Mind/Shift on Writing

I recently came across an interesting article, “How Technology Fuels Learning,” at KQED’s Mind/Shift.

Instead of the solo approach of teacher-directed lessons on writing, this teacher uses collaboration and peer-editing to “Jump into the 21st Century." This teacher is willing to do the work to see her students achieve deep discussions and deeper understanding in writing.

How?

She keeps quiet. First session. Second session. She lets the students struggle with surface reading, lame questions and tepid responses. Third and fourth session, as she demands students critique and help one another, each session digs in a little deeper. She perseveres.

This teacher’s approach is similar to a breaking science achievement in the news. A new study came out recently announcing excellent results dealing with stroke victims with aphasia (inability to remember words). The key: patience. This group of researchers found that waiting for the stroke victim to search and find the right word creates new neural paths, establishing faster progress toward regaining speech than those treated through a coach-and-reteach language lesson .

Waiting for the student and expecting results sounds simple, yet effective, in learning how to learn.