Defining “Structured and Intentional”

The following description of “Structured and Intentional” comes from the TFELT report of June 4, 2021. In this description, “Key terms” refers to descriptive terms that were generated through TFELT’s examination of relevant research literature and iterative brainstorming and refining during MU community workshop activities during September and October 2019. For more information on this process, please see the “TFELT Process to Determine Definition and dimensions of Effective Teaching” section on the task force’s online archive of in-progress work.

Structured and Intentional means that the instructor plans the course well, describes the course clearly, and aligns learning objectives, learning activities, and assessment. The instructor clearly communicates these expectations and what students need to do to meet them. 

Key terms for this dimension include: Clear Communication, Outcome based, High Standards, Accessible, Scaffolded 

Sources:

Ambrose, S. A., Bridges, M. W., DiPietro, M., Lovett, M. C., & Norman, M. K. (2010). How learning works: Seven research-based principles for smart teaching. John Wiley Sons.

Sousa, D. A. (2011). How the brain learns (4th ed.). Corwin.

Examples of “Structured and Intentional” Teaching

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Resources for Developing “Structured and Intentional” Teaching

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