Research shows that students learn best when:
- the learning environment is supportive and productive - students are always expected to be working/learning/discovering/discussing in my classroom. I am continuously circulating in order to ensure on task behavior and to assist where needed.
- independence, inter-dependence, and self-motivation are promoted - students are encouraged to "Ask three before me." I expect each child to want to learn and discover as I believe curiosity is innate.
- students' needs, interests, and backgrounds are integrated into lessons - At the beginning of each unit, students are given "I can..." objectives and the opportunity to tell me how they want to reach their target and demonstrate their learning.
- students are challenged and supported to develop deep levels of thinking - I like to challenge my students to take learning a step further, to discuss, to debate, and to tell me "What's the point?" and "Why do you KNOW it to be true."
- assessments are part of teaching and learning - No one can get to the top of a staircase without using the steps. I am sure to involve students in regularly updating me of their strengths and needs through exit slips, journals, self-assessments, formative quizzes, and continued feedback as well as the encouragement that gives them the opportunity to "fail" without consequence as part of the learning process.
- learning connects to beyond the classroom - my favorite phrase is "Where do we go from here?" I believe that knowledge should always be relevant and as I did when I was a child, I challenge them to always tell me "why?" something matters.