As a 5th grade teacher, I am somewhat frustrated with the lack of independent thinking on behalf of my students. Some students can't even understand how to complete a worksheet without me actually reading the directions to them. I try to remind them that when they are taking the MEAP, I am unable to help them with problems and that they need to learn to think for themselves. Which is why this article on Edutopia caught my attention: 3 Strategies to Promote Independent Thinking in the Classroom by Margaret Regan.
Regan began by saying that children "are happiest when absorbed in complex activities...by focusing on tasks and outcomes that stretch their skills, these young people are more likely to grow into contented adults." Really? It seems the more complex the activity, the more complaints I get from students. Hmm? I began reading further into the article.
The 3 strategies Regan listed to cultivate improved focus are:
1. "Sequencing instruction" - so that students find information more intriguing, which then promotes self-discovery.
2. "Recovery from mistakes" - take time for students to learn from past mistakes in a way that makes it okay to make mistakes in the first place.
3. "Setting Goals" - have a "big question" of the week that promotes increased engagement.
While I agree with her ideas, I still can't help but feel that students have to willing and motivated be engaged in a more self-discovery, learning from mistakes, and engaged with the big idea of the week. I feel that a handful of students would be willing, but the rest would repeat the same daily lack of motivation I see already. Am I wrong to think this? Maybe it's just the class I have this year? Maybe I just implement these strategies and hope the others are captivated by what they see the others doing. It bears more thinking and planning on my part, for sure.
Regan, Margaret. 3 Stategies to Promote Independent Thinking in Classrooms. Edutopia. Online Article. Posted 22 Nov 2013. Retrieved 24 Nov 2013.
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