Curious about how to meet all the learner’s needs? Let the learners decide…
I was observing a math lesson in a second grade class. The
teacher had the students gathered on the carpet. After calling students up to
solve a few problems on the smartboard while the remainder of the group solved
them on personal white boards, the teacher said,
“If you feel like you
are ready to start, go to your seat and start. If you feel like you’d like to
chat some more about it, come closer.”
Mind. Blown.
In that moment all I could think was WOW!
We know that choice is motivating. The teacher gave the
learners a choice here. That just scratches the surface though. The teacher did
MUCH more with those words -
·
Promoted self-determination –
The teacher leaves it to the student to
decide. There are many things to decide, such as Am I ready? Do I understand? Am I sure of myself? Do I want to work
alone or together?
·
Conveyed trust –
The teacher implies, “I trust you to know.”
·
Let the students know she is there to help –
If a student isn’t ready the teacher will continue to
provide support. The implications here are “It
is okay if you aren’t ready yet. I will help you get ready.” And “It
is okay if you don’t feel ready yet.
I will help you feel ready.”
·
Let the students know that it is okay to change
your mind-
A number of them went off to work
at their desks and then returned to the
group. It was clear that the norm
in this class is that you can “have a go” and
if you end up needing more help
than you thought, you not only know where
to go to find it, but are
encouraged to do so.
Seems so simple on the surface – such simple statements.
What a powerful way to differentiate instruction!
Still learning ... To Teach
