Yesterday and today I attended a summit on implementing the Common Core (sponsored by Carnegie Learning) and have continued thinking about the positive effects on students who enter into this process of productive struggle. Actually, today I witnessed adults who learned while experiencing some cognitive dissonance--and it was good! It's important to emphasize, I think, that in order for students (and adults for that matter) to struggle productively, a safe environment for making mistakes is crucial. As a matter of fact, it's important that the environment is nearly conducive to making mistakes, so that students may discuss the reasoning that IS correct, while recognizing the errors(s) of others (as well as their own) and entering into a discussion of WHY the incorrect reasoning is, in fact, incorrect. In order for an environment to be conducive to mistake-making, then, the task(s) must be rich enough mathematically, to elicit common errors/misconceptions.
Reflecting on my own teaching, I know that I didn't offer students enough of these experiences and then guide them through effective questioning in reaching solutions on their own. Now, as I work alongside other teachers, and witness the power of productive struggle, I see student empowerment to become problem-solvers and am encouraged by the direction that education is taking.
Your thoughts?
Reflecting on my own teaching, I know that I didn't offer students enough of these experiences and then guide them through effective questioning in reaching solutions on their own. Now, as I work alongside other teachers, and witness the power of productive struggle, I see student empowerment to become problem-solvers and am encouraged by the direction that education is taking.
Your thoughts?
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