Learning design paves a path to personal meaning and agency by turning learning into an experience.
Hello, and welcome!
I am Tara Banton, an educator of 25 years who is fascinated by how humans learn. More importantly, I believe in the power and unique gifts that each person holds, and I believe it is our job as teachers to help them to discover those within themselves.
This belief has led to the development of a philosophy that is rooted in the concepts of intention and meaning-making. As a result, I believe in designing learning that keeps students at the center of their learning.
This core belief is what led to the development of TDEC and my Finite Writing program (see below). It also led to the creation of over 100 Authentic Learning Experience (PBL) designs that were developed for and with the teachers to implement in their classrooms, turning ownership of learning over to the students.
This site offers a collection of resources that I have developed over my years as both a teacher and an instructional coach, including but not limited to writing materials (graphic organizers, strategies, protocols), reading materials, rubrics, units of study, and ALE designs.
I offer much for FREE because I believe in paying it forward by unlocking learning for teachers that will, in turn, benefit students. There are also digital downloads for sale as well as two subscription options that offer resources that are tried and true. I also offer my services as a coach.
Writing instruction that works
In fact, my philosophy and method for teaching works so well that it has officially been adopted K-12 in my district, where it is known as TDEC - an acronym that captures common vocabulary for teaching writing.
That being said, my method is truly a philosophy with a full set of writing protocols for teaching the writing process and guaranteeing student success.
Want to know more?
Check out the TDEC origin story.
To learn about the full program and associated materials, buy Finite Writing: Cracking the Code on Learning & Teaching Writing, now available on Amazon.
High impact writing instruction
TDEC as a writing acronym is an essential part but not the only piece of Finite Writing - a clear philosophy and approach to teaching the whole writing process in a way that helps students to see their writing clearly by evaluating what their writing lacks for coherence and then revise based on what they see. In other words, they improve their writing in a personalized and differentiated way.
The Finite Writing program includes:
Deep analysis and teaching of TDEC, common academic vocabulary for writing;
Protocols for students to learn that will help them to practice specific skills, such as theme and thesis writing, practice quote-weaving, revising writing, and correcting their common mechanics and language usage errors; and
Building student confidence through methods that help them to see their own growth as they develop into stronger and stronger writers.
Free Resources to Get You Started
TDEC Graphic Organizers
Rubrics
A 9-point rubric that creates a clear, scaffolded path for students learning how to write.
Reading Strategy
(with notes to the teacher)
Services
Embarking on a journey of new learning inevitably brings forth cognitive dissonance, a natural but often uncomfortable state. The inclination to halt this discomfort is human, yet pushing beyond our comfort zones is the catalyst for profound growth. The essence lies in expanding both our knowledge and self-assurance.
In this transformative process, a learning coach serves as a steady guide. In moments of uncertainty, a gentle hand at your back can make all the difference. I am committed to providing unwavering support, drawing upon a reservoir of knowledge and insights accumulated over years of dedicated service. Together, we will navigate challenges and chart a course toward success and growing confidence.
How may I assist you on your path to growth and achievement?
$75/hr
I tutor with one major goal in mind: improve critical thinking. Whether needing guidance with writing college application essays or to improve academic reading and writing performance, I can help.
What writing guidance would most benefit you?
$75/hr
Want to learn more about TDEC? Want to talk through learning designs or some of my custom-made materials? I provide educators with guidance aimed at supporting innovative and engaging teaching practices that create high impact learning opportunities for students.
What questions would you like answered?
beginning at $199/participant
Offering training sessions beginning at 3 hours and tailored to your team’s needs. Possible session topics vary and may include writing practices, reading strategies, and learning design for inquiry-based learning as well as other deeper learning practices.
What does your team need?
Let’s talk about your learning goals
Email me to schedule a FREE consultation
FiniteWritingCoach@gmail.com