As I prep for the upcoming week of lessons, I find myself cutting ideas out and slimming things down. I am simplifying my lessons. And not because I am "dumbing" them down, not at all, instead I am offering my students the luxury of only having to focus on key concepts rather than overwhelming them with all the bells and whistles.
In order for my students to take ownership of the learning they have to understand what they are owning. They have to be able to take an idea, make it their own and then push it through. if I add too many components to something, they will end up confused, bogged down, or just plain bored.
In college I was taught to make it exciting, to add visuals, support, brainstorming sheets and even hand signals. I now rebel against that notion of having to add more every time. Perhaps that is why I am no longer a supporter of IWB's in every classroom. I don't need to be more interactive, my students do.
So this week, I am cutting back all the extras. I am focusing on what the goal is and letting students add their distinctive spins on it. I will have supports ready if needed but I will not assume they need them. I will speak less and engage more. Simplify my teaching = expand their learning. I am excited.
This post was partially inspired by this excellent post written Josh Stumpenhorst @stumpteacher.
In order for my students to take ownership of the learning they have to understand what they are owning. They have to be able to take an idea, make it their own and then push it through. if I add too many components to something, they will end up confused, bogged down, or just plain bored.
In college I was taught to make it exciting, to add visuals, support, brainstorming sheets and even hand signals. I now rebel against that notion of having to add more every time. Perhaps that is why I am no longer a supporter of IWB's in every classroom. I don't need to be more interactive, my students do.
So this week, I am cutting back all the extras. I am focusing on what the goal is and letting students add their distinctive spins on it. I will have supports ready if needed but I will not assume they need them. I will speak less and engage more. Simplify my teaching = expand their learning. I am excited.
This post was partially inspired by this excellent post written Josh Stumpenhorst @stumpteacher.
