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Understanding the edTPA Instruction Commentary
What Is the edTPA Instruction Commentary?
The edTPA instruction commentary is a written reflection that accompanies your video evidence of teaching practice. It contextualizes your instructional decisions, connects theory to practice, and highlights how your teaching promotes student learning. Typically, the commentary addresses several prompts provided by the edTPA rubrics, focusing on your planning, instruction, assessment, and adaptation strategies.
Purpose of the Instruction Commentary
The main objectives of the instruction commentary are to:
- Demonstrate your understanding of pedagogical principles.
- Show evidence of intentional and differentiated instruction.
- Reflect critically on student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Connect teaching practices to student needs, background, and data.
- Provide a comprehensive narrative that supports your video evidence.
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Components of a Strong edTPA Instruction Commentary
1. Context and Planning
Begin your commentary by establishing the context of your instruction:
- Describe the lesson objective and learning goals.
- Explain student demographics, including prior knowledge, skills, and needs.
- Discuss instructional planning, including resources, activities, and accommodations.
Key tips:
- Use specific language when describing your students.
- Connect your planning to state standards and curriculum frameworks.
- Highlight how your planning addresses diverse learners.
2. Instructional Strategies
Detail the instructional methods and activities used during the lesson:
- Explain your teaching approach (e.g., direct instruction, inquiry-based learning, cooperative learning).
- Describe student engagement strategies.
- Include differentiation techniques for diverse learners.
Sample points to include:
- How you fostered student participation.
- Use of questioning techniques to promote critical thinking.
- Incorporation of technology or multimedia resources.
3. Assessment and Data Use
Discuss how you assessed student understanding during the lesson:
- Describe formative assessment methods (e.g., exit tickets, observations, questioning).
- Explain how assessment data informed your ongoing instruction.
- Highlight adjustments made based on student responses.
Best practices:
- Provide specific examples of assessment tools used.
- Link assessment results to instructional decisions.
4. Student Engagement and Response
Reflect on student engagement and how students responded to instruction:
- Describe student participation, enthusiasm, and behaviors.
- Note challenges encountered and how you addressed them.
- Highlight student success or progress during the lesson.
Pro tip:
- Use evidence from your video clips to support your observations.
5. Reflection and Self-Assessment
Conclude your commentary with a thoughtful reflection:
- Analyze what worked well and why.
- Identify areas for improvement.
- Discuss next steps for future instruction.
Important:
- Be honest and specific.
- Connect your reflection to your teaching standards and goals.
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Tips for Writing an Effective Instruction Commentary
Be Clear and Concise
- Use precise language to clearly articulate your thoughts.
- Avoid jargon or overly complex sentences.
- Stick to the word count guidelines provided.
Use Evidence and Examples
- Reference specific moments in your video.
- Provide concrete examples to illustrate your points.
- Quote student responses or behaviors when relevant.
Align with Rubrics and Standards
- Familiarize yourself with the edTPA rubrics.
- Ensure your commentary addresses each criterion thoroughly.
- Use the language of the rubrics to strengthen your reflection.
Maintain a Professional Tone
- Write in an objective, professional manner.
- Avoid emotional language or subjective judgments.
- Focus on growth and learning.
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Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Challenge: Insufficient Reflection
Solution: Take time to analyze your teaching critically, considering both successes and areas for growth. Use specific examples to deepen your reflection.
Challenge: Vague or Generic Language
Solution: Be specific about your strategies, student responses, and assessment data. Use descriptive language to paint a clear picture.
Challenge: Misalignment with Rubrics
Solution: Review the edTPA rubric criteria regularly and ensure your commentary explicitly addresses each area.
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Best Practices for Submitting Your edTPA Instruction Commentary
Plan and Draft Early
- Start your reflection process early to allow ample revision time.
- Draft multiple versions and seek feedback from mentors or peers.
Incorporate Video Evidence Effectively
- Refer to specific clips in your commentary.
- Ensure your video content aligns with your written reflection.
Proofread and Edit
- Check for clarity, grammar, and spelling.
- Confirm that your commentary flows logically and coherently.
Follow Submission Guidelines
- Adhere to word limits.
- Use the designated format and labeling instructions.
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Conclusion
The edTPA instruction commentary is a pivotal element of your teaching portfolio that demonstrates your pedagogical reasoning, responsiveness, and commitment to student success. Crafting a comprehensive, reflective, and well-supported commentary requires careful planning, honest self-assessment, and alignment with assessment criteria. By understanding its components and applying best practices, aspiring teachers can produce compelling narratives that showcase their instructional expertise and dedication to fostering meaningful learning experiences. Remember, your instruction commentary not only fulfills an assessment requirement but also serves as a valuable tool for your professional growth and development as an educator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the edTPA instruction commentary?
The edTPA instruction commentary provides a detailed reflection on instructional practices, demonstrating how lesson planning and implementation meet student learning needs and align with pedagogical standards.
How can I effectively structure my edTPA instruction commentary?
An effective commentary should include clear explanations of instructional goals, activities, assessment strategies, student engagement, and reflections on what worked and what could be improved, following the edTPA guidelines.
What are common mistakes to avoid in the edTPA instruction commentary?
Common mistakes include being too vague, failing to connect instructional decisions to student learning, neglecting reflection on student responses, and not aligning commentary content with the provided evidence and task prompts.
How does the edTPA instruction commentary impact the overall scoring?
The commentary is a critical component that demonstrates your pedagogical reasoning and instructional effectiveness, directly influencing the overall score by providing context and justification for your teaching decisions.
What strategies can help me write a strong edTPA instruction commentary?
Strategies include planning your reflections before lessons, using specific examples, aligning your commentary with edTPA rubrics, and revising for clarity and coherence to clearly communicate your instructional choices.
Are there specific language or tone requirements for the edTPA instruction commentary?
Yes, the commentary should be professional, clear, and concise, using precise educational language and avoiding jargon or overly casual language to effectively communicate your instructional reasoning.
How important is evidence from student work in the edTPA instruction commentary?
Evidence from student work is essential as it supports your reflections, demonstrates student engagement and understanding, and provides concrete examples to justify your instructional strategies.
