Decoding as a writing process

Although frequently featured, the Decoding interview is by now means the exclusive method for decoding expertise. Svenja Kaduk and Swantje Lahm have developed a structured writing process that allows teachers to decode their expertise by themselves. To this end they answer a series of questions about the bottleneck an then about the thinking they do to get through the bottleneck. The questions are provided as writing prompts. Originally the prompts have been written in German.

Formally the writing process is a combination of Steps 1 and 2 of the Decoding process.

Writing prompts

Flash cards containing writing prompts

Determine the bottleneck

Ask yourself: In which situation do students struggle or fail in my class? What type of tasks or (exam) problems are regularly difficult for them? List some of these situations.

Then decide to proceed with a bottleneck on your list you are really concerned about.

Explicate the bottleneck

Describe the bottleneck as precisely as possible. What is it that students don't do or don't do correctly? What is it that they don't understand?

What do you do?

Describe what you as an expert in your discipline) do, such that you do not get stuck. For example ask yourself: What do I do to cope with the bottleneck?

Check

Look again at the bottleneck and ask yourself: Have I selected a too large bottleneck? Or one that is too small? Is its description too vague? Is the bottleneck really about an issue which is essential to my discipline or class?

Again, describe the bottleneck as precisely as possible. Ask yourself: Is the bottleneck is related to characteristic misconceptions?

What experts do

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Get feedback (1)

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Get feedback (2)

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Continue writing

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Detect difficulties

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Continue writing

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Reflect

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