What works

 I think there are many good things going on in schools today and I know I would have had a much easier time learning in today's classroom. I was a fast learner, so often tuned the teacher out when they did too much repetition.

Clear procedures make it much easier to work with learners as they then know exactly what they should do. Good behavior makes it much easier for everyone to learn and for the teacher to teach. Harry Wong wrote a book about “ The First Days of School” and that was one of the things he advocated for doing. It may sound harsh but doesn't have to be. I work with someone who is astonished that my learners are as happy as they are with my style of teaching. I have very clear expectations and my students meet them. I am perceived as fair and that seems to really matter to the kids.

I also don't really teach. I facilitate learning by trying to only ask questions and lead my learners to what I want them to figure out. Since, in math, we always build on prior knowledge it is possible. I don't say easy because the “learners” want to be told but I want them to figure it out. When they ask me a question, I very rarely actually answer it but they do get the help they want. I ask them a variety of questions to get them to use the knowledge they already have. Sometimes just asking what they think the answer is and confirming their choice is all they need. I want them to know they have what they need they just need to trust themselves. I think that's a part of the “constructed math” type program and I really like it. I want to know why it works and I think it makes it easier for students to discover how to do things rather than just be told.

I also like to have them work together and share their brains. I think it is good for them and much easier for me than trying to address every problem in the classroom. It also gives them the social time that is so necessary for children of all ages. Children learn better and retain more, I think, when they get to talk about it. And when one of them figures it out, it makes the knowledge seem more attainable than if I just tell them.

Having watched this week's Tedtalk I also think that the enthusiasm for trying different ways of teaching adds to the students learning. We ALL have to be having fun in the classroom. If I am having a good time doing what I do then the learners will catch that enthusiasm and play along with me. Because that is what I try to do in my classroom. I want to play, have fun, and learn.