Thoughts Within the Classroom

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 April 7, 2022

One of my favorite things about teaching is encouraging others to think. It's the magic behind learning something new. I love how being a teacher allows you to encourage others to have thoughts and make connections to the world around them. 

In a previous post (To Think or Be Told What to Think), I challenge many to think about how students are thinking within the classroom. 

If students are being limited in thinking within the classroom, then try these steps to create a more thought promoting environment. 

Consider: How do you create thoughts within your classroom? 

Start here... Do you know what students are thinking? Are you giving them choices? 

  • Find Open-ended question stems
    • Easy one "What do you notice? What do you wonder?"
  • Create a list or make some popsicle sticks with question stems on them
  • Allow students to share their thoughts
    • Let them talk. Check future post for more on this!
  • Avoid this or that questions
    • Don't limit the response.
  • Avoid questions that can easily be answered
    • if you know the answer- it is not an open-ended question
  • Ask questions to allow students to elaborate
    • Follow up with 'Why do you think that...?"

Then... What kind of assessments to give students? 

  • Avoid 100% multiple choice tests
    • Create an assessment with different types of questions
  • Create an assessment with written or drawn response
    • It allows student created responses versus finding the answer
  • Allow students to create their answers/responses
    • End with an open-ended question





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