Learn on Your Own Course/Unit Model, Format

Lesson Format

Course or unit format should follow these organizational principles:

a self-paced independent learning format with lessons that allow students to work one to three hours per week for a unit (ten weeks) or a semester (twenty weeks) of study. The course is written for the student who works independently under the guidance of a supervising teacher or mentor who uses mentor guidelines, Student will select his/her own mentor who assesses all student products.
differentiation of content, process, and product by readiness, interest, and learning style
pretesting for content and skills before each unit so that students and mentors can "self-diagnose" and identify the chapters they need to address
content delivery --> followed by skill practice --> followed by a product or performance guided by a rubric
content delivery using SoftChalk: textpoppers for term definitions; sidebars for skill activity handouts, interdisciplinary connections, and rubrics; knowledge, comprehension, and application activities for skill building (flashcards, matching, sorting, and so forth). Please visit www.softchalk.com to learn more through demos and a free trial.

Digging Deeper (analysis questions of dissection, cause and effect, comparison/contrast, and prediction)
Disciplinary Hat, e.g., "Geographer's Hat" or "Forensic Specialist Hat" (application questions that require analysis, synthesis, and evaluation)
Making Connections (analysis questions of comparison and contrast to make interdisciplinary connections to other core subjects of language arts, math, science, and social studies)
What's My Opinion? (evaluation questions on merits, ethics, and "shoulds" of the discipline)
Step Inside (analysis and synthesis questions that encourage students to empathize, get perspective, and see other points of view)
Getting Creative (arts-related questions that encourage students to investigate musical, literary, visual, or kinesthetic art mini-projects)

Questions? Contact Teresa Porter of Educational Resources for more information at

919.668.9100 or il@tip.duke.edu