Monday, March 28, 2016

Harnessing the Power of "Interest"

When I read the article below, I drew parallels to the 3 part math lesson and the importance of the "Minds-on" stage - I've always viewed this stage as critical in my work with students who have self-regulatory issues. The introduction is what "hooks" the learners to help direct future learning and activates prior knowledge so that connections are more likely to be made. Learners are more apt to self regulate when the brain is actively engaged.


The article also addresses the importance of a guiding question .... the foundation of inquiry.  By taking the time to frame an engaging, guiding question, teachers can elicit curiosity and foster student interest. 

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Promoting a Growth Mindset

This is an interesting comment from Carol Dweck during an Education Week conference keynote address -"We used to say kids don't have the ability. Now we're saying they don't have the mindset? I think it's protective. It's our way of saying 'It's not my fault that child isn't learning.'"

As educators, we need to ensure that labels are used to proactively assist us in strategy development rather than attribute blame to the individual (i.e. teachers need to approach student challenges with a Growth Mindset as well). Have a look at this article in which she identifies 6 "tips" to address Growth Mindset.

I also like this article on how teachers can promote a Growth Mindset in Math in the way they frame questions. For example,