Four Tips on how to pick quality online lessons from TpT
Attention all teachers! Are you tired of spending hours scouring the internet for the perfect online lesson materials? Do you find yourself drowning in a sea of endless resources, unsure of which ones are actually credible and effective?
Well, fear not my fellow educators, for Catharyn C. Shelton and Jeffrey P. Carpenter have come to the rescue with their article "Four Strategies for Vetting Online Lesson Materials." In this piece, they outline four key strategies for evaluating the quality and suitability of online resources for use in the classroom.
But let's be honest, we at The Teaching Distillery have awesome lessons that we sell on TpT that we are super proud of and use in our classrooms. If we don’t have a lesson that you are looking for, here is a quick rundown of Shelton’s and Carpenter’s four strategies:
Check the source: Just like you wouldn't trust a shady guy selling knockoff designer handbags on a street corner, you shouldn't trust just any online resource. Make sure to check the source and ensure it's reputable and trustworthy.
Look for evidence-based practices: Don't be fooled by flashy graphics and catchy headlines. Look for resources that are backed by research and evidence-based practices like the ones that we sell!
Consider the relevance: Is the resource relevant to your specific teaching context and goals? If not, move on to the next one.
Collaborate with colleagues: Two heads are better than one, and this applies to vetting online resources too. Get input from your colleagues and collaborate to find the best resources for your students.
So there you have it, folks. Four simple strategies to help you navigate the overwhelming world of online lesson materials. Now go forth and vet those resources like teacher boss!