Seven misconceptions about how students learn

The Washington Post February 14, 2012
Valerie Strauss


It's always a good reminder to take a step back and examine one's practice, especially when it comes to entrenched assumptions.  Valerie Strauss, in her article, highlights seven myths in the world of teacher.

1. Basic Facts Comes Before Deep Learning: "students are most likely to achieve long-term mastery of basic facts in the context of engaging, student-directed learning."
2.  Rigorous Education Means a Teacher Talking: "The Art of a teacher is to construct ways for students to discover."  Let the talking head sit down!
3. Covering It Means Teaching It: ideas should be reinforced by student-centered activities.
4. Teaching to Student Interests Means Dumbing It Down: "teachers must relate classroom teaching to what students already know."
5. Acceleration Means Rigor: delving deeper into topics is not a bad thing.
6. A Quiet Classroom Means Good Learning: I often struggle with this one.  The voices of many students is a good thing.
7. Traditional Schooling Prepares Students for Life: key words are create, evaluate, communicate, and collaborate.