Sixteen teachers and administrators from Mid-America Technology Center (MATC) attended a MAX Teaching workshop, which focuses on content literacybased instruction.
In this immersive setting, a consultant models the teaching behavior in which the educators assume the role of students, engaging with the materials authored by Dr. Mark Forget, the founder of MAX Teaching.
Educators who attended were: Manuela Chavez, Susan Martin, April Johnson, KaLisa King, Hanna Laingham, Falcon McDoulett, Kris Miller, Joshua Price, Donde Pruitt, Sara Raney, Heather Robinson, Scott McKinney, Justin Young, Laryssa Couch, Amy Cornforth, and Randy Henderson.
MAX is an acronym that stands for the three steps of the teaching framework: 1. Motivation, 2. Acquisition 3. Extension Any teacher can use MAX Teaching to help students learn their subject matter more efficiently and more thoroughly thus improving the literacy skills of all students.
Leveling the playing field
The essential goal of teachers who use the MAX Teaching framework is to level the playing field by raising the bar for all students in a classroom environment while engaging all students in active learning from textbooks and other forms of textual matter.
The principles underlying the MAX Teaching framework have been well-researched over many years, said a MATC spokesperson.
“These essential components of the use of cooperative learning throughout the first and last phases of the lesson, and the systematic introduction of skills in which students are given guided practice in the use of the language as a tool for thinking combine to help all students learn how to become effective at learning thinking,” the spokesperson said. “In addition, the MAX Teaching framework provides a way for upper-grade teachers to help compensate for the lack of language skills development that too many children exhibitUpon completion of the workshop, participants received a comprehensive book/toolbox.
“This resource equips the teachers with detailed instructions on how to replicate the activities in their classroom. It also included professional readings that offer insights into why some students struggle with reading and what educators can do to address these challenges.”
The MAX Teaching approach aims to enhance educators’ ability to foster better reading comprehension and literacy skills among their students, ultimately contributing to improved educational outcomes.
