductions begin. With this one activity, we have established a learning routine, created conversation among students, and built relationships. 

And, look at all Marzano’s high yield strategies in one activity: similarities and differences, advanced organizers, and cooperative learning. 

The authors and I developed a whole set of lessons ready to help you start with EduProtocols. You can obtain a copy of Smart Start by clicking here. 

Benefit #3: The 4 C’s and UDL

EduProtocols provide teachers with a way to plan lessons with students’ needs in mind. Communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking are connected in the EduProtocols. The principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) are also evident. With the EduProtocols, students will be engaged in the learning process, be able to access information in a variety of ways, and express their understanding in creative ways. 

Sketch and Tell is an extremely malleable EduProtocol. Typically used for summary writing, students have some input (text, video, audio) and they SKETCH something they learned. They tell a partner, sharing what they learned. This is key to summary writing- if kids can’t talk about it, they can’t write about it! Lastly, they write about it. Adam Moler, an avid EduProtocol user, has changed up the SKETCH portion. His students have used Legos, gummy bears, and playdough to serve as their sketch medium.  Here’s the Sketch and Tell template.

Benefit #4: Teach Better, Work Less

This mantra from Jon Corippo always makes me think….yes, I am teaching better than I ever have. I don’t know that I am working “less”. I think I am working more efficiently and effectively using my time. My feedback to students is more specific. My prep time decreased using the templates and lesson frames. Learning is more efficient and meaningful for my students. They know how to access information readily. They understand the function of the structures and the intended outcome. We definitely went slowly at first. After January, we started learning at a pretty impressive pace. You don’t need a big blue binder…You need www.eduprotocols.com Trust me!

Looking for more lesson design support? Get access to proven protocols, customizable templates, and interactive support at Untamed Learning. Click here to learn more! 

 

As an educator for 27 years, Kim has been an innovator in and out of the classroom. Kim incorporates best practices including WICOR, UDL, ELL. She believes in identifying learning objectives FIRST and then applying technology. Literacy in all content areas is the goal…and literacy must include new media. Kim strives to meet teachers where they are and move forward. In the classroom, Kim weaves pedagogy and technology in meaningful ways. Kim is an adjunct professor for Hope International University and serves as the CUE BOLD Director.