A Workshop Model

The “Workshop Model” references our belief that, in classrooms, students must spend the vast majority of time as active learners. To this end, teachers develop strong routines in the classroom that lead students toward effective independence, teach skills and introduce concepts in directed mini-lessons, provide meaningful work and activities, and then serve as facilitators for students as they actively produce. The Workshop Model asks students to be creators and responsible actors in their own learning and understanding. Through a workshop model, students are asked to take charge of their learning and be actively and consciously engaged in their work and the development of their understandings. And, through a workshop model, teachers can actively work with students individually or in small groups, assess student understanding and learning in real-time, and provide individualized meaningful supports.