Many years ago when the learning-to-learn focus took root, that focus was new for many students and teachers. At that time, education was looked at more as something done to and for students rather than an activity that students are fully engaged in.
Now we know better--we know that the best learning is active learning where students take the lead. We also understand that this active learning requires a developmental approach. Owning your learning in kindergarten will look different, in many ways, than owning your learning in middle school, high school, or college.
As I begin the school year with a bright, eager, and enthusiastic team of fifth graders, I am thinking deeply about how I'll help those students learn to learn as they learn the expected knowledge, skills, and concepts.
To do this, we begin by building a kind, caring, and cooperative learning team. This teamwork begins with a number of activities that help students get to know one another, establish norms/routines, and create a positive learning environment. We couple this focus with early-year learning goals and content review.
Next we focus on what individual students can do to empower their own learning. This focus includes learning about positive growth mindsets, asking questions, using learning menus, identifying and accessing optimal tools, strategies, and supports, and naming learning goals and targets.
After that we'll dig in building students' collective and individual capacity to deepen their understanding of both the curriculum content and apt learning-to-learn behaviors and mindsets.
