CENTER FOR THE PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION OF TEACHERS
  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • Our Team
    • Our Partnerships
    • Our Authors
    • Principles of Practice
    • Job Opportunities
  • What We Do
    • Services
    • Equity in Action
    • Literacy Unbound Summer Institute
    • Signature Initiatives >
      • Literacy Unbound
      • New Teacher Network
      • Student Press Initiative
  • Educator Essentials
    • Book of the month
    • Online Courses
    • Professional Articles
    • Ready-to-use Resources
    • Teaching Today Podcast
  • Support CPET

1/25/2022

Mastering the Art of Pacing

Comments

Seamlessly navigate the pacing of your lessons. 
Picture
Picture

DR. CRISTINA COMPTON
Director of Program Development
​

When I was in college, I waitressed at a French bistro on the Upper West side of Manhattan. During my first couple of shifts, I made all of the quintessential mistakes — forgetting to put in orders, getting orders wrong, not being able to greet all of my tables, not knowing if and when to ask for their order or when to drop the check. I found myself overwhelmed! Over time, however, I learned that to be a really good waitress is a skill, an art, something that you can improve. As one of my favorite managers once told me: you’ll know you’re a good waitress when your patrons don’t even know you’re there, when you seamlessly navigate the pacing of their food and drinks. 

It’s all about the pacing!

Foundations of timing

In my time as an educator, I have leaned on many of my waitressing experiences. Like waitressing, teaching is an art, and so much depends on successful pacing! How you pace your lessons, the order and flow of your instruction, how much time you dedicate to each task, and how you transition to each segment of a lesson are challenging yet crucial pieces of being a teacher. These actions have such important implications for student learning. 


How can you tighten up your lessons?

Get started with our
Foundations of Timing Instruction resource, which highlights helpful considerations and rules of thumb for timing and transitioning your instruction, including: 


  • Pacing: Students will take as much time as they are given — more time doesn’t usually translate to a better product.
  • Timing: Lessons that end early open the door for student misbehavior and teacher frustration.
  • Transitions: Undefined transitions allow for teachers to become distracted by disruptive students. 
  • Closings: Closings help students identify the most important information and give a sense of
    completion to the class period.
Whether you are just starting out, or are a seasoned teacher, your pacing can always be improved so that you are better able to serve your students. 
DOWNLOAD: FOUNDATIONS OF TIMING INSTRUCTION

Picture
Picture
HELP STUDENTS STAY ON TASK
Picture
DESIGN COHERENT INSTRUCTION
Picture
RITUALS & ROUTINES
Comments
    ←  BACK TO ALL ARTICLES

    Picture
    SEARCH BY TOPIC
    21st century skills
    Adult learning
    Assessment & testing
    Classroom culture & SEL
    Classroom management
    CRSE / CRSP
    Curriculum
    Data-driven instruction
    Growth & goals
    Leadership & teams
    Literacy
    Project-based learning
    Rigorous instruction
    Student engagement

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Picture
    Get started
Picture
The Center for Professional Education of Teachers (CPET) at Teachers College, Columbia University is committed to making excellent and equitable education accessible worldwide. ​CPET unites theory and practice to promote transformational change. We design innovative projects, cultivate sustainable partnerships, and conduct research through direct and online services to youth and educators. Grounded in adult learning theories, our six core principles structure our customized approach and expand the capacities of educators around the world.

ABOUT US

525 West 120th Street, Box 182
New York, NY 10027
​416 Zankel

Ph: (212) 678-3161
[email protected]

Our Team
Career Opportunities
EDUCATOR RESOURCES

Book of the Month
Online Courses
Professional Articles
Ready-to-Use Resources
Teaching Today Podcast
COACHING SERVICES

Custom Coaching
Global Learning Alliance
Literacy Unbound
​New Teacher Network
Student Press Initiative
MAKE A DIFFERENCE

​​Every gift is an investment in equitable education. With your support, we can continue to bring transformative change for K-12 teachers, leaders, and students worldwide. 
Donate

  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • Our Team
    • Our Partnerships
    • Our Authors
    • Principles of Practice
    • Job Opportunities
  • What We Do
    • Services
    • Equity in Action
    • Literacy Unbound Summer Institute
    • Signature Initiatives >
      • Literacy Unbound
      • New Teacher Network
      • Student Press Initiative
  • Educator Essentials
    • Book of the month
    • Online Courses
    • Professional Articles
    • Ready-to-use Resources
    • Teaching Today Podcast
  • Support CPET