Instruction

ELEMENT

DESCRIPTION

LOOK - FORS

Learning 

Goal(s)

Marzano 

Elements: 1 - 3

A clear, concise description of what will be learned and how it will be assessed.

Learning goal is prominently displayed, written in clear language, & based on grade-level curriculum. Goal clarifies how learning will be demonstrated/ assessed. Teacher refers to the goal at strategic points during the lesson. Students know the intended learning goal.

Anticipatory  

Set

Marzano 

Element:15 

Explains purpose or relevance; captures student interest in the lesson. 

Teacher engages student interest by providing purpose, previewing learning, and/or linking to prior learning. This should typically be no more than 3-5 minutes.

What Type of Lesson? Direct Instruction; Practicing & Deepening; Knowledge Application

Teach & 

Model

Marzano 

Elements: 6 - 8

A demonstration or explanation of a single brief step, procedure, or mental operation, delivered at a stimulating pace.

Teacher clearly explains, models, or thinks aloud through each brief, manageable step, one at a time. Each lesson step contributes directly to success on that day’s goal/assessment. 

Throughout instruction, teacher “scans” to ensure all students (100%) are on task & focused on learning.

Guided 

Practice

Marzano 

Elements: 9 - 22

Students immediately imitating or practicing each small, manageable step as teacher observes. 

After each brief step, students practice/process new skills/knowledge by attempting or demonstrating understanding or mastery of each brief step or topic (e.g., note taking, completing a single step in problem solving; writing).

Check for Understanding

Marzano

Elements: 4, 5

Quick observation / assessment of each small step of lesson during and after each guided practice.

Teacher quickly assesses student progress or (mis)understandings after each step (e.g., by circulating to observe student work; cold-calling a sample of students; having students hold whiteboards).

Teacher maintains pace by limiting individual tutoring during this time (it is best provided, if necessary, during independent practice).         - Student Actions        - Student Artifacts  

                        - Direct Questions to Students

Adjust / 

Reteach

Marzano

Elements: 2, 22

Adjustments to teaching made on the basis of each “check for understanding”

Teacher reteaches, clarifies instruction, or has students pair up to assist each other to ensure that students master each step before moving on to the next step in the lesson.

This cycle is repeated, sometimes multiple times, for every brief step in the 

lesson until all/almost all students are ready for independent practice.

Independent Learning / Assessment

Marzano 

Elements: 4, 5, 

16 - 22

Students independently practicing /completing assessment to demonstrate mastery of learning goal.

Teacher assigns independent work that allows students to further practice/demonstrate mastery of the larger learning goal.  At this time, teacher may provide tutoring/small-group assistance to students still needing help.