The loss of control may have a negative connotation, but what I share with you today completely changes the overall idea of this notion.
Student Led Classrooms are all the rage. In order for true empowerment, ownership, and authentic learning, our kids need to be in the driver's seat. KEEP IN MIND.... THIS IS NOT EASY! Think about the way classrooms have BEEN and are currently portrayed. The "go-to" Image/idea is teacher in front of the classroom with students listening, applying, etc. There is indeed a time and place for this. I will say, that many of our teachers are beyond this- kudos to them. It is not uncommon here for someone to walk in the room and students to be about the room, working independently or collaboratively with the teacher as the "guide on the side" or as more of a facilitator. However, I have to brag about the courage of our 5th Grade students and our 5th Grade teachers. Instead of the teachers leading the math lesson on surface area, three fifth graders were given the opportunity to build and then implement the lesson for their peers. We're talking write a lesson plan, make copies of practice, teach the content, answer questions, and overall, were in complete control of the lesson. What a powerful learning experience for not only these kids, but for their peers as well! It takes a huge willingness to give up control on the teacher's part here to put it in the hands of students. And... right before the high stakes PARCC testing? This is true understanding of the gravity of student led instruction. The more our students are empowered, the more their learning skyrockets. After all... "our job isn't to prepare our students for something. Our Job is to prepare them for ANYTHING." The sky is the limit! #LOSECONTROL!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Author(s)Jennifer Eggert Archives
August 2019
Categories |